Dare Challenge receives $150,000 donation from TowneBank for building project

Published 12:38 pm Thursday, April 6, 2023

Outer Banks Dare Challenge has received a handsome donation for its building campaign.

TowneBank, through Taylor Sugg, TowneBank northeastern North Carolina president, recently pledged a $150,000 gift over three years for expanding the facilities at Outer Banks Dare Challenge.

“TowneBank is honored to support Outer Banks Dare Challenge in its building campaign,” said Sugg. “This expansion will help Outer Banks Dare Challenge offer more services and accommodations to young men facing difficult challenges in life. TowneBank is committed to serving others and enriching lives. We are grateful to be a part of helping Outer Banks Dare Challenge achieve its mission.”

Get the latest headlines sent to you

Accepting the gift was Ervin Bateman, Dare County commissioner and business owner.

Outer Banks Dare Challenge, a residential substance abuse rehabilitation facility, is located in Wanchese.

The $2 million expansion project includes the construction of a nearly 10,000-square-foot multipurpose building featuring a full industrial kitchen, a dining room and a conference room, as well as office space and four additional classrooms.

In the second phase, two new dormitories in 1,768 square foot buildings will each house 16 individuals, tripling the number of individuals with substance abuse issues that Outer Banks Dare Challenge staff members can assist.

Bateman is adamant about the need for treatment facilities. “We should always have a place” for people to go to. He says one of the features of Dare Challenge is its cost-effectiveness.

The program is faith-based and open to men 18 years of age and older. The program is almost self-sufficient. In addition to attending classes, men in the program do yard work, moving jobs and minor painting for donations.

The initial project is funded by a $900,000 grant from the State of North Carolina, a $200,000 grant from Dare County and $550,000 in private donations.

At the site, 13,000 cubic feet of sand has been delivered and placed. Engineering is complete.

Outer Banks Dare Challenge has a five-year time period for securing the necessary permits and raising funds for the project.

Founded in 1999, TowneBank operates over 45 banking offices (eight of which operate as Farmers Bank, a Division of TowneBank) throughout Hampton Roads and central Virginia, as well as northeastern and central North Carolina.

READ ABOUT MORE NEWS HERE.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE COASTLAND TIMES TODAY!