An EPIC Spring Lineup: An EPIC Retreat for some very deserving folks from Western NC, A special dedication of our 3rd Annual EPIC Round on the Sound and more!
- Our EPIC Project
- Mar 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 26
Last Fall Hurricane Helene brought destruction and devastation to our neighbors in the western part of the State. In conjunction with our amazing OBX community, Operation Air Drop, and The Outer Banks Community Foundation we were able to assist in getting much needed supplies quickly into the hardest hit areas. Months later many of these folks are still working to restore, rebuild and reclaim what Hurricane Helene so forcefully took away.
Working with OBCF and their partners in Henderson County, NC we were able to identify a very hard working employee from the school system who had been severely impacted by the storm. Patrina Mackey lost her home, and a family member yet still showed up ready to help others including her adult daughter Markisha who also lost her home in the flooding.
Patrina, her daughter Markisha and a few other deserving folks arrived in Corolla for a week of calm, relaxation and reset on March 16. From tours of Historic Whalehead and the 4x4 beaches to a birthday boil for Markisha and a in home massage for Patrina, much quality time was spent. Thank you to the local partners who helped make the stay memorable, including our friends at Corolla Outback Adventures. We look forward to keeping up with Patrina and the recovery process. Plans are already in the works to visit in the fall and celebrate Patrina's much anticipated return to her home.
Want to know how you can support folks like Patrina who are still in need of assistance? Check out this link https://www.cfhcforever.org/for-donors/helene-relief. The storm may be over but the need is still great as the communities thaw out from a long winter and folks get back to rebuilding their lives.
Keep an eye out next month as we will announce the submission process for our August 2025 EPIC Summer Vacation Family Retreat.
Thank You Outer Banks Community Foundation
Community Foundation CEO & President Chris Sawin announced the Bob Muller Volunteer of the Year award, which went to Our EPIC Project Founders Denise and Matt Khouri for their Hurricane Helene disaster relief work through Operation Airdrop and providing reliable resources on ways to help people in Western North Carolina who were affected by the storm via social media.
“This is such a tremendous honor to be recognized as the Community Foundation’s Volunteer of the Year,” said Matt Khouri. “However, the credit is due to everyone in the Outer Banks community who donated supplies, time, expertise, and so much more to this entire relief effort. So many people came together to make it all happen. This award truly is a reflection of the amazing and selfless Outer Banks community who came together to help our fellow North Carolinians in their time of need.”- Matt
A Very Special Dedication for the 2025 Epic Round on the Sound Golf Tournament.
Many of you may remember our very first recipient of An EPIC Summer Vacation Family Retreat, Kasey Demetrakis. Sadly , Kasey's hard fought battle with cancer came to an end last month.
This year's Epic Round on the Sound Golf Tournament will be dedicated to Kasey's memory and we've invited her family to join us as we pay tribute to to a life well lived, a love so big and family so strong.
Our Annual Epic Round on the Sound Golf Tournament allows us the funding to continue to provide these EPIC opportunities for deserving families. It also funds our mission to strengthen community based mental health initiatives and support the entrepreneurial spirit here on the OBX.
This year's Tournament will be held on April 25th, with a pre-scramble 9 hole practice round on April 24th.
We've got a great line-up and look forward to having you with us! There are still some player and sponsorship opportunities available. For information and registration for this very special event visit https://www.ourepicproject.com/golf-tournament
Continuing Our Commitment to Supporting Community Mental Health Initiatives
As mental health awareness continues to gain traction, we are proud to offer Mental Health First Aid Trainings. We had the pleasure of hosting the folks from Dare Community Care Clinic in February, equipping them with the skills to support friends, family, patients and colleagues facing mental health challenges.
Empowering trained individuals helps reduce stigma and promotes mental wellness, making this initiative crucial for fostering a supportive environment.
Next month we will be working with our friends at Twiddy and Company to certify all of their managers in AMHFA. Join us in creating safe spaces for discussion and support! Please reach out to info@ourepicproject.com if you're interested in setting up a training for your organization, we're happy to make it happen.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we've got several awareness initiatives lined up to share with our community. Remember the more we talk about mental health the more stigma is reduced. The more stigma gets reduced the more folks are willing to open up and seek support!
EPIC WELLNESS EVENTS
The slow down in the "off" season has provided us several opportunities to increase our mental "Wealth" From yoga, to journaling to hiking- its definitely something to look forward to.
Edna Baden from our EPIC Collective took on the task of creating a monthly wellness event centered around hiking. From False Cape State Park to The Great Dismal Swamp, this group has had some pretty cool experiences over the past few months.
Epic Wellness events are open to everyone! Keep an eye on our site and socials and join us!
An EPIC Spring Awaits!
As spring unfolds, an EPIC array of events and initiatives awaits us. Between hosting an EPIC Spring Break retreat for our friends from Western NC, the friendly competition and dedication of this year's golf tournament, to an entire month dedicated to Mental Health Awareness, there is so much to look forward to.
With opportunities for growth, connection, and collaboration on the horizon, we are set for an EPIC spring that leads to a brighter future.
Here's to a season filled with adventure, innovation, and positive change! Together, we can make this spring memorable for everyone involved. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to dive into the action!
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