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Tuesday, 10 March 2026
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Written by Amber Little
The 2026 CROP Hunger Walk is fast approaching. A fun, family-friendly event dedicated to eliminating hunger locally and internationally, the Hunger Walk is hitting a milestone this year, 35 years of Ending Hunger One Step At A Time. CROP Hunger Walk is a national walk, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Fayetteville Urban Ministry and World Church to combat food insecurity. This year’s walk will take place on Sunday, March 22 at First Baptist Church on Anderson Street (parking available on Maiden Lane). Team meetup and sign-in start at 2 p.m., and the walk will begin at 3 p.m.
There is still time to create a team or walk solo. There is no registration fee; this is a donation-only walk. To pre-register, visit https://events.crophungerwalk.org/chweams?event=cumberlandcountync.
Same-day registration and donation will be available at the meetup. Pets are welcome, but owners are solely responsible for cleaning up after them. Although called a walk, participants can walk or run; this is a set-your-own-pace event.
The CROP Hunger Walk is a national event, with walks all across the country, serving different communities, all with the purpose of eliminating hunger around the world. It was created to support Church World Service, an international organization focused on food security in high-risk areas around the world.
The CROP Hunger Walk was founded to help support that mission while filling the need in the United States. When it first started in 1947, it asked farmers to donate a portion of their crops to postwar Europe and Asia to help feed neighbors who had been ravaged by the war. Over time, it became the event it is today, with the first walks occurring in Bismarck, North Dakota and York, Pennsylvania. There are now hundreds of walks all over the country. CROP Hunger Walk is far more than just a walk. It’s a fundraiser within a fundraiser. Once a team is signed up, they will receive an individual CROP Hunger Walk page, where people can donate to their team. These funds go directly to the local and international mission. Cumberland County CROP Hunger Walk is a joint effort of community volunteers, Haymount Street United Methodist Church and First Baptist Church-Anderson. Together, these organizations and the passionate people who run them make it possible to host this event.
According to Feeding America, 1 in 7 adult North Carolinians and 1 in 5 North Carolinian children face hunger. At last check, there were over one million North Carolinians facing hunger. In homes that receive help from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, 38% have children. Hunger doesn’t just affect adults; it’s generational. With the rising cost of food, housing, and basic goods, the numbers are expected to rise. For more information on hunger in North Carolina and nationwide, visit Feeding America. Everyone can make a difference. Everyone can give in some way. To learn more about CROP Hunger Walk and Church World Service, visit https://events.crophungerwalk.org/chw/event/cumberlandcountync.
(Photo courtesy of the CROP Hunger Walk Fayetteville NC-Cumberland County's Facebook page)
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Tuesday, 10 March 2026
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Written by Sheila D. Barker
On March 20, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will raise a glass, strike up the band, and gather the community for an unforgettable evening honoring Maestro Stefan Sanders. After nine transformative seasons as Music Director, Sanders will be honored at a vibrant cocktail-style celebration at Studio 215 in downtown Fayetteville. The evening promises live jazz, heavy hors d’oeuvres, heartfelt tributes, and a major announcement about the orchestra’s future.
Set for 7 p.m. at Studio 215, 215 Williams Street, the event is designed not as a formal concert, but as a joyful, stylish gathering — an opportunity for patrons, musicians, board members, and friends of the Symphony to mingle, reminisce, and celebrate a remarkable chapter in the orchestra’s history. It will be, as organizers describe it, “a celebration of the past… and a reveal of the future.”
A Vision That Grew With the Community
When Stefan Sanders first arrived in Fayetteville nine years ago, his focus was clear but evolving.
“When I first became Music Director for the Fayetteville Symphony, I didn’t really know the community that well,” Sanders reflected. “Initially, I focused on the things I knew about: music, the orchestra, and audiences. I knew we had a very capable and flexible ensemble that could play pretty much anything.”
As he became more familiar with Cumberland County and the surrounding region, that focus expanded. “I soon realized that my vision for the orchestra needed to become one of expanding awareness of the FSO in Cumberland County and the broader region.”
Under his leadership, the orchestra not only elevated its artistic standards but also broadened its reach, performing in venues across the region and meeting audiences where they are. The Symphony began appearing in spaces previously off its radar, introducing orchestral music to new listeners and strengthening its ties to the community.
Raising the Artistic Bar
Sanders’ tenure was marked by artistic growth and bold programming choices. He oversaw the hiring of numerous musicians and staff members, raising the bar for the entire organization.
“It is always very inspiring and exciting when a new musician joins the orchestra, and at their first rehearsal everyone notices a beautiful new ‘sound’ in the group,” Sanders said. “We have also expanded the orchestra’s repertoire to include several works by traditionally underrepresented composers and guest artists, most of which audiences have very much enjoyed.”
