Mike Parker: ‘Wings Over the Neuse’ seeking sponsors
When the first “Wings Over the Neuse” fundraiser occurred, I was not part of the CSS Neuse Foundation Board. In 2009, board members decided to do something special to raise funds to place a monument for Alton “Doc” Stapleford to recognize and honor all the work and supervision he provided during the construction of the CSS Neuse II. That fundraiser proved successful. The next time you visit the Neuse II, check out the memorial honoring Alton.
Alton had just retired from his business as a master boatbuilder when Ted Sampley approached him about taking charge of constructing the replica gunboat. Most people thought Ted had lost his mind when he suggested building a full-scale replica of the CSS Ram Neuse on the corner of Herritage and Gordon streets.
When Alton agreed to become involved, the snickers stopped – and the work began. From 2002 until 2009, Alton and volunteers from the community showed up to make Ted’s vision a reality. Alton completed his part of the project in 2009. He passed away on July 15, 2010. Ted had passed away a little more than a year before Alton.
I became involved with the CSS Neuse Foundation in 2012. Of the many things I learned early during my tenure on the board, perhaps the most important was the need for the foundation’s primary fundraiser – “Wings Over the Neuse” – to be successful. This year marks the 17th edition of “Wings.”
During “Wings,” the foundation raises money in two ways. First, we seek community-minded businesses, organizations, and individuals to be sponsors. Sponsors can pick from three sponsorship levels.
Silver sponsors donate from $100 to $249. The silver sponsor receives a minimum of two weeks of advertising on a banner with other silver sponsors and have up to five wing plates delivered or pick up five plates at the Lenoir County Farmers Market.
A gold sponsor donates between $250 to $499. Gold sponsors receive at least two weeks of recognition on a banner with one other gold sponsor. Gold sponsors can also have up to 12 wing plates delivered, or they can pick them up at the Farmers Market.
The top level of sponsorship is platinum. Platinum sponsors donate at least $500. They receive recognition on a banner that bears only their name and logo, and they may pick up or have delivered up to 25 wing plates.
The foundation asks that all sponsors arrange to have plates picked up by 1 p.m. if they choose the pick-up option.
Last year, we had 104 sponsors.
The second way the foundation raises money is by selling chicken wing plates. Once plates for sponsors have been set aside for pick up or sent for delivery, sales to the public begin. Each wing plate is only $5.00. That price is a steal when you consider that most restaurants count the drumette as one wing and the flat as another wing. Our plates come with four wings – or eight the way most restaurants count them.
The money raised does not go into anyone’s pocket. All board members are unpaid volunteers. All docents are unpaid volunteers. Many board members dip into their pockets to purchase things needed for maintaining the CSS Neuse II and never ask for a reimbursement.
However, the foundation does have expenses. First, insurance runs nearly $5,600 per year. City utilities cost – on average – roughly $150 per month. We must replace light bulbs, and when flags wear out, we must also replace them.
From the beginning, the CSS Neuse II has been a community project. Whether the support has been financial or sweat equity, the citizens of Kinston and Lenoir County have demonstrated over and over that this project is important to them.
The Neuse II brings tourism to our community. The Neuse II has drawn visitors from as far away as the Philippines, Israel, and Ireland. People from all 50 U.S. states have come aboard the Neuse II.
We humbly request that you step up again this year and support the foundation’s work. If you need a sponsorship form, send me an email, and I will send the form you need.
If you have time on Friday, September 12, please volunteer to help with this event. Cooking 6,000-plus wings, as well as making plates and scheduling deliveries, requires work and coordination.
If you want to donate but not sponsor, you may send your donation to The CSS Neuse Foundation, PO Box 251, Kinston, NC 28502-0251.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Mike Parker, who serves on the board of the CSS Neuse Foundation, is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.
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