Entertainment

The Vault is Open: Money Box Academy hosts gala

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Tuesday, 07 October 2025

Written by Amber Little

Money Box Academy has been rolling nonstop since its launch. Committed to their mission of closing the financial knowledge gap — one workshop, one partnership, and one empowered individual at a time, Money Box has already made a significant impact on the Cumberland County community through workshops, training programs, and financial programs geared toward adults and youth.
The nonprofit is taking financial education to new heights. On Saturday, Oct. 18, Money Box Academy will host its inaugural gala at Shabain Farms and Event Center at 469 Posey Farm Rd. in Raeford. A Night to Remember: “The Vault is Open” Gala will bring together leaders, community advocates, and business owners under one roof, all with the mission of building financially intelligent and resilient communities. The gala will feature a fine dining experience, live music, and a curated networking opportunity, as well as honor leaders in the community who are making a difference.
This year’s inaugural honorees are: Lakeisha Rolle, founder of The Financial Academy in the Bahamas; Coach Rachel Hanible of Philadelphia will be honored for her transformative teaching and advocacy; and five others will be honored for their work towards the mission of Money Box Academy and advancing financial literacy. Local insurance guru, affectionately known as The Insurance Guy, Jerome Scott, will be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of service, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to strengthening families through financial security and education.
Hosting the gala is nationally recognized, best-selling financial coach Anthony O’Neal. O’Neal was chosen because of his decades of service and mentorship. His support for Money Box Academy is proof that the nonprofit is not only making an impact, but the work is being seen beyond the city.
Organizers say attendees can look forward to “expect an atmosphere equal parts celebratory and catalytic, with proceeds funding expanded programs for youth, families, and small business owners across North Carolina. Our inaugural year’s theme, “The Vault Is Open”, symbolizes more than access to financial resources-it reflects our mission to unlock opportunity for all. We believe every individual deserves access to the tools, knowledge, and support to thrive financially. Together, we are opening doors that were once closed and building pathways for lasting change.”
Nothing Money Box Academy does is without purpose. There will be a silent auction during the gala to raise money for youth and community programming.
Founder Crystal McLean, a dedicated community leader and finance expert, said, “This night is more than a fundraiser; it is a movement. We are gathering the people who believe in creating lasting change for families, students, and entrepreneurs. Anthony’s presence, combined with the recognition of leaders like Lakeisha Rolle, Rachel Hanible, Jerome Scott, and our other honorees, signals to our community that the conversation around money, resilience, and
opportunity belongs right here in Fayetteville.”
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for Mocktail Hour, and the festivities start at 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at https://moneyboxacademy.info/home. Single tickets are $150.00, and Sponsorship tables are $1,215 (table seats 9 guests). Contact partnerships@moneyboxacademy.org or call 910-983-2803. There are several local businesses, banks and law firms sponsoring the inaugural gala, solidifying the work that Money Box Academy is truly doing in Cumberland County.

Fight like a girl: Mobile mammography outreach

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Tuesday, 07 October 2025

Written by Lena Simmons

“Mammograms are really a sort of gift. You can either catch something early or count your lucky stars because nothing has been discovered. Either way. You are ahead of the game”
—Charlotte Ross

Join the Sherri Arnold Graham Foundation, Fight Like a Girl Mobile Mammography Outreach on Oct. 21 at 500 McPherson Church Road. The mobile outreach will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event highlights are free mobile mammogram screenings, VIP status for uninsured participants, community partners, resources, and support services. Spanish services (servicios en Espanol) are available to the public. Community partners involved in the outreach are the NAACP Fayetteville, Manna Church, Covenant Love Church, Good Hope Baptist Church, Dancing Without Sin, and Purple Trail Foundation. Pre-registration is encouraged for the event. For more information, contact 910-323-5774.
The Sherri Arnold Graham Foundation was founded in 2005 by Dr. Sherri Arnold Graham in Fayetteville after a successful completion of chemotherapy for breast cancer. It originally focused on breast cancer awareness through mobile mammography and community outreach, according to their Facebook page. They are creating new initiatives to broaden the impact in Cumberland County.
One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and it is the second leading cause of death in women, next to lung cancer. Yet, many women ask themselves, “Do I really need a mammogram?”
A mammogram is an imaging test used to screen women for breast cancer. In fact, it is your best chance of detecting breast cancer early when treatment is most effective.
The American Cancer Society recommends women begin breast cancer screening with mammograms around age 40 and commit to getting yearly mammograms by the age of forty-five. Women aged 55 and older may switch to screening every two years or continue annual screening. Routine screening every year is the best way to prevent breast cancer. A mammogram may not be the best idea of fun, but it could mean a difference between life and death. Cancer or an abnormality cannot always be felt. The mammogram can detect the growth of the size of a grain of sand. Early detection of breast cancer has a ninety-nine percent rate of being curable. The mammogram can save your life and breasts. It is not the most comfortable procedure and takes 20 minutes. It can give peace of mind for oneself and loved ones. The Sherri Arnold Graham Foundation provides the VIP status for uninsured clients and Spanish-speaking services.
Fight like a girl and get your mammogram on Oct. 21, from the Sherri Arnold Graham Foundation. Pre-registration is encouraged for the event. For more information, contact 910-323-9774.

