Local officials and residents gathered for 5K event supporting area’s most vulnerable

BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON

EDENTON — Under threatening skies that ultimately held their rain, dozens of community members laced up their walking shoes Saturday morning at St. Ann Catholic Church for the annual St. Vincent de Paul Friend of the Poor 5K, an untimed walk/run event that exemplifies the small-town spirit of solidarity that defines this historic Chowan County seat.

The morning began with a prayer that set the tone for the entire event: “Bless this walk with your presence that our steps may be a sign of hope for those who struggle, our voices a call for justice and our hearts open to the needs of the poor,” offered the pastor, invoking the spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul to guide participants toward “walking with compassion, humility and joy.”

A Message of Small Acts, Great Love

Father Anit A. Jacob delivering remarks before the walk commenced, reminded the gathered crowd that their purpose extended far beyond physical exercise.

“We are here today with a purpose,” he emphasized, drawing on the wisdom of Saint Mother Teresa: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things which create love.”

He called on participants to recognize how “every small act, every small steps that we take make changes in this world,” gathering as “one family” to address poverty in their community.

Unprecedented Municipal Support

What makes St. Ann St. Vincent de Paul Conference unique among all chapters in North Carolina is the direct financial support it receives from the town government — a partnership that Mayor Hackney “Hack” High highlighted as both rare and beautiful.

“Unlike any other conference in the state of North Carolina, [Edenton has] dedicated in their budget money for the citizens of Edenton,” noted Wendy McGrath, outgoing president of the local St. Vincent de Paul society. This municipal backing helps address a critical gap in services.

Mayor High explained the practical impact of this partnership: “As a governmental agency, we are not allowed by law to forgive electric bills,” but through their annual donation to St. Vincent de Paul, “the money that we donate helps people with their electric bills.”

The mayor praised St. Ann’s congregation as “an example of the giving and caring nature of your church” and expressed gratitude for their role in helping “those among us that need us most.”

Far-Reaching Impact

County Commissioner Bob Kirby, a St. Ann parishioner who was born at a St. Vincent de Paul hospital in Norfolk, Virginia nearly 70 years ago, marveled at the organization’s extensive reach.

“It’s almost unbelievable how engaged this society is within the community,” he said, noting how the French-founded organization that began in the United States in St. Louis, Missouri, continues to treat everyone as “our equal brothers and sisters.”

The impact statistics shared during the event paint a picture of substantial community support. Over the past 20 months in the five-county area, primarily serving Chowan County and Edenton, the local St. Vincent de Paul conference has:

• Assisted 431 families or individuals
• Kept electricity on for 201 families
• Prevented homelessness by paying rent or mortgages for 71 families
• Provided emergency lodging for 27 families
• Supplied long-term transitional housing for three families who have since secured employment and independent housing
• Offered additional assistance including furniture, medical needs, transportation, automotive repairs, and dental and vision care

Leadership Transition

The walk marked a transition moment for the organization, as Mary McGrath concluded her tenure as president. Lisa Solomon was introduced as the incoming president, receiving enthusiastic applause from the assembled walkers who had gathered to support the cause.

McGrath, reflecting on the scope of services provided, expressed pride in being “part of this organization, this national and international organization” that addresses virtually every need that arises in the community.

Community Spirit Prevails

Despite the threat of rain that prevented the high school color guard from participating due to liability concerns, the community spirit remained undaunted. Participants joined together for the Pledge of Allegiance and donned matching t-shirts to “walk in solidarity.”

Commissioner Kirby encouraged generous giving, noting the red donation pitcher at the registration table and expressing hope that it would “get full so full that it overflows.”

The event concluded with acknowledgment of the spiritual foundation that undergirds all of the organization’s work. “It is only with him and by him that any of this is possible,” McGrath said, thanking Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit for enabling their service to the community.

As participants made their way to the starting line, they carried with them the morning’s central message: that in a world of overwhelming need, small acts of love and solidarity can create meaningful change, one step at a time.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society operates as an international Catholic charitable organization dedicated to serving those in need. The Edenton conference welcomes donations and volunteers year-round to continue their mission of supporting area families in crisis. To contact the group, call 252-412-0265 or visit https://www.stannedenton.com/ministries/saint-vincent-de-paul