Just over a year ago we decided to take on the task of starting a non-profit 501c3. At the time all we knew was that we wanted to focus our charitable giving in a way that would have an EPIC impact. Fast forward 14 months later. Our Epic project has accomplished so much with the generous support of our customers, our families and friends, business partners and community.
Strengthen
Our initial goal was to coordinate community initiatives like Mental Health First Aid. This globally recognized program has helped train over 3 million people how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives skills needed to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
In May we held our first training in conjunction with Trillium and certified 11 community members. This fall we offered and conducted a virtual QPR-Question, Persuade Refer Suicide Prevention class as part of National Suicide Awareness Month. In December of 2023, I received certification as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor. This will allow more availability and flexibility to provide training opportunities in our community. If you are interested feel free to contact us - we are happy to assist in getting more folks certified in this potentially life-saving initiative.
We look to expand upon our efforts to strengthen mental health initiatives for 2024. One of the things we find most needed in our communities is a place or process for gathering and publicizing information and resources for mental health and substance abuse challenges. Our second goal for 2024 will be to implement a Mental Health Scholarship Fund to assist those that might not otherwise be able to afford treatment.
Support
Supporting young entrepreneurs is so rewarding. Being a part and getting a front row seat to watch an individual work hard and pursue their passion is amazing! This year we had the opportunity to work with Holden McOwen and Kiiind Cocktails. Holden’s passion for service, hospitality and experiential offerings reminded us so much of how Matt started Outer Banks Boil Company that adding him as our first EPIC Entrepreneur was a no brainer. As part of our offerings for the 2023 season, Holden and Kiind Cocktails were added to Outer Banks Boil Company’s menu of services here in the Outer Banks. We also staged and filmed content shoots for Holden to create digital assets for promoting his business. We look forward to seeing what unfolds for Kiiind Cocktails in 2024. Check out this blog for more information on Holden and Kiiind Cocktails.
Who will be our next EPIC Entrepreneur for 24? We’ll be looking for applicants and opportunities to promote their ideas, energy and passion this Spring. Stay tuned for details.
Share
The third part of our mission is to share all that our community has to offer, representing EPIC’s acronym to Emit Positive Impact Collectively. We know that when the right forces come together for good - anything is possible. Seeing our local business community, friends and family, residents and visitors, come together in an EPIC fashion was inspiring.
Last Spring we asked our OBBC customers to nominate a deserving individual who could definitely use the mental health benefits of a good ole fashioned family summer beach vacation. Although each nominee was deserving we could only choose one winner. That winner was Kas Demetrakis. Kas had recently lost 2 very close family members to cancer when she herself was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. We were able to give Kas and her family an incredible week full of fun, relaxation and lasting family memories. Kas is still fighting the fight and she now has an entire Boil Company Family there rooting for her!
This spring we will once again be asking for nominations for our 2024 EPIC Vacation Summer Retreat Recipient. Stay tuned for details on when this year’s process opens to accept nominations. Given the fact that we received so many deserving nominations in 2023, we hope to expand our program to be able to offer this opportunity to more than just one recipient. If you or someone you know has a vacation property and would be interested in donating or discounting a week- we’d love to talk!
Over the past few months I’ve had the pleasure to meet with so many folks and organizations who are doing amazing things here in the Outer Banks to make a difference. We look forward to fostering those relationships to expand our reach and learn from some very dedicated and passionate individuals. As a result of one of these relationships, I was given an opportunity to serve as chair on Currituck County’s Opioid Settlement Task Force. The task force has met monthly over the last year to present our recommendation for utilizing dollars from the Opioid Settlement Fund to develop a foundation for reducing opioid use, preventing overdoses, and supporting those in treatment and recovery. It’s been an honor to serve on the task force and I look forward to seeing its impact in our community.
As we gear up for 2024, we once again want to thank everyone for the tremendous amount of support and generosity they have shown in 2023. On April 19th we will hold our second annual EPIC Round on the Sound golf tournament at the Currituck Club in Corolla. Be sure to check out the details on our site for registration and sponsorship opportunities.
Here’s wishing all of you a happy and healthy new year! Let's do something EPIC!
Best,
Denise Khouri
President
Our EPIC Project, Inc.
