GOOD NEWS ABOUT DEMOCRATS
NORTH CAROLINA YOUNG DEMOCRATS
On September 3rd the state Young Democrats aided Hurricane Irene relief efforts in Beaufort and Tyrell counties. That morning they demolished a church barn in Chocowinity. In the afternoon they assisted a family in Columbia by picking up the remains of their destroyed home.
The YDs First Congressional District Chair Akilah Ensley of Greenville organized the trip and State President Sam Spencer was one of the many YD's who did the work.
National Committeeman Andy Ball, Secretary Rick Ingram, and Vice President Sharron Bryant spearheaded a drive to raise money for the NC Disaster Relief Fund and HBCUs hit by the hurricane.
GWEN WILKINS
This week the online magazine of the Association of State Democratic Chairs contained a major article on North Carolina's State Vice Chair Gwen Wilkins! It gave an excellent report on Gwen and her service to the Democratic Party.
MADISON COUNTY
County Chair Vickie Sealock reports that Madison County Democrats are creating a lot of goodwill with two unique projects.
They are sponsoring Adopt-A-Pet ads in the county newspaper to help pets from the Animal Shelter find a good home.
They are also giving generously to the "Neighbors In Need" drive.
Vickie says these two projects prove "the Democratic Party consists of people who believe in helping their fellow man and all of God's creatures."
HENDERSON COUNTY
On October 1st Henderson County held a delicious fundraising breakfast which was served by the Democratic Women. This is the 5th monthly breakfast Henderson County has staged and every month they have raised enough money to pay the monthly rent on their large new headquarters building.
On October 20th State Representative Patsy Keever will be the Keynote Speaker at the Annual Henderson County Womens Luncheon at The Cedars, a beautiful mansion in Hendersonville.
Henderson Democrats are already fixing costumes to wear to their first Halloween Party. This party will feature good food, games, and fellowship.
NORTH CAROLINA
DEMOCRATIC WOMEN
State President Sarah Anderson and her leadership team staged a highly successful Democratic Women's Convention in Greenville on September 16 -18. The entire event was dedicated to the memory of longtime State Board Of Education Member Kathy Taft of Greenville who was murdered two years ago.
Delegates from across the state brought thousands of items to be donated to "Give 2 The Troops" and 8 large boxes of materials for "Operation Shower" for 80 new moms at Fort Campbell.
There are 3,492 DW members and 63 organized counties in North Carolina.
Rousing speeches were given by Governor Beverly Perdue, State Auditor Beth Wood, Judge Cressie Thigpen, State Treasurer Janet Cowell, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, and Judge Wanda Bryant. Four female legislators led a panel discussion on challenges of serving in public office.
Lindsay Siler, Heather Colburn, Olma Echeverri,
Bonnie Bechard, Cathy Moore, and Paula Wolfe led classes on Saturday.
Saturday evening's banquet recognized 37 ladies as DEMOCRATIC STARS. The Woman of the Year Award was presented to Sue Mengert of Guilford County.
State Party Chair David Parker gave a powerful speech and sang a song he wrote for the occasion entitled "It Takes A Strong Woman."
TEEN DEMS
The Fall Rally of the NC Teen Dems will be held at the Goodwin House in Raleigh from 10:00AM - 2:00PM, Saturday, October 15th. Cost is only $7.
State Representative Grier Martin of Wake County will be the Keynote Speaker. Several other Party leaders will be speaking also. Teen Dems Adviser Susan Oller was instrumental in lining up the speakers.
Teen Dems State President Vibhav Kollu of Cabarrus County carried the largest delegation of Teen Dems in the nation to the Young Democrats National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky recently.
Thanks to NCDP Secretary Melvin Williams for these reports.
