Like many local businesses and organizations, the CSS Neuse Foundation has been hit hard by fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The CSS Neuse II, the replica of the original CSS Ram Neuse ironclad, has been essentially closed from April through July. The board tried to open the gunboat on June 6, but when the pandemic numbers ticked upward again, the board decided to leave the CSS Neuse II closed.

During 2017, 2018 and 2019, the Neuse II drew nearly 16,000 visitors. During the first two and a half months of this year, the Neuse II had drawn nearly 600 visitors – despite winter months being a slow time for visitors. The replica gunboat serves as one of the anchors of heritage tourism in this county.

The closure has had an economic impact on the Neuse Foundation, caretaker of the Neuse II. Although the Neuse II does not charge admission, the foundation receives donations each week from the many people who visit. In addition, tee shirts, caps, posters and other items create a small revenue stream. During the pandemic, the Neuse Foundation has received little toward its mission of maintaining and enhancing the gunboat.

On Sept. 11, only a month away, the Neuse Foundation will host its largest and, historically, most successful fundraiser – “Wings Over the Neuse.” Last year, 75 sponsors generated thousands of dollars in cash support. Another dozen in-kind sponsors gave assistance by donating supplies needed to make the event successful. Dozens of local citizens volunteered their time and skills to cook the chicken wings, make plates, and run delivery routes.

“We need to have the best ‘Wings Over the Neuse’ we have ever had to help us weather the economic storm of this pandemic,” said David Mooring, president of the Neuse Foundation. “We are hoping all of last year’s sponsors can help again this year – and that new sponsors will step up to support us.”

Sponsors at the Platinum Level donate $500 or more. The foundation recognizes these supporters on a large single banner displayed for two weeks, usually one week before and one week after the event. Platinum sponsors also receive up to 25 complimentary plates of wings. Any person or business giving at this level is also recognized as a Flag Officer on the plaque onboard the Neuse II. If the donor’s support meets or exceeds $1,000, the status on the plaque is upgraded to Admiral.

Gold Level sponsors give between $250 and $499. Each Gold Level sponsor’s name appears with one other gold-level sponsor on a banner for two weeks around the event. Sponsors at this level may receive up to 12 complimentary plates of wings.

Silver Level sponsors, those who donate from $100 to $249, have their names on a banner with other silver sponsors for two weeks around the event and can receive up to five complimentary plates of wings.

Foundation board members will be approaching past sponsors in the next week or so.

“We know many of our supporters – individuals and businesses – have had a hard time during this pandemic, but we are hoping they will still be able to help. We really need their support, but not at the expense of putting their businesses or employees’ salaries in jeopardy,” Mooring said.

“And we would love to have a host of new sponsors – sponsors who appreciate what the volunteers who serve on the Neuse Foundation board and work as docents on the replica are doing to draw heritage tourism to this county.”

To obtain a sponsorship form, you can email me at mparker16@gmail.com.

Wing plates will also be on sale for $5.00 at the Farmers Market beginning around 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 11. Please stop by and pick up a few plates.

The CSS Neuse II has always been a community effort. Hundreds of people of all backgrounds stepped up during construction to help build the gunboat. Hundreds of others donated money and materials to make the dream of the Neuse II into a living historical reality.

Their seven-year support enabled the foundation to build the CSS Neuse II. This community’s continued support through the years has enabled this living history museum to remain open at no charge to the community that made this experience possible.

“The Neuse Foundation knows this community will once again step up to support our efforts to keep the Neuse II strong as one of the anchors of our area’s tourism.”

Mike Parker is a columnist for Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.