Since 2006 the Outer Banks Relief Foundation, Inc. has raised and given more than half million dollars to people on the Outer Banks struggling with debilitating diseases, such as cancer, or who have experienced a personal tragedy or crisis with themselves and/or a member of their family.

Ervin Bateman, the foundation’s Vice-President of Finance stated, “In showing the spirit with which the foundation  was founded, I am pleased to report as of January 24, 2011, 263 individuals and/or families in our Outer Banks community have been given over a half million dollars:  $153,683 in  Kill Devil Hills; $134,619 in Nags Head, $43,923 in  Kitty Hawk; $5,500 in Southern Shores; $72,080 in Manteo; $17,503 in Wanchese; $8,700 in Manns Harbor; $7,000 in Avon; $5,000 in Buxton; $6,200 in  Frisco; $1,500 in Hatteras; $2,895 in Rodanthe; $1,000.00 in Salvo; $7,000.00 in Waves; $5,000.00 in Grandy; $3,287 in Powells Point; $5,000 in Columbia; and $18,754 to other areas of the Outer Banks.  The individuals/families that live outside Dare County were either employed in Dare County, or regularly receive services and/or resources in Dare County when we assisted them.”

 Outer Banks Relief Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit foundation devoted to helping people living in our community who are burdened with debilitating diseases, such as cancer, or those coping with a personal tragedy or crisis.  Individuals or families requesting assistance are asked to complete a Form of Need application for financial assistance that is thoroughly reviewed on an individual case by case basis.  Approved Form of Need gifts for financial assistance can range from $500 to $3,000.  The Foundation also works in close collaboration with other agencies providing assistance on the Outer Banks in order to maximize available support and resources within our community.

“It is through our fundraising efforts that our foundation is able to accomplish our mission of providing financial assistance, hope and dignity to those in our community with significant and debilitating health challenges and to assist citizens in crisis”, said Chris Kelley, Outer Banks Relief Foundation Executive Director. “In partnership with the Dare Education Foundation, Inc., and through the newly established Outer Banks Sporting Events, Inc., our two foundations annually host the Flying Pirate Half Marathon in April, the Outer Banks Triathlon in September, and the Outer Banks Marathon in November.  Each of the three events involves other races and related community and family activities.  Additionally, in 2011 we are hosting a raffle in February through our Surf Club; a new spring fashion show, Couture by the Shore, on May 7^th; a Red Nose Christmas in July fundraiser, and the 10^th annual Sandbar 5K Race and Family Fun Run in August.  In 2012, we will be offering two additional fundraisers; one is to compliment the celebration of Olde Christmas on Hatteras Island, as we will celebrate Olde Christmas in the other parts of the Outer Banks on January 5-6, 2012; and, a second on July 12, 2012, our Red Nose fundraiser will become the “1^st Annual Outer Banks Red Nose Wine Festival,” concluded Kelley.

In an effort to prepare for its future, in 2009 the Outer Banks Relief Foundation established The Surf Club, a bold and an ambitious effort to involve the next generation of those in our community who want to continue to fulfill the mission of  our foundation.  The name ‘Surf Club’ was formed by using the “SU” in Support and the “RF” in Relief.  Elizabeth Kelly Reilly and Alex Lefevre are co-chairpersons of The Surf Club.

For additional information on fundraising events, making a donation, or our Form of Need application process, please contact the Outer Banks Relief Foundation administrative office at 252/261-2004, located at 2510 South Croatan Highway, Post Office Box 545, in Nags Head, NC 27959.