A new fund established by Fin and Nancy Gaddy of Manteo with the North Carolina Community Foundation will enable American children who have lost a parent in combat to attend YMCA Camp Sea Gull or Camp Seafarer, according to an announcement by NCCF CEO and president Jennifer Tolle Whiteside.

The Camp Sea Gull Seafarer Gold Star Children’s Fund will provide support to the YMCA of the Triangle Area, which operates the two resident camps on the Neuse River in Arapahoe.

“The Gaddys are well-known philanthropists throughout North Carolina,” said Tolle Whiteside. “We are so honored to steward another fund for this generous family and in support of children who have suffered the ultimate sacrifice.”

The Gaddys were moved to create the fund after reading an article about a family who lost their father in combat. The children of the fallen soldier are the same age as the Gaddys’ two sons. A YMCA newsletter said the couple “was inspired to do something tangible to help those left behind,” and as camp parents and alumni, knew first-hand the benefits of attending Sea Gull and Seafarer.

Those interested in attending camp with support of the fund should contact Jocelyn Atkins with questions at 919-719-9645 or Jocelyn.Atkins@seagull-seafarer.org. To learn more about the camps, visit https://www.seagull-seafarer.org/

Those interested in donating to the fund should send their tax-deductible contributions to the Foundation in the name of the Camp Sea Gull Seafarer Gold Star Children’s Fund. Gifts of any size and at any time can be made online at nccommunityfoundation.org by pressing the GIVE NOW tab on any page or mailed to NCCF, 3737 Glenwood Ave., Suite 460, Raleigh, NC 27612.

“We are very grateful for the generosity of the Gaddy family in creating this fund to benefit military children who have lost a parent in combat,” said Gretchen Presnell Hyde, YMCA director of development. “YMCA Camp Sea Gull and YMCA Camp Seafarer provide deeply impactful experiences and we believe all children should have the opportunity to build community and grow in this environment, and the Gaddys are making that possible for families who have deeply sacrificed for the rest of us.”

About the North Carolina Community Foundation

The NCCF is the single statewide community foundation serving North Carolina and has administered more than $145 million in grants since its inception in 1988. With more than $270 million in assets, NCCF sustains 1,300 endowments established to provide long-term support of a broad range of community needs, nonprofit organizations, institutions and scholarships. The NCCF partners with a network of affiliate foundations to provide local resource allocation and community assistance across the state. An important component of NCCF’s mission is to ensure that rural philanthropy has a voice at local, regional and national levels.

For more information, visit nccommunityfoundation.org.

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