Entertainment

Hoops & Dreams Showcase gives underprivileged players a shot

15When Marva Lucas-Moore, owner of LucasMoore Realty, started the Hoops & Dreams Showcase event in 2016, her sole objective was to provide a well-organized and professional basketball event close to home so she wouldn’t have to drive her kids to Charlotte or Raleigh to play before college recruiters.
Underprivileged classmates often couldn’t afford the expense of travel, lodging and food to attend an away event. Her efforts, combined with a partnership with scouting service Phenom Hoops, met with such success that this will be the 7th Hoops & Dreams Showcase. The event attracts basketball fans and college-level recruits from schools in a variety of divisions. Twenty-four 10-man high-school teams will play 14 games. The two-day event will be held Nov. 29 and 30 at the Crown Complex, 1960 Coliseum Drive. Doors open at 10 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. General admission is $25. The first game tips off at 11:30 a.m. and the last one at 8:30 p.m. Scheduling is the same both days.
The words “hoops” and “dreams” are frequently used together in the names of basketball organizations all over the country, but this event was brought to fruition in Fayetteville and remains focused on its home city. Phenom Hoops owner Rick Lewis refers to the area as a hotbed of basketball talent, along with much of North Carolina. The “dreams” part of the name was inspired by former basketball player and rapper Jermain Cole, or J. Cole, who was born on a military base in Germany but raised in Fayetteville.
The Lucas-Moore family decided to incorporate Cole’s positive attitude into the name of the event. Cole refers to Fayetteville as a city of dreams and the name of his record label is Dreamville. In addition to being the first artist signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation entertainment company, Cole’s had numerous commercial successes through his own label. One that hits home for Darius Moore, Lucas-Moore’s eldest son, is “Love Yourz.” It’s about appreciating what you have and loving your people.
Lucas-Moore and her husband, Donald, a retired Army first sergeant, seem to live by that principle. They raised three highly successful children and handled multiple deployments while keeping their marriage intact and building a multi-sourced financial foundation. All three children excel at basketball. Darius played for Fayetteville State University, where Hoops & Dreams had been held for a number of years until this year’s scheduling conflict. It was a dream come true for Darius to help put on the event where he himself had played. Sister Kendal was a McDonald’s All-American nominee, a USA Olympic trial invitee and played for North Carolina State University and then for the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. In high school, both kids played for Northwood Temple Academy here in Fayetteville, which is where their younger brother Tyler now plays.
Phenom Hoops is an NCAA-compliant scouting service. The first year of Hoops & Dreams, Lucas-Moore was hosting the event herself. Lewis was hosting something similar in Fayetteville. After reminiscing about how Lucas-Moore used to drive Darius and Kendal over two and a half hours to North Mecklenburg High School in Huntersville for drills and skills sessions with Lewis, the two decided to combine efforts into one well-run and high-quality event. Phenom Hoops, with its deep knowledge of players and teams, takes care of the schedule, creating interesting matchups between teams and players, and providing multi-media evaluations on all the players.
Over 200 college coaches contract with Phenom for their services, and the company has built lasting relationships with schools at all levels, including Division I, II and III; National Collegiate Athletic Association; National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics; and National Junior College Athletic Association.
By the end of his college basketball career, Darius saw he’d outgrown his potential in basketball and looked forward to a business career. At first, he provided photography and videography on a freelance business to outlets like the Bleacher Report and SLAM Magazine. Lewis reached out to him to join Phenom Hoops to put together the multi-media presentations the company does of each prospective player. COVID put some of this work on hold, as some schools cancelled their basketball seasons. Darius was passionate about photography and videography, but the pandemic forced him to reassess. He turned to government contracting work as a means of providing steady employment.
The Moores display what it takes for a military family to not only remain intact but to flourish individually and as a unit. Marva at one time owned two hair salons. She’s down to one now, but only because she parlayed the two businesses into ownership of a building that generates rental income for the family. At one point she also had a jewelry business with her twin sister. Meanwhile, Donald deployed to Saudi Arabia, Bosnia and twice to Iraq.
He made it a priority to check in with the family regularly, and Marva kept the kids on track at school and got them to basketball practice. Her real estate business is the proprietary title sponsor of the Hoops & Dreams Showcase, though other sponsors are invited to participate as well. Through LucasMoore Realty, Marva also provides HOA and property management services. In other words, Marva helped build an income-generating livelihood for the family while her husband served the country.
Darius is looking to continue to grow his contracting job with the Army, and Marva is already helping him and his siblings learn to step into the role of stewarding the family’s financial legacy. Part of the family’s success also shows in how successful, polite and positive the children are both to each other and with others. It’s obvious that a strong foundation in faith was emphasized from an early age. Darius speaks highly of his siblings, his sister’s academic excellence—she was salutatorian of her class—and his brother being one of the youngest pilots in the country at age 17. By the time Darius and Kendal finished their junior year in high school, they had finished their graduation requirements. Their parents gave them the option of attending Pine Forest High School for their senior year. Of course, they’d continue to advance their education, but they’d also be able to socialize more with their friends in the public-school sphere.
Darius knows that one of the unintended ministries of Hoops & Dreams Showcase is that it provides a platform for underprivileged kids the opportunity at a college scholarship. In addition to the education offered, many players from North Carolina have played and continue to play at the professional level. Lewis is matter of fact when he talks to students, and his company makes it a point to not just look at player statistics on paper but to meet them and get a sense of their character. Yes, it takes a lot of work to make it to the college level.
There are camps and clinics, some offered by Phenom Hoops, that can help a player improve their skills. But it’s more than that. It's an opportunity, with players open to assessing themselves honestly and planning to improve, and learning how to conduct themselves on and off the court.
Now that colleges are able to swap players without penalty, if they need a certain type of player, they can skip the high-school-level players altogether. It’s a highly competitive game. If skills are comparable, it just might be demeanor that tips the scales in favor of a young Fayetteville player. Dedication might not be enough; character might be the determining factor of the next NBA star from the city of dreams.
For information on scheduling and tickets to the Hoops & Dreams Showcase, visit http://hoopsanddreamsfay.com/.

