Story By Molly Harrison

9/11 Survivor Speaks at Brunswick Community College
Contributed Photos
Trapped on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center, Joe Dittmar came close to death on September 11, 2001. His escape and journey home provided him with a wealth of insight on the event and the way it forever changed the lives of Americans. Dittmar told of his experience at the Brunswick Community College Foundation’s Community Breakfast on Thursday, April 10, at the Dinah E. Gore Fitness & Aquatic Center on campus.

Dittmar’s 45 minute presentation, entitled Lessons Learned from a Date with Destiny; An Historic and Inspirational View of 9/11/01, has enthralled many audiences. He waived his speaking fee for this fundraiser, which celebrates a victory of the human spirit. Dittmar is a 34-year veteran of the insurance industry. He is director of property underwriting for Rockhill Specialty Programs in Durham and has held senior management positions at several companies in several states. He was attending a business meeting at Two World Trade Center when the attack occurred. He is one of only seven survivors of the meeting of 54 insurance executives. He currently lives in Chapel Hill.

The Community Breakfast is a fundraising event. Ticket proceeds and donations made at the event went toward the work of the foundation, which includes supporting students through scholarships and educational needs through a variety of avenues.

6th Annual “Blooming for a Cause” Charity Gala
Photography By Ronnie Holden
The General Federation Woman’s Club of Holden Beach will host its 6th annual “Blooming for a Cause” Charity Gala on Saturday, May 3, 2014, at the Sea Trail Convention Center at 11 am.

The silent auction, fashion show and luncheon will benefit Hope Harbor Home, a shelter for victims of domestic violence, and Providence Home, the only emergency youth shelter in Brunswick County.

The silent auction will include something for everyone: exciting weekend getaways, golf packages, jewelry, artwork, restaurant certificates, health and beauty products, gift baskets, and much, much more.

In addition to surprises, giveaways, and fun, all the latest trends in women’s fashion will be presented by Clarice Holden and Island Breeze.

The gala has a local flair due to the contributions and participation of businesses, associations, philanthropists and artists throughout Brunswick, New Hanover and Horry counties. Their continued support and generosity have helped to make the event a reality.

GFWC-HB has donated more than $50,000 to its beneficiaries over the past five years. The members look forward to their biggest fundraiser each year; continuing this tradition is the perfect way to celebrate spring.

Attend with your friends, family, and business associates on May 3. Reserve your seat with a $45 contribution. For invitations and information, please contact Carol Ann Lohman at jlohman@ec.rr.com .

For sponsorship information visit the website www.gfwchb.org or contact Julie Wolfe, president, at juliewolfe@atmc.net or Karen Throckmorton, charity gala chairman, at
karent@atmc.net .

Diamonds and Denim Charity Ball
Photography By Ronnie Holden
The Brunswick Sheriff’s Charitable Foundation, Inc. held its third annual Charity Ball on March 6 at 101 Stone Chimney Place in Supply. With the theme of “Diamonds and Denim,” the event included hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, a buffet dinner, live music by Jim Quick and Coastline, dancing, an auction and a 50/50 raffle. It raised money for Hope Harbor Home and Brunswick Senior Resources Inc. The Brunswick Sheriff’s Charitable Foundation, Inc. was established in 2012 and is dedicated to serving the people of Brunswick County by building permanent charitable capital to support programs and provide services that enhance the quality of life for all its citizens.

Future Generations Tournament
Contributed Photos
The First Tee of Brunswick County will present its fourth annual Future Generations Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 7 on three courses at St. James Plantation. Play will be held on The Reserve Club, The Players Club and The Founders Club. Registration is open, and slots will fill up quickly for this captain’s choice, four-person scramble. Prizes are awarded, and there are also live and silent auctions, a raffle, a cocktail hour and dinner. Each course will also host a hole-in-one-contest. Registration is $380 per foursome. This event is a fundraiser for The First Tee of Brunswick County, which impacts the lives of more than 7,000 children between the ages of 7 and 17 by exposing them to the game of golf and The First Tee’s Nine Core Values and Life Skills Experience.
When: Saturday, June 7
Where: St. James Plantation
Information: (910) 754-5288; www.tftbc-tour.org

Future 10 Reception at the View at Brick Landing
Photography By Genie Leigh Photography
On March 3 South Brunswick Magazine and Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce gathered at Brick Landing Plantation in Ocean Isle Beach to honor the recipients of the 2013 Future 10 awards. The Future 10 are young professionals who are community-minded, enthusiastic about Brunswick County and live up to the chamber’s motto of Building and Supporting Business. They must be younger than 40, a member of the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce and actively involved in the chamber. The 2013 Future 10 recipients honored at the reception included: Michael Braddock II of Brunswick Forest, Daniel Simmons of OIB ReadyMix Concrete, Dr. Brian Link of Coastal Integrative Health, Dr. Patrick McCauley of Coastal Integrative Health, Whitney Sauls of Sloane Realty Vacations, Michael Abushakra of Brynn Elizabeth Jewelers, Aaron Perkins of Brunswick County Parks and Recreation, Crystal Babson of Coldwell Banker Seacoast Advantage and J. Ryan Smithwick of Baxley Smithwick PLLC.

North Carolina 4th of July Festival
Photography By Secure Digital Photography
The City of Southport celebrates the 4th of July in a big way, with nearly 50,000 people gathering to show their patriotic spirit. The festival features more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, festival food, live music and entertainment, a parade featuring the newly crowned Miss North Carolina, a Naturalization Ceremony, a Veterans Recognition Ceremony, a Flag Retirement Ceremony, a Beach Day at Oak Island with volleyball and sandcastle building, the Freedom Run and Walk, children’s entertainment, the Shine and Show Classic Car Show, a sailing regatta, professional wrestling and, of course, fireworks. These events and many more take place over the course of a week, from Saturday, June 28 to Saturday, July 5.
When: June 28 to July 5
Where: Various locations, Southport
Information: (910) 457-5578; nc4thofjuly.com

The Golf Ball
Photography By Genie Leigh Photography
Valentine’s Day weekend was a whole lot sweeter for those who attended the fourth annual Golf Ball fundraiser on February 15. Attendees were treated to dinner, wine, music and dancing, all while supporting scholarships for local college seniors. The black-tie optional event, held at the Brunswick Community College South Brunswick Islands Center, was a fundraiser for The First Tee of Brunswick County’s Scholarship Program, which provides college scholarships to graduating seniors based upon academic performance, involvement with The First Tee, and need.