Mike Parker: ‘Wings Over the Neuse’ takes flight again
Friday, September 8 marks the 15th edition of “Wings Over the Neuse,” the major fundraiser for the CSS Neuse Foundation, caretaker of the full-scale replica of the original CSS Ram Neuse.
Construction on the CSS Neuse II began in 2002. By 2009, the replica gunboat was finished to a degree that it could opened to the public. The Neuse II was a joint effort of Ted Sampley, Alton Stapleford, and hundreds of volunteers who helped raise money for materials and provided labor for construction. That same year, Ted passed away.
In 2009, board members decided to do something special to raise funds to place a monument in honor of Ted and his vision. That fundraiser proved successful. The next time you visit the Neuse II, check out the memorial honoring Ted, complete with the tri-flag pole and bricks on the corner of Herritage and Gordon. The funds came from the first “Wings Over the Neuse.”
Most people thought Ted had lost his mind when he suggested building a full-scale replica of the CSS Ram Neuse on the corner of Herritage and Gordon streets. Alton had just retired from his business as a master boatbuilder when Ted Sampley was looking for someone to take charge of constructing the replica gunboat. Their teamwork paved the way for the construction of the Neuse II.
I became involved with the CSS Neuse Foundation in 2012 and soon learned the importance of what had become the foundation’s primary fundraiser – “Wings Over the Neuse.”
During “Wings,” the foundation raises money in two ways. First, we seek community businesses, organizations, and individuals to be sponsors. Sponsors can pick from three sponsorship levels.
Silver sponsors donate at least $100. The silver sponsor receives at least two weeks of advertising on a banner with other silver sponsors. The silver sponsor can either have up to five wing plates delivered or pick up the plates at the Lenoir County Farmers Market.
A gold sponsor donates at least $250. Gold sponsors receive at least two weeks of recognition on a banner with one other gold sponsor. Gold sponsors can also have up to 12 wing plates delivered, or they can pick them up at the Farmers Market.
The top level of sponsorship is platinum. Platinum sponsors donate at least $500. They receive recognition on a banner that bears only their name and logo, and they may pick up or have delivered up to 25 wing plates. The foundation asks all sponsors to arrange to have their plates picked up by 1 p.m. if they choose the pick-up option.
The second way the foundation makes money is by selling chicken wing plates. Once plates for sponsors have been set aside for pick up or sent for delivery, sales to the public begin. Each wing plate is only $5.00 and includes chicken wings, celery and carrot sticks, and ranch dressing.
The money the foundation raises does not go into anyone’s pocket. All board members and docents are unpaid volunteers. Many board members dip into their pockets to purchase things needed for maintaining the CSS Neuse II and never ask for a reimbursement.
Still, the foundation does have expenses. First, insurance runs nearly $4,000 per year. City utilities cost – on average – roughly $100 per month. Routine maintenance results in other expenses.
From the beginning, the CSS Neuse II has been a community project. Whether the support has been financial or sweat equity, the citizens of Kinston and Lenoir County have demonstrated over and over that this project is important to them.
The Neuse II brings tourism to our community. Last year, a group of 25 teachers from Rio Grande, Ohio, came to Kinston to visit the CSS Neuse Museum and the CSS Neuse II. This past Saturday, 11 members of a motorcycle club drove from Hampton Roads, Virginia, to tour the CSS Neuse Museum and the Neuse II.
The Neuse II has drawn visitors from as far away as the Philippines, Israel, and Ireland. People from all 50 U.S. states have come aboard the Neuse II. From 2015 through the end of 2022, the Neuse II drew 32,598 visitors.
We thank all who stepped up again this year to support the foundation’s work.
Thank you for your support.
Mike Parker, who serves on the board of the CSS Neuse Foundation, is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.
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