Celebrate the holidays in Fayetteville this November

14The holiday season is officially here, bringing with it a wonderful array of local events that you can enjoy and participate in. Whether you are searching for exciting things to do before Thanksgiving, looking for fun activities during that festive week, or even seeking enjoyable events after the holiday, we have compiled a fantastic round-up of events just for you. This guide is organized into categories: Food Events, Shopping Events, Craft Events, and Family Fun. Each section highlights unique opportunities to celebrate the season, indulge in delicious treats, find the perfect gifts, create beautiful crafts, and enjoy quality time with loved ones.
FOOD EVENTS
Thanksgiving celebrates uniting loved ones and community for a delectable feast. Consider these gatherings to explore and enjoy.
Friday, Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Learn How to Cook Your Holiday Dishes Vegan Style
Prima Elements Holistic Wellness Center, 124 Anderson Street
Join Prima Elements for a fun-filled cooking class where you will learn how to cook vegan-style classic holiday dishes. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4jyewjww

Saturday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m.
Friendsgiving
CrossFit Intrinsic, 3725 Ramsey Street, Unit 103-B.
Join in at this Friendsgiving potluck hosted at the gym. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4xyara9v

Sunday, Nov. 24 at 12:30 p.m.
Thanksgiving Lunch
Freedom Biker Church Fayetteville, 455 Rock Hill Rd
Join in for the Annual Thanksgiving Freedom Family Luncheon. Visit https://tinyurl.com/mr2mw4p6

Wednesday, Nov. 27 at Noon
Potluck Event with Tabitha
Hoke Country Public Library, 334 N. Main Street, Raeford
Join together with friends, family and neighbors for a holiday potluck event. Visit https://tinyurl.com/5dvncesj

Thursday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m.
Thanksgiving Potluck
White Rabbit Pub, 3030 Fort
Bragg Rd
Join in for this annual potluck with karaoke after. Visit https://tinyurl.com/2dck2uuc

