The Lucille W. Gorham Intergenerational Community Center (IGCC) played host to a vibrant spring season in 2017, showcasing its commitment to community engagement and intergenerational connection through two standout events. These events, from a dazzling dance competition to a celebratory community day, not only highlighted the center’s vital role in Greenville but also subtly underscored the importance of community involvement, potentially sparking interests in various career paths, including those explored at events like the Ecu Career Fair Spring 2017.
Dancing with the Stars: A Night of Rhythm and Fundraising
On April 1st, 2017, the Holiday Inn in Greenville transformed into a ballroom for the IGCC’s inaugural “Dancing with the Stars” fundraiser. The energy was palpable as a sold-out crowd gathered to witness nine local couples take to the dance floor, all in support of the IGCC’s diverse programs and services. Among the participants was a special guest, the center’s namesake, Lucille Gorham, dancing alongside her son Charles, demonstrating the very spirit of intergenerational connection the IGCC champions.
DWS Group 2017
The dance floor featured a diverse array of talent, representing various sectors of the Greenville community:
- Mr. Chris Godley from State Farm Insurance paired with Mrs. Rochelle Lee of the NC Department of Corrections.
- Mr. and Mrs. G. Todd and Diane Taylor from TaylorMade Publishing brought their partnership to the dance floor.
- Dr. Dennis McCunney from East Carolina University (ECU) and Mrs. Amy McCunney from Vidant Medical Center showcased their moves.
- The Honorable Kandie Smith, Greenville Mayor Pro Tempore, teamed up with Mr. Calvin Garris, Jr., a student from JH Rose High School.
- Mrs. Mery Caldwell of Pitt Community College danced with Mr. Prudencio Martinez-Menegel from ECU.
- Dr. Maria Picton representing Physicians East partnered with Mr. Procopio Serrano from The East Group PA.
- Mrs. Tonya Lynch of JGirls Style Solutions, LLC, danced with her son Mr. Jacob Jefferson, a student at EB Aycock Middle School.
- Miss Rebekah Thurston from Greenville Fire-Rescue and Mr. Scott Allenspach of RE/MAX Preferred Realty completed the dynamic lineup.
A panel of esteemed judges, including Dr. Virginia Hardy, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at ECU, Rodney Bullock, owner of Altitude Academy Barber School, Tony Cannon, General Manager/CEO of Greenville Utilities Commission, and Shareen Berkowitz, Small Business Counselor at Pitt Community College’s Small Business Center, had the challenging task of evaluating the performances. The evening was expertly emceed by Mr. Dave Jordan of WITN News, adding to the event’s professional and engaging atmosphere.
Ultimately, the first-place trophy was awarded to the impressive duo of The Honorable Kandie Smith and Mr. Calvin Garris, Jr. More importantly, the event successfully raised approximately $25,000, funds crucial for supporting the IGCC’s ongoing programs and community services. Events like this not only bolster community spirit but also subtly highlight the diverse career paths and community roles present within Greenville, mirroring the opportunities explored at events like the ECU Career Fair Spring 2017.
IGCC Day 2017: A Decade of Community Service
Just a week later, on Saturday, April 8th, the IGCC continued its spring celebrations with “IGCC Day 2017,” marking a significant milestone: the center’s 10th anniversary of service to the community. This free “block party” event, stretching across the 1100 block of Ward Street in West Greenville, served as a vibrant testament to the IGCC’s enduring impact.
Image alt text: Aerial view of IGCC Day 2017 block party in West Greenville, North Carolina, showing community members enjoying food, music, and activities during the 10th-anniversary celebration.
Over 850 attendees participated in IGCC Day, taking advantage of the numerous free offerings, including food, live music, dancing, activities for youth, games, and donation giveaways. Merchant and informational vendors were present, alongside resources providing health and wellness information tailored to community needs. The event underscored the IGCC’s role as a central hub, connecting residents with vital resources and fostering a strong sense of community. Such community-focused initiatives can inspire younger generations to consider careers in community service, social work, or related fields, options often highlighted at events like the ECU Career Fair Spring 2017.
A special highlight of IGCC Day was a performance by musicians from The Nile Project. This unique collective, formed in 2011, brings together artists from Nile Basin countries, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Burundi. Their performance showcased a rich blend of traditional musical genres and instruments, from Egyptian singers and Sudanese percussionists to a Kenyan guitarist and a singer from Burundi. Instruments like the Ethiopian kraar, Egyptian drums, and the Ugandan adungau harp filled the air with captivating sounds. The Nile Project’s mission extends beyond music, addressing cultural and environmental challenges through education, mirroring the holistic approach to community development championed by the IGCC and institutions like ECU, which are also invested in the future career paths of their students and the broader community, as seen in events like the ECU Career Fair Spring 2017.
Throughout IGCC Day, community members, partners, vendors, and families expressed heartfelt gratitude for the event and the IGCC’s decade of service. The successful planning and execution of IGCC Day were attributed to the dedication of ECU Spring interns: Sydney McDowell, Chelsi Watts, Demetrus Dixon, and Rodney Johnson. Their involvement exemplifies the practical learning and community engagement opportunities available through ECU, further connecting the spirit of events like IGCC Day with the career exploration found at events like the ECU Career Fair Spring 2017, where students and community members can discover pathways to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
