FAYETTEVILLE, NC – The Partnership for Children of Cumberland County, Inc. (PFC) hosted its Annual Celebration on Thursday, July 30, 2015, celebrating accomplishments from 2014-2015 and welcoming in 2015-2016 by announcing this year’s theme: “Together We Can …”. The celebration took place in the fellowship hall of Snyder Memorial Baptist Church.

Sharon Moyer, Marketing and Events Manager with the Fayetteville Observer, was inducted as the Partnership’s Board Chair for 2015-2016. Sharon has volunteered with the Partnership since the organization was first established in 1993 and is pleased to take the helm. “I’m excited to work with our board, our numerous volunteers, our partners, and the Partnership’s staff. Together we will provide support and guidance for this great organization so it may continue on its mission of providing support to families to help children succeed.”

During the celebration the Partnership celebrated accomplishments from 2014-2015 to include:

  • Recognition in the White House document, The Playbook for Becoming an Early Learning Community, featuring PFC’s integrated data system, GEMS Lite; and
  • Launching the scientifically proven Reach Out and Read early literacy program, for Cumberland’s most disadvantaged children, through the generous funding and/or in-kind contributions from: the Walmart State Giving Grant, the Women’s Giving Circle of Cumberland County, Barnes and Noble, PNC Bank, and Kohl’s Cares for Kids.

The Partnership also recognized outstanding volunteers. The Most Volunteer Hours Award was presented to Kellie Jones, the Youth Volunteer Award was presented to Kyra Nehls, the Spirit of Engagement Award was presented (in absentia) to Deana Williams-Thurman, the Corporate Volunteer Award was presented to Kohl’s Cares for Kids and Two Men and a Truck, the Business Leaders Champion for Children Award was presented to Ralph and Linda Huff of H&H Homes and the Military Child and Family Leadership Award was presented to Marisol Anastazia Wentling.

The Partnership announced 2015-2016 board officers: Sharon Moyer – Chair, Van W. Gunter, III – Vice-Chair, Mayor Chris Rey – Secretary, and Judge Talmadge Baggett – Treasurer, and welcomed new board members for 2015-2016: Angela Crosby, Director of Cozy Corner Child Care Center; Murray Duggins, Jr., Vice President of Wealth Management at United Companies; James Grafstrom, General Manager of the Crown Coliseum Complex; Angie Malave, Owner of The Coffee Cup and The Wine Café; and Perry Melton, Chief Financial Officer of Building Blocks Early Education Centers.