On behalf of two local organizations, Central Lincoln County (CLC) YMCA and Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust (Coastal Rivers), Colby & Gale initiated a fundraising campaign to give back to the community. The fundraiser included Colby and Gale, CLC YMCA, and Coastal Rivers staff all selling raffle tickets with a prize of 800 gallons of oil or propane donated by Colby & Gale. The drawing was held in February with the winner of the 800 gallons announced as Hannah McGhee of Newcastle. A combined total of $8,365 was raised to be shared between CLC YMCA and CRCT.

Interim CEO of CLC YMCA, Casey Clark Kelley, said, “The true collaborative spirit of our community was reflected in this fundraising event. We are humbled by Colby and Gale’s initiative to raise money to support the Y’s Annual Fund and outreach work, especially now as the needs of our community are growing with the continuing impact of COVID-19. We can’t thank Matt Poole and Colby & Gale enough for their support and continued partnership with the Y.”

CLC YMCA outreach work through the COVID-19 crisis includes wellness phone call check-ins with community members, weekly food and supply drives, daily food drop-offs, food pantry deliveries, coordination with Lincoln County Food Initiative, community resource listings, providing a pick-up site for Healthy Lincoln County Summer Meals Program, hosting blood drives, and serving as a connector between our rural communities.

Steven Hufnagel, executive director of Coastal Rivers, also thanked Colby & Gale. He noted, “We’re grateful to Colby & Gale for their support of our programs, not least those that get kids outdoors, learning and enjoying time in the fresh air and dirt. Their investment makes for healthier kids and a stronger community. We also appreciate the support of all who contributed by buying chances. Since Colby & Gale themselves managed the drawing, staff and family of the benefitted organizations were permitted to participate, and happily our staff are among our most enthusiastic supporters. So I was pleased to hear that Hannah McGhee, our communications & outreach manager, was drawn as the winner.”