Community Concerts brings Clint Black to Crown

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Tuesday, 07 October 2025

Written by Emily Sussman

Like the Rain, Fayetteville has fallen for Clint Black and friends. Clint Black is a legendary figure in country music. He has sold over 20 million records, won several Grammys and celebrated 22 number one hit songs. Black is slated to appear at the Crown Theater on Thursday, Oct. 16, as part of Fayetteville’s long-standing Community Concert Series.
This season marks the series’ 90th year. Community Concerts is Fayetteville’s oldest arts organization, having begun in 1935. The group is a non-profit that is comprised entirely of volunteers. They aim to bring high-quality entertainment to the community.
The Back on the Blacktop Tour promises to meet that high-quality standard. Black will grace the stage with two friends, who are also skilled and storied performers.
“Clint is bringing some amazing friends with him, “explained Gary Rogers, director of marketing, Crown Complex.
Those friends include Prestley Barker and John Foster. Barker, a North Carolina native, aims to restore authenticity to the country music genre. He has played on American Idol and as a guest of Ricky Skaggs at the Grand Ole Opry. Foster will also be on stage with Clint Black. Foster, at 19 years old, is also an American Idol Alum; he was a runner-up during the 23rd season. Foster hails from Louisiana and will be representing his home state in the 2026 Rose Parade.
The Crown feels that the Community Concert Series is a rewarding endeavor, and they truly celebrate its purpose in bringing the community together.
“It’s one of the best things we get to do here,” explained Anna Deaton, marketing manager, Crown Complex. “We are in the industry of bringing people together and making really amazing memories.”
The Clint Black Back on the Blacktop Tour is a night set to make memories.
“This is going to be a perfect night for people to make great memories with their friends and families, and meet some strangers that can turn into friends,” Deaton said.
Deaton has been a long-time country music fan and explained that she is most excited about this event, appealing to all ages.
“Growing up being a fan of country music and then getting to put on events that are here with musicians that you’ve grown up with, but I think, too, it’s just the community aspect when you look at the ticket sales and seeing people from all generations buying tickets,” she said.
Tickets for the event are available both online and at the Crown Complex box office located at 1960 Coliseum Drive. Deaton also wanted to share that tickets can be purchased on post for Fort Bragg Community Members.
“They don’t have to leave the installation to get tickets,” she said. “ That’s very important to us to make sure that the military community knows what’s happening and that our tickets are as accessible to them as possible.”
The Leisure and Travel Services on Fort Bragg is located at 2171 Rock Merritt Ave.
Doors for this event will open at 6:30 p.m., and the show is expected to start around 7:30 p.m., allowing attendees time to purchase merchandise and refreshments. A range of food will be on offer, and there will be special drink offers for those of legal drinking age.

(Photo courtesy of the Crown)

Fall Festival at LaFayette Ford gives back to families, community

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Tuesday, 07 October 2025

Written by Emily Sussman

Leaves haven’t started to fall yet, and since it is North Carolina, one can’t be quite sure if a shift to crisper air is the actual fall or a second false fall. What is certain, though, is that Lafayette Ford is hosting its fifth annual Fall Festival on Oct. 11. While there will be no shortage of fun Halloween-focused local events, Fall Fest offers a variety of activities for everyone at no cost.
The event began in 2021 when LaFayette Ford hosted its first Truck Day, and it has continued to grow and evolve over the last five years. What started as a means of giving back to the community and the business’s partners has evolved into a fall-focused, Halloween-themed annual extravaganza that also allows visitors to give back and support the community.
“It’s a joy to see all the kids having a great time. We also enjoy giving back. Those are two of the key reasons we do this every year,” said Paula Lindler, marketing director, LaFayette Ford.
This year, the event holds special meaning following the recent passing of the business’s owner, Don Price, who was an active member of the community and a strong advocate for Fayetteville.
“It is because of Don Price and his legacy that we have events like the Fall Festival, “explained Lindler.
“Don led the company with a mindset of how important it is to care for your community. Whether it was through his service in the Fayetteville Kiwanis Club, civic clubs, his church, the Military Affairs Council, or so many other organizations, he generously gave his time and financial support to worthy causes.”
Price sought to improve the quality of life for the community as a whole and was particularly fond of the Fall Festival event. According to Lindler, his absence will be felt this year.
“He loved Fayetteville and Fort Bragg and wanted to help make it a great place to live,” Lindler said. “He attended Fall Festivals at the dealership and loved seeing the community enjoy the event. We think he would be proud that we are continuing his legacy through our annual event.”
The event is suitable for members of all ages in the community, and there are specific kid-friendly attractions planned for the day.
Children are encouraged to come in costume, and a Fayetteville Fire Department truck will be on site for them to explore. The event will have office face painting and a Trick-or-Treat as well. There will be local vendors to shop with, and prizes will be given away.
Visitors can also donate blood to the Cape Fear Valley Center from noon to 2 p.m., and they will be entered to win tickets to the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens. Additionally, LaFayette Ford will be hosting a food drive for the Armed Services YMCA at Fort Bragg. The first 250 visitors to donate nonperishable food items to the food drive will receive lunch from one of the two onsite food trucks, courtesy of LaFayette Ford. Both Flavapalooza and Allison’s Fast Food will be serving up lunch. Flavapalooza’s specialties include hot subs and offer a self-proclaimed unique twist on everyday foods. Allison’s Latino Fast Food Truck will be serving Salvadoran fare. The event will also provide free drinks to visitors.
The event will be held at the LaFayette Ford Dealership, located at 5202 Reaford Road, and will begin at 11 a.m. Festivities will be wrapping up at 2 p.m. The event is free, and all ages are welcome to attend and enjoy the festivities. Vendor spaces are free and still available for this event. Vendors or organizations interested in participating can send an email to contactus@lafayettefl.com for additional details.

(Photos: The LaFayette Ford Fall Festival is a family friendly event that includes a trunk-or-treat, food trucks and a mobile blood drive. Photos by LaFayette Ford)