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OBX Room In The Inn celebrated a monumental achievement with their first-ever “Seaside Soiree” fundraiser held recently at the iconic Kitty Hawk Pier. The event marked a significant milestone in the organization’s history, made possible by the generosity of events chair Natalie Evans, honorary co-chair Jane Webster, Orca Wealth Management, and numerous other sponsors.

The event, which provided much-needed support to the only homeless shelter in Dare County, exceeded all expectations both in terms of the number of guests and funds raised for OBX Room in The Inn. Every ticket purchase and every bid made contributed directly to the shelter’s expenses. The fundraiser garnered an impressive $35,000, more than double the proceeds of their previous December fundraiser, “Lunch To Go.”

This event’s success can be attributed to the wide array of auction items generously donated by over 100 local businesses. The auction featured 60 packages, including trips to Broadway’s The Lion King and Nashville, Tennessee, staycations in Ocracoke and Duck, art by Marcia Cline and Rick Tupper, kids’ summer fun activities, wine tastings, inshore fishing trips, and more. “There was something for everyone,” said one auction winner, smiling as she took home her custom mini-longboard from David Rohde and Rascoe Hunt bearing the RITI logo. The surfboard came complete with surfing lessons from Chris Crockett and a one-year Surfline subscription.

“This organization celebrates its fifteenth year this year,” commented Shari Fiveash, who assumed the role of RITI’s executive director just last year. “The overwhelming support from our community speaks volumes about our shared commitment to address the housing crisis on the Outer Banks, and we are thrilled with the renewed energy of the Board and staff. We are doing more than ever before to help our homeless community. Unfortunately, the need is greater than ever before.”

Fiveash continued, “As the doors are set to close on RITI’s winter program later this month, the looming question remains: what will our homeless community do when there is no shelter? Over the course of the program, 90% of all current guests have found work again in essential positions, such as dishwashers, line cooks, and golf course and fishing pier staff. They have found access to necessary medical treatment and counseling. These are huge steps forward toward an independent life. For those of our guests battling addiction, many have found lifesaving care from overdosing and are on the path to recovery. This organization remains steadfast in its commitment to not only providing immediate relief but also working towards sustainable solutions that ensure no one in the community is left without shelter or support in the summer months. With continued community support and collaborative efforts, we aim to create a future where help can be found year-round.”

In celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Month, OBX Room in The Inn highlighted the numerous churches and businesses whose contributions make the program possible by providing food, clothes, and other necessities. After its May annual meeting, the first-ever Innkeeper of the Year and Lifetime Innkeeper awards will be announced.

For more information about the local homeless shelter, upcoming events, or how to get involved, go to obxroomintheinn.org.

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