Ocean Ridge Charities Association Inc.
Serving the Brunswick County Community
WHAT'S HAPPENING...
Ocean Ridge Fashion Show
A beautiful afternoon of style, community, and generosity came together on March 26 at LeVolte Restaurant for a fashion show fundraiser benefiting CRCI’s Rose House. The well-attended event featured a delightful buffet luncheon followed by inspiring talks by two women who have overcome addiction, a lively showcase of fashions and some enjoyable shopping courtesy of Victoria’s Ragpatch.
Especially fun and meaningful was the participation of Ocean Ridge residents as models, each bringing not only grace to the runway but also anecdotes of their personal contributions to the neighborhood. Their involvement added a heartfelt and energetic dimension that resonated with all 135 attendees.
A raffle for table centerpieces offered opportunities for additional donations and enthusiastic participation helped raise over $5,500 that will be used to help build the ORCA Chapel at The Rose House. The enjoyment and success of the fashion show reflected the generosity and spirit of Ocean Ridge.
Special thanks go to the dedicated committee whose thoughtful planning created such a wonderful event, to our friends at CRCI whose openness and honesty touched our hearts and to the Ocean Ridge models whose charm and confidence truly made the event one to remember.
Photos Courtesy of:
Unshuttered Photography, LLC - Glen MacWhirter and Lara Milligan
And....Ocean Ridge Charities Association (ORCA) recently presented the Christian Recovery Center's Rose House with a check for $5,010 - the proceeds from its recent Fashion Show.
Jessica White & Ashley Kidwell accepted the donation presented by Fashion Show Chairperson Margie Oehmke and ORCA President Mary Perno.
Click here to see the Rose House's 'thank you' on our Ocean Ridge Charities Facebook page.
Volunteers Needed: Chair, Co-Chair, or Coordinator for Hospice Dolls
The Hospice Dolls Club, a cherished program since 2005, is seeking volunteers to help keep this meaningful tradition going strong.
For years, our members have lovingly created handmade dolls, hearts, and ornaments that are donated to local charities throughout Brunswick County—bringing comfort and joy to so many during difficult times. This important club cannot continue without volunteer support, and we would hate to see it dissolve.
Option 1: Chair or Co-Chair
We are seeking someone with sewing skills (hand and/or machine sewing) to serve as chair or co-chair and help lead this wonderful group.
Option 2: Club Coordinator (No Sewing Leadership Required)
Another volunteer opportunity is available for someone willing to help coordinate the group by:
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Sending meeting info to Kathy Sanchez for publishing on Engage
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Getting supplies out of the SAC fence/storage area and returning them afterward
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Helping ensure dolls are distributed and records are maintained
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The group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 1:00–3:30 PM. All supplies provided—just bring yourself! Come enjoy time with neighbors, chat, and help create these adorable dolls together.
Whether you enjoy sewing or simply want to help organize a meaningful community effort, this is a wonderful opportunity to give back.
If you would like to help keep our Hospice Dolls group going, please contact Kathy Ferrari Kferrari1962@gmail.com.
Calling All Bakers!
ORCA will again be offering DESSERTS during Tunes at The Pool 2026.
We are looking for a few neighbors willing to bake cookies or
bars to be sold at the events (schedule below). All proceeds will benefit
Habitat for Humanity.
The baked goods should be bagged to weigh about 4 oz. per bag (typically ~4 cookies). Any quantity of bags is gratefully accepted. Please clearly
mark what is inside, especially if there are any nuts!
If you can help, please contact Joan Griffith at: 301-275-9948 or jkg3k@yahoo.com with the date/dates you wish to participate.
May 14
June 11
July 9
August 13
September 10
ORCA’s Annual Appeal Raises Over $30,000!
THANK YOU Ocean Ridge Residents!
Again you responded very generously to the annual appeal mailed this past fall.
This year end undertaking is historically our largest internal fundraiser – and it raised $30,450.
Under the banner of “Transforming Lives Through Giving”, Ocean Ridge Charities Association (ORCA) sought to support the following six local charities with pressing needs.
Brunswick County Homeless Coalition
Provide eviction prevention, rental assistance, emergency shelter and utility assistance to help avoid homelessness for families or individuals, including veterans.
Brunswick County Literacy Council
Technology evolves quickly and is being introduced at a pace that can feel overwhelming for seniors. Educate and empower older adults to confidently use their smart phones, computers and tablets.
Brunswick Senior Resources, Calabash
Provide meals for adults at the Senior Center, as well as ‘Meals on Wheels’ delivered to those who are home bound.
Communities in Schools of Brunswick County
Support the ‘Show Up Show Out’ school attendance initiative to provide intervention and incentives for elementary and middle school students struggling to attend school regularly.
Life Care Memory Partners
Provide safety and activity supplies for Brunswick County residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. This includes home cameras, door and chair alarms, activity monitors and non-slip mats and footwear.
Samara’s Village
Donations support pregnant and parenting youths through mentoring and evidence-based parenting education and career/educational counseling.
Together, we continue to have a large impact in Brunswick County.
Many of these organizations gratefully joined us at the January ORCA board meeting to receive their checks from their respective ORCA Board liaison and ORCA President Mary Perno. Photos included.
Thank you for your support!
Charitable Contributions