SHOPPING EVENTS
The holiday season calls for exploring local craft fairs, vendor events, or festive markets to discover ideal presents for your loved ones. Check out these nearby gatherings that offer excellent gift-shopping opportunities.
Saturday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m.
2024 Mistletoe Market
St. Pauls Possible, Inc, NC Highway 20, St Pauls
Enjoy shopping over 50 vendors as well as food trucks and children activities. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3rnk962x

Saturday, Nov. 16 at Noon
Vinyl Record Show
Dirtbag Ales, 5435 Corporation Drive, Hope Mills
Do you have a music lover on your shopping list? Discover rare records, cassettes and music memorbilia. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4fmzh5ed

Saturday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.
Vintage Market & Fall Pop-Up
Just Love Coffee Cafe, 2737 Freedom Parkway Drive
Shop amazing local vendors offering vintage finds, handmade goods and fall favorites. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4pmx3d4t

Saturday, Nov. 16 at Noon
German Christmas Market
Gaston Brewing Taproom, 421 Chicago Drive
Shop 20 local craft vendors and enjoy food trucks, beer, wine and German favorites. Visit https://tinyurl.com/379hb2mv

Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 6 p.m.
Thanksgiving Market
Dirtbag Ales, 5435 Corporation Drive, Hope Mills
Perfect shopping opportunity to stock up on fresh, local produce for your Thanksgiving feast. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3z5y2c3j

Friday, Nov. 30 at 10 a.m.
Unwrapped Shopping Event
Fulfillity Books & More, 5548 Trade Street, Hope Mills
Get gifts for all those book worms on your shopping list and support a local bookstore at the same time. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4nvadz8c

Saturday, Nov. 30 at 11 a.m.
Shop Small Downtown
Downtown Fayetteville
When you shop at local businesses, you are supporting the people that live in your community. Find unique and special gifts for your loved ones this holiday season locally. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3sd3vfax

Saturday, Nov. 30 at 11 a.m.
Christmas Market
Nazro Farms, 145 Bettie Hamilton Lane, Spring Lake
Shop the 3rd Annual Christmas Market and also enjoy food trucks, a visit with Santa, Christmas hayrides and the Christmas Tree Lighting. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3ubhv4a5

Saturday, Nov. 30 at 11 a.m.
Autumn Vendor Fair
505 Cross Creek Mall
Shop this lively vendor fair offering unique handmade crafts and delicious food options. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3h59axck

CRAFT EVENTS
Use your creativity to make a festive craft for yourself or to give as a gift this holiday season.
Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Floral Pumpkin Standup
Dirty Whiskey, 5431 Corporation Drive, Hope Mills
Make a floral pumpkin standup-the perfect fall decor for any home. Tickets are $70. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3pnkyery

Monday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Christmas Highland Cow Paint Class
J.D. Pone Recreation Center, 2964 School Road, Hope Mills
Join up for a fun and relaxing night of painting a cute Highland cow. Tickets are $35. Visit https://tinyurl.com/bdcmz2du

Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 10:30 a.m.
Craft Out: Joyful Wreath
Bordeaux Community Library, 3711 Village Drive
Make a beautiful wreath using bamboo frames, garlands and ribbons. Visit https://tinyurl.com/yyrrxdua

Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Glorious Pumpkins
Paddy’s Irish Pub, 2606 Raeford Road, Suite B
Paint a masterpiece of pumpkins to hang in your own home or gift to someone. Tickets are $40. Visit https://tinyurl.com/v4m2apbr

FAMILY FUN
The holidays are about spending quality time with the family. Gather everyone up and enjoy one (or more) of these local events together.
Thursday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
Crown Complex, 1960 Coliseum Drive
Bring the family to this magical classic with timeless characters and music. Tickets range from $35-$184.Visit https://tinyurl.com/4sfksww7

Friday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m.
A Christmas Story
Gilbert Theater, 116 Green Street
You remember the movie, now see this classic with friends and family at the Gilbert Theater. Tickets range between $12-$22. Visit https://www.gilberttheater.com/