The results were evident on stage. Performances grew increasingly polished and dynamic, blending beloved masterworks with contemporary voices and diverse perspectives. The orchestra’s sound matured, and its reputation expanded beyond Fayetteville.
“I am equally proud of elevating the FSO’s artistic standards as well as expanding the region’s awareness of the FSO as one of North Carolina’s best orchestras,” Sanders said.
Leadership Beyond the Podium
Colleagues consistently point not only to Sanders’ musicianship, but to his leadership style and personal warmth.
Jessica Munch-Dittmar, FSO Executive Director, shared, “Although I’ve only worked with Stefan for a short time, it was immediately clear how deeply he has shaped our orchestra and the wider community. His passion for music is evident in every rehearsal and performance, and his energy and commitment inspire those around him to give their very best. Beyond his artistry, he brings a genuine warmth and dedication that have strengthened our organization in meaningful ways. He will be truly missed, and I wish him every success in his next endeavors.”
Doug Stephens, FSO Treasurer, echoed that sentiment.
“Stefan was the right musical director at the right time for the FSO. He took over a quality organization and was able to make it even better. I appreciated Stefan’s ability to connect with our audience and our patrons. Not many conductors of his ability are also so personable. His skills will be missed, and we wish him well, but he leaves the FSO prepared for the next stage of the organization’s development.”
David Guidi, FSO Board Vice Chair, added, “Stefan’s strong musicianship allows him to channel his passion into crafting a compelling narrative for audiences. His artistry shone through in every performance, and we wish him great success in his next adventure.”
For Sanders, leadership has been about stepping off the pedestal traditionally associated with conductors.
“I learned a great deal about leadership and how, as a Music Director, it is critical that we uplift the musicians and staff we work with,” he said. “Music Directors are literally and figuratively placed on a pedestal. I found that by mindfully staying off of that ‘pedestal’, everything became more meaningful for everyone, including me.”
Symphony On Tap and Community Connection
One of Sanders’ most innovative contributions was helping to develop the Symphony On Tap Series — small ensembles performing in local breweries and social hubs. The initiative brought classical music into casual, welcoming environments, attracting first-time listeners.
“We saw the Symphony On Tap series translate from first-time ticket buyer to subscriber to major donor,” Sanders explained. “I hope this series, or something like it, will continue. While Symphony On Tap has done much to broaden awareness, this work is still necessary and vital to fulfilling the FSO’s mission of Educating, Entertaining, and Inspiring the people in our community.”
The program became a model for how orchestras can remain relevant and accessible in the 21st century — blending artistry with approachability.
A Community Relationship
Sanders describes his relationship with Fayetteville as mutually enriching.
“Mostly positively,” he said when asked how the community shaped his experience. “The community met me where they were and where I was, and we have had a great relationship. I learned a lot and enjoyed the process. I hope they did too!”
After nine seasons, what will he miss most?
“The people! Over the past nine seasons, I’ve been fortunate to work with some incredible people, several of whom I consider to be friends.”
What’s Next
While this farewell marks the end of one chapter, Sanders’ career continues to flourish. During his time in Fayetteville, he also served as Music Director of the Central Texas Philharmonic in Austin, Texas, an orchestra that has experienced significant growth in recent years.
“Last Spring I felt that it was time to invest more fully in the growth taking place at CTP and move to Texas,” Sanders said.
His upcoming season includes guest conducting appearances with the Colorado Symphony and the Virginia Symphony, as well as teaching at a summer music festival in Kraków, Poland.
It is a testament to his artistry that his influence extends nationally and internationally — yet Fayetteville remains a defining part of his journey.
A Reveal of the Future
As much as the evening will honor Sanders’ legacy, it will also turn the spotlight toward what lies ahead. During the celebration, the Symphony will reveal its Music Director Candidates for the 2026–2027 season — a pivotal moment signaling the launch of an exciting new era.
Attendees will be among the first to hear what’s next for the orchestra, reinforcing the sense that this is not simply a farewell, but a transition filled with promise.
When asked how he hopes Fayetteville audiences will remember his time here, Sanders answered with characteristic humility.
“First of all, I sincerely hope that there are more people aware of and engaging with the FSO today than when I started. And I hope each of them remembers the genuine love for the music and the people involved in it that came off the stage at all of our many performances. Thank you, Fayetteville, for allowing me to share my passion for music and people with you for nine incredible years.”
On March 20, that passion will be on full display, for one of the last times — not from the podium, but among friends, colleagues, and supporters whose lives and community have been enriched by his leadership. It will be a night filled with gratitude, joy, great music, and the promise of what’s ahead — a fitting tribute to a maestro whose legacy will resonate in Fayetteville for years to come.
(Photo: Maestro Stefan Sanders will be celebrated by the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra on March 20. Photos courtesy of Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra)
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