Nonprofit honors local woman, charity

A nonprofit that honors a local woman and aids her favorite charity will announce the winner at an awards banquet later this month.

The “I Love That Lady” fundraiser is at Carolina Colours Pavilion at 6 p.m. Feb. 23.

The nonprofit campaign that was born out of efforts by video production company owner Kim Briele’s desire to give back to the community.

“How many times have you said or heard, ‘Gosh, I just love that lady?’” she said.

More than three years ago, she talked over ideas with friends at dinner, and the campaign was born.

The nonprofit now annually honors a local woman through community nominations, hosts a banquet and distributes the profits to a charity of the winner’s choice.

 “I Love That Lady awards proceeds to a different charity each year,” said Briele. “The committee takes nominations from the community and then votes on the deserving candidate. The winner then selects the charity of her choice for the check to be presented. So every year someone is honored for their philanthropic work and a different charity wins every year.”

Through her production company, LCA Advertising and Productions, Briele interviews friends and family and the volunteer organization associated with the winner, and then prepares a video for the awards banquet.

“I do this secretly so that they (the winner) do not even know it is happening,” she said.

The inagural winner was Patricia “Cookie” Montgomery, who works with Burmese refugees.

Last year’s award went to Shelby Smith, who is involved in numerous community service projects. Her donation went to a child care center in Havelock for special needs children.

The campaign raised a $500 donation each of the first two years, Briele said. This year’s goal is $1,000.

There will also be a silent auction, which includes a weeklong beach trip; a six month golf membership at The Emerald; a fitness membership to Sound Fitness and a variety of other items.

The event has grown steadily and in its third year, added a golf tournament, which was held in November.

“Many local businesses have really embraced our concept of recognizing a woman who gives unselfishly of themselves in order to make someone else's life better,” Briele said. “We are unique in that our charity changes every year.” 

 Briele said this year’s winner is another stellar community servant.

 “This year's winner is an example of someone whose tireless efforts have touched so many in our community,” Briele said.  “Her story is inspirational and a video will be shown the night of the event recognizing her efforts.”

Briele also has entertainment at each year’s awards.

This year will feature illusionist Joel Givens from Fayetteville, who will entertain at each table throughout the evening.

Tickets are $30 per person, which includes dinner. Reservations for tables of eight are available.

For ticket information, email ilovethatlady@yahoo.com or send $30 with name, address and email to I Love That Lady, P.O. Box 13414, New Bern, NC 28561.  

The deadline for tickets is Wednesday.

For more information, call 252-636-5860, ext. 25.