Friday, Nov. 29 at 10 a.m.
Opening Day
Doby Christmas Tree Farm, 150 Doby Rd, Cameron
It is opening day at the Christmas Tree Farm. Enjoy local vendors, hot chocolate and pick up a tree while you are at it. Visit https://tinyurl.com/2byrk3nt

Friday, Nov. 29 at 1 p.m.
A Dickens Holiday
Downtown Fayetteville
Head downtown and celebrate the 25th year of A Dickens Holiday. Stroll the streets decorated for the season, take in street performers and musicians, shop the variety of vendors and enjoy some seasonal food and drinks. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4659huby

Saturday, Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Handel’s Water Music Suite
St. John’s Episcopal Church, 234 Green Street
Listen to 20 Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra musicians bring this beautiful suite to life. Tickets range from $6-$35. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4zvfm5du

Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 6 p.m.
Thanksgiving Bingo & Craft Night
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, 4825 Ramsey Street
Bring the whole family for a fun night of crafts, bingo and a chance to with great prizes. Visit https://tinyurl.com/kbuvf5ph

Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 6 p.m.
Aloha Safari Park Christmas Wonderland of Lights
Aloha Safari Park, 159 Mini Lane, Cameron
Drive through a Christmas Wonderland of Lights with over 2 million dazzling lights. Get a photo with Santa and visit with the friendly barnyard animals, enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores and other treats. Admission is $10. Visit https://tinyurl.com/y7xb7c8f

Friday, Nov. 29 at 11 a.m.
Black Friday Weekend!
Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson, 3950 Sycamore Dairy Road
Enjoy a free cookout at Harley Davidson during the Black Friday weekend. Visit https://tinyurl.com/bdezm7ms

Saturday, Nov. 30 at 9 a.m.
Family Christmas Event
Bell’s Seed Store, 230 E Russell Street
Santa and Mrs. Claus is stopping by Bells for a family event with a meet and greet, pictures and a craft. Cost is $10 per participating child. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3ecrvy8j

Wreaths Across America looks for wreath sponsors

11Wreaths Across America Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery Chapter has a heartfelt mission to honor our fallen heroes and ensure that every veteran gravesite is adorned with a wreath during the holiday season.
Ann Provencher and Barbara Younker, alongside eight dedicated volunteers, are committed to ensuring that no veteran is forgotten.
Provencher emphasizes the year-round effort involved in this noble cause, “We work tirelessly throughout the year to raise awareness of our mission and solicit funding to be able to place a wreath on every veteran gravesite at the Sandhills location and are proud to say that we have been fortunate to have every veteran covered each year (since she has been location coordinator) with the continued support of our local communities.”
Provencher, a military veteran, has been with WAA since 2011. She spent most of her life dedicating her time to helping others.
By donating $34, sponsors help place three beautiful wreaths at gravesites to honor those who served our country. Wreath sponsors also have the option to pay tribute to a loved one or request a specific gravesite for a wreath placement; special requests are warmly welcomed. As part of this meaningful ceremony, all graves will be marked with an American flag the day before—an emblem of respect and remembrance.
Wreaths Across America is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of gratitude and remembrance that unites us as a nation. The story begins with Morrill Worcester, the owner of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine. At 12 years old, he won a trip to Washington D.C., an experience that profoundly shaped his life and the lives of countless others. The sight of the vast rows of graves at Arlington National Cemetery, particularly the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, left an indelible mark on young Morrill's heart—a reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans for our freedoms.
In 1992, when Worcester Wreath had an excess supply of wreaths at season's end, Morrill recalled his childhood visit to Arlington. He recognized a unique opportunity to honor those who served our country by placing these wreaths on their graves. With support from Maine Senator Olympia Snowe (ret), plans were put in motion for this heartfelt tribute.
As word spread about this initiative, community members remarkably rallied together. James Prout from Blue Bird Ranch, Inc., stepped up to provide transportation for the wreaths to Virginia—an act that demonstrated local solidarity and commitment. Volunteers from American Legion and VFW Posts joined forces with residents to adorn each wreath with traditional red bows, a symbol not only of holiday cheer but also of deep respect.
The culmination of these efforts was a solemn ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery where volunteers laid wreaths upon graves with reverence and dignity. This initiative has since blossomed into a national movement—Wreaths Across America—encouraging everyone to remember, honor, and teach about our veterans during the holiday season.
Since then, millions have participated in this beautiful act of remembrance. It serves as a poignant reminder that while we may have different backgrounds or beliefs, we share a common duty: honoring those who made extraordinary sacrifices for our freedom.
WAA will be holding their wreath laying ceremony on Dec. 14 at noon at the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake. Additional wreaths will be placed at the Fort Liberty Main Post Cemetery. Those who help lay the wreaths say the Veteran’s name out loud before placing the wreath on the headstone, an act of remembrance. Help WAA reach its goal of placing 10,000 wreaths this year by sponsoring a wreath through the website at https://bit.ly/3CplFgM.
WAA is always looking for volunteers. For more information on how you can help, call Ann Provencher at 910-670-9280.

