Right Around the River Blog
Rocketts Landing Residents Get Social and Help a Neighbor
Post Date: 05-10-2012
We feel super lucky that our community tends to attract a variety of active, outgoing, fun and genuinely sincere people to live here. So when we heard that many Rocketts Landing residents spent their Cinco de Mayo/Kentucky Derby weekend both with lively festivities and a yard sale fundraiser for fellow residents, we immediately got all warm and fuzzy inside and had to share!
Yard Sale Fundraiser
Yard sales are typically not permitted in our community. But when Rocketts Landing residents have important causes to support, bending the rules becomes worthwhile! Such was the case this past weekend when residents rallied together to help out fellow neighbors Gabe and Natalie Corbett.
In September 2011, the Corbett’s infant son, Isaac, was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS Type 1). Isaac has been in Duke Hospital ever since. In fighting for their son’s health, they’ve accrued a plethora of medical expenses, many of which are far from over. Driven to help out, our residents organized a yard sale with the goal of raising $1000 toward the cause. From 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., they sold a collection of over 20 residents’ donated items, including furniture, electronics and household appliance. By the yard sale’s end, they successfully raised $1720!
“I was very happy to see the Homeowners Association grant us an exception to allow this [yard sale],” explains fundraiser organizer and Rocketts Landing resident Julie Mabie. “It’s just another example of what makes Rocketts such a great place — we’re a real community, and we take care of each other.”
We’re certainly humbled by our residents’ actions and hope only the best for Isaac, Gabe and Natalie! If you wish to donate or organize your own fundraiser in support of their cause, you can do so on their website through the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. You’ll also be able to donate to help the Corbetts by visiting the residents’ fundraiser booth at our upcoming Memorial Day event Rocketts Red Glare.
Cinco de Mayo/Kentucky Derby Festivities
In addition to supporting great causes, Rocketts Landing residents also enjoy socializing together — and the events hosted by the Residents Social Committee certainly keep everyone’s spirits high! In honor of both the Mexican holiday and American racing tradition, residents threw a “Cinco de DERBY” bash this past weekend, complete with event-themed food and drinks. They even harvested mint from one of the resident's community garden plots to enjoy in their mint juleps!
“[Resident] Sharon Payne was gracious enough to open her home, even though she had to work,” explains Rocketts Landing resident Laura Streat (Sharon Payne is also the Residents Social Committee President). “And we are always well fed at our gatherings. Everyone brought something yummy to eat, [including] Mexican dips, wings, homemade mini cheesecakes, just to name a few.”
From volunteering for good causes to offering lively gatherings, Rocketts Landing residents certainly know how to come together and have a good time. If you’re a resident and you’ve not yet connected with the Residents Social Committee, we definitely encourage you to get involved. Their next event is a Memorial Day picnic, and we’re certain great times are in store!