(Photo: WAA lays wreaths on veterans' graves for the holiday season. Photo courtesy of Wreaths Across America Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery Chapter Facebook page)

Operation Turkey: Preparing for Fayetteville’s biggest Thanksgiving yet

12As Thanksgiving approaches, Fayetteville’s community is gearing up for Operation Turkey Fayetteville. This annual event brings the city together to ensure no one goes hungry on Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Day. Led by volunteer coordinator and logistics director Venassia Gunter, this effort mobilizes thousands of volunteers to prepare, package, and deliver warm meals to those in need across Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and nearby areas like Raeford.
Gunter, a leader with a deep commitment to her community, has been at the helm of Operation Turkey since 2015. Her vision has transformed it from a small gathering of 500 meals into an ambitious goal of 10,000 meals this year. There are no qualifications required. To request a meal, contact the website or email meals@operationturkey.com. Meal requests are open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17. Deliveries will be made between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
“We hope to serve 10,000 meals to people who need them,” Gunter explains. “That’s our biggest hope. We also work with local organizations that feed people daily, so they get a well-deserved break on Thanksgiving if they want one.”
For those organizations that still want to be part of the effort, Operation Turkey provides a platform for them to volunteer, keeping Fayetteville’s community spirit alive.
Each year, Fayetteville residents eagerly anticipate the lineup of Operation Turkey events designed to prepare the community for the holiday in stages. The events foster a spirit of service that resonates with participants of all ages, starting with volunteer orientations and culminating in Thanksgiving Day meal preparation and delivery.
Volunteer Orientation: Introducing the Mission
On Nov. 25, Gunter and her team will kick off the event series with a volunteer orientation from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 606 Johnson St. These orientations provide new volunteers the opportunity to learn about the structure and mission of Operation Turkey, meet their city and site leaders, and clarify their roles. Gunter emphasized that volunteers receive email invitations for orientation, including virtual options and recorded sessions for those unable to attend in person.
“We get volunteers from all walks of life, including families who make this their Thanksgiving tradition,” Gunter notes. “From ages 0 to 100, everyone’s welcome.”
Many families, she says, attend with children who then grow up returning each year, creating a lasting impact on the community.
In recent years, Operation Turkey’s digital footprint has expanded. Their social media platforms—Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn—keep the community updated on every detail, from orientations to volunteer roles and event schedules. This broad reach, including partnerships with social workers, schools, and police, ensures that those in need hear about the service and can request meals as necessary.
The Turkey Tailgate: A Community Comes Together to Serve
On Nov. 26 and 27, the Turkey Tailgate kicks off with a community-centered day of cooking, organizing, and sorting donations at 606 Johnson St. The Turkey Tailgate serves as the backbone of Operation Turkey’s Thanksgiving Day effort, bringing together smokers and Pitmasters, families, and first-time volunteers to prepare essential items for the big day.
“The Turkey Tailgate is one of the most important parts of our operation,” Gunter explains. “We start early, around 6:00 am, and volunteers rotate throughout the day, working in shifts.”
Volunteers at the Turkey Tailgate participate in various activities, such as cooking mashed potatoes and dressing, sorting toiletry donations, and organizing clothing care packages; many return year after year, making the Turkey Tailgate a beloved tradition that bonds participants and builds excitement for Thanksgiving.
The Turkey Tailgate is structured as an assembly line, which Gunter calls the “turkey spa.” Volunteers begin by cleaning the turkeys, giving them an “herb and olive oil massage,” then roasting and cooling them before they’re stored in preparation for plating. Gunter describes the setup as a “community effort, with each person responsible for the next” and adds that the team’s structure allows volunteers to feel confident and connected, no matter their role.
“It’s like an assembly line for turkeys!” Gunter says with a laugh. The stations include food preparation and areas for clothing donations and care packages, all organized so that volunteers can easily find their places and get to work.
The morning of Nov. 28 begins early for Operation Turkey’s volunteers. By 6 a.m., the dedicated team is gathered once more at 606 Johnson St., eager to start the final steps of preparation and distribution. Volunteers of all ages and abilities step into setup, cooking, plating, packaging, and delivery roles.
“The main event is Thanksgiving morning,” Gunter says. “That’s when we bring everything together—the meals, the care packages, and the volunteers who will deliver meals throughout Fayetteville and surrounding areas.”
Gunter estimates that by the end of Thanksgiving Day, the team will have distributed 10,000 meals to families, elderly individuals, and others in need.
For many Fayetteville residents, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without this morning of service. The sight of families working together, the joy of delivering meals to appreciative recipients, and the knowledge that they are helping people who may not otherwise have a holiday meal are experiences that many volunteers find profoundly moving.
One memorable moment for Gunter involved delivering meals late on Thanksgiving evening. She recalls finding a mother with four children who hadn’t eaten in days.
“I cried when I got back to the car,” Gunter says. “The kids were standing at the window waiting for food, and moments like that keep me motivated.”
These kinds of stories resonate with volunteers and keep them coming back each year. Whether it’s a child handing a meal to an elderly recipient or a family sharing a few minutes of conversation with someone in need, Operation Turkey’s impact extends far beyond the plate.
A Tradition That’s Here to Stay
Gunter reflects on how far Operation Turkey has come since she started in 2015. What began as a modest goal of 500 meals has now expanded to 10,000, with thousands of Fayetteville residents eagerly signing up to volunteer each year.
“People hear about us and want to help,” Gunter says. “And as we grow, so does the number of meals we can provide.”
Each year, the numbers continue to rise, fueled by a community that embraces the mission of Operation Turkey and the message it represents.
With new volunteers joining each season, Gunter sees the event continuing to expand and deepen its roots in Fayetteville and beyond. “We’ve become a tradition, something families and friends look forward to. And our goal is to keep growing and serving even more people, not just in Fayetteville, but across North Carolina.”
For Gunter, Operation Turkey is more than just a holiday event—it’s a long-term commitment to her community.
“This isn’t a one-time thing,” she says. “We’re building something that lasts, and we want to keep giving people the support they need.”
To this end, Gunter hopes to inspire volunteers to assume leadership and carry Operation Turkey’s mission to other communities. She envisions an even broader impact, with more local leaders stepping up to make Operation Turkey part of their community traditions.
But at its heart, Operation Turkey remains a community effort. Fayetteville residents, local churches, and volunteers of all ages dedicate their time and energy to ensuring that those in need can enjoy a warm meal on Thanksgiving. Operation Turkey's website allows for meal reservations for anyone in Cumberland County who needs a meal on Thanksgiving, and the team will deliver each meal within Cumberland County’s limits.
“We’re here to support anyone who needs us,” Gunter says. “Whether it’s a hot meal, a friendly face, or a little extra help during the holidays, we’re committed to our community.”
As Fayetteville’s Operation Turkey gets ready to serve more people than ever this year, Venassia Gunter’s leadership and the dedication of volunteers highlight the organization’s mission. Operation Turkey is not just about providing meals; it’s about fostering a stronger, more compassionate community in Fayetteville, one Thanksgiving at a time.
For more information or to volunteer, please contact Operation Turkey Fayetteville through their website https://www.operationturkey.com/ or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OperationTurkeyFayette

Meal Pick Up Locations

FAYETTEVILLE LOCATION: MAIN:
Fayetteville Chapter, 82nd Airborne Division Association
606 Johnson Street
Fayetteville NC 28304

For those who struggle with transportation or just need a closer location to pick up meals, they offer options through churches and community partnership locations:

Harvest Family Church
6575 Fisher Road
Fayetteville, NC 28304

Cedar Falls Baptist Church
6181 Ramsey Street
Fayetteville, NC 28311

OTHER LOCATION IN NORTH CAROLINA:

Hoke County Open Door Soup
Kitchen
320 Turnpike Rd
Raeford, NC 28376

(Photo: Volunteers prepare for Operation Turkey, a Thanksgiving Day service event for those in need in Cumberland County. Photos courtesy of Operation Turkey Facebook Page)

The Red Apple Run for Diabetes: keeping communities healthy

15Join in on Nov. 16 at Carver Creek State Park - Ramsey Street access (995 McCloskey Rd) for the Red Apple Run! Whether you choose to walk or run in the 5K or 10K events, your participation will directly impact those who rely on Better Health’s mission. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against diabetes and improve health outcomes across our community.
The Red Apple Run for Diabetes is not just an event. It is a vital opportunity to support Better Health, an organization dedicated to bridging gaps in healthcare services in Cumberland County. Since its founding in 1958, Better Health has been at the forefront of initiatives that promote diabetes awareness, education, and self-management clinics. They also tackle pressing issues such as childhood obesity prevention and education, ensuring our youth have the resources they need for a healthier future.
Christiana Adeyemi is the Executive Director at Better Health of Cumberland County. She shared that she has been working with Better Health since 2022 and is humbled to work with a great team, and proud to be a part of their legacy of 66 years of excellent service to the citizens of Cumberland County. Adeyemi, a long-term Cumberland County resident and military spouse of 26 years with over 20 years of Non-profit experience, enjoys the reward felt when their services unite communities and help in the fight against diabetes.
Diabetes is a serious health condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and understanding its implications is crucial for everyone. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Both can manifest at any age and, what’s particularly alarming is the rising incidence of diabetes among children. This trend highlights the urgent need for awareness and education.
At its core, diabetes occurs when glucose levels in the blood become excessively high. If left unmanaged, both types can lead to long-term complications that develop gradually but can ultimately escalate to life-disabling or even life-threatening conditions. That’s why it’s vital to recognize the warning signs early on.
Monitoring your A1C glucose levels is an essential step in managing your health effectively, coupled with a commitment to proper dieting and regular exercise. By being informed and vigilant, you safeguard your health and contribute to a broader culture of awareness around diabetes—one that could save lives in our communities.
In addition to educational programs, Better Health provides essential services like medical equipment loans and emergency medical assistance for critical prescriptions, dental care, vision needs, and even travel assistance. This nonprofit organization relies heavily on the generosity of local foundations and community donors to continue its mission.
Registration will be open until ten minutes before each race starts—8:30 a.m. for the 10K and 8:45 a.m. for the 5K. The races offer scenic running through longleaf pine forests. They are also seeking additional sponsors who can help amplify the efforts. Sponsor donations are: Presenting Sponsor $3000, Big Apple $2000, Apple Pie $1,000, Apple Sauce $500, and Apple Seed $250. Your support directly impacts those living with diabetes in our community.
Awards will be given out for both races: the top three overall finishers (male or female) and the top three in age groups. Come join not only for a run but also as part of something bigger—a movement toward better health for everyone in Cumberland County.
Last year, the event saw nearly 100 participants. This year, they hope to surpass that number. So, get out your running shoes, and if you can't join the race but still want to contribute to this noble cause, please visit their website at https://better-health-of-cumberland-county-inc.networkforgood.com/

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