Morehead City, NC (December 3, 2024) – The Big Rock proudly announces its donation of over $1.7 million to various charitable organizations in 2024, bringing the organization’s total contributions to an astounding $11,962,948 since its inception. These donations reflect Big Rock’s unwavering commitment to supporting community improvement, education, and conservation. Big Rock remains dedicated to its mission of “charity first” by supporting 10 core charities annually and thoughtfully considering applications for larger grant requests.
This year, Big Rock reaffirmed its dedication to education by donating $589,000 to Carteret County Public Schools. Of this total, $339,000 was allocated to schools within the Carteret County Public School System for the purchase and enhancement of playground equipment and outdoor recreational facilities. $250,000 was contributed to the Carteret County Public Schools Foundation to invest in the future of education. These funds will assist new teachers, including the Big Rock Teaching Fellows, by providing resources to make housing more affordable. Thanks to initiatives like these, Carteret County Schools remain among the top-ranked in the state, highlighting the transformative power of Big Rock’s commitment to education.
Other significant contributions in 2024 include $83,000 to the Town of Atlantic Beach for enhancements to the Bridge abutment at 809 Atlantic Beach Causeway, one of the area’s few public sound-side access points. Planned upgrades, in partnership with the NC Wildlife Resource Commission, include an ADA-accessible sidewalk, picnic tables, trash receptacles, a bicycle rack, a guardrail, and an informational kiosk to improve safety, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience.
The Foundation also provided an additional $250,000 to Carteret Community Theatre, bringing its total support for the venue to $500,000 over two years to aid in its restoration following Hurricane Florence. A pillar in the community, the theatre has long served as a hub for the performing arts, offering opportunities for people of all ages to experience and participate in cultural enrichment. This funding ensures the theatre can continue its legacy of fostering creativity, connection, and inspiration for future generations.
Additionally, $22,500 was donated to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) to support the Big Rock x IGFA Great Marlin Race initiative. As the world’s largest citizen-based satellite tagging program for blue marlin, this initiative generates invaluable data about the species’ migratory patterns and behavior. These insights play a critical role in shaping sustainable management strategies and advancing conservation efforts to ensure the long-term protection of blue marlin populations.
Finally, $50,000 was contributed to Samaritan’s Purse to assist Western North Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene, supporting disaster relief efforts to help families and communities rebuild.
Big Rock’s charitable giving would not be possible without the remarkable efforts and support of the following:
– PARTICIPANTS: Anglers who competed in the Big Rock Tournaments including the Keli Wagner Lady Angler (KWLA) Tournament, the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, and the Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament.
– RETAIL CUSTOMERS: Customers that made purchases in-store or online.
– SPONSORS: Esteemed partners who provide financial support to Big Rock to promote their brands, products, and services during the tournaments and events.
– DONORS: Generous individuals and organizations who align with and donate to Big Rock’s mission.
– COMMUNITY MEMBERS: Whether they’re a part of the sportfishing industry or local to Carteret County, the Big Rock Family knows no bounds.
“I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made this year, our contributions reflect the heart and soul of Big Rock’s mission. These efforts are only possible thanks to the unwavering support of the entire Big Rock family. Together, we’re building a stronger community and creating a legacy of giving that will last for generations.”
– Tommy Bennett, Big Rock Charity Committee Chairman
The Big Rock extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who makes this vision a reality, proving once again that the mission of “charity first” is more than a motto — it’s a legacy.
For more details on the Big Rock Foundation’s charitable initiatives or to find out how you can get involved, please visit https://thebigrock.com/charities/.
BIG ROCK CORE CHARITIES
– Broad Street Clinic: $7,500
– Crystal Coast Hospice House: $7,500
– East Carolina Boys Scout Council: $7,500
– The History Place: $7,500
– Hope Mission: $7,500
– Martha’s Mission: $7,500
– North Carolina State University Research: $10,000
– North Carolina Symphony-Carteret County: $17,000
– Station Club/Easter Seals UPC: $7,500
– The Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament – Boys and Girls Club, $35,000
– The Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament – Carteret Healthcare, $25,000
2024 BIG ROCK DONATIONS
– Beaufort Elementary School: $41,000
– Beaufort Middle School: $27,000
– Bogue Sound Elementary School: $51,000
– Broad Creek Middle School: $90,000
– Camp Albemarle: $50,000
– Cape Carteret Police Department: $34,500
– Carteret Community College: $20,000
– Carteret Community Theatre: $250,000
– Carteret County Domestic Violence Program: $7,500
– Carteret County Partnership for Children: $7,000
– Carteret County Preschool: $17,500
– Carteret County Public School Foundation: $250,000
– Core Sound Museum: $46,500
– Croatan High School: $15,000
– Delta Health Foundation: $10,000
– Educational Passages: $12,000
– Family Promise: $21,000
– Friends of Fort Macon: $40,000
– Friends of Scouting – Downeast: $6,000
– Lady Star of the Sea (Knights of Columbus-MHC): $2,000
– Knights of Columbus (New Bern): $3,000
– Make-A-Wish: $7,500
– Military Appreciation Day: $10,000
– Misplaced Mutts: $5,000
– Morehead City Girls Softball League: $15,000
– Morehead City Little League: $83,000
– Newport Fire Department: $5,000
– Newport Girls Softball League: $15,000
– Operation Resolute, Inc.: $40,000
– Purpose Driven Youth: $5,000
– Rotary Club of Morehead City: $5,000
– Smyrna Elementary and Down East Middle: $115,000
– The Bridge Downeast: $50,000
– Town of Atlantic Beach: $83,000
– Town of Pine Knoll Shores: $17,000
– Voices Together: $17,000
– IGFA Tags: $22,500
– Samaritan’s Purse: $50,000
ABOUT BIG ROCK:
The Big Rock is a renowned non-profit organization that hosts three premier tournaments: the Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament, the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, and the Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament. In addition to these events, Big Rock operates a thriving retail store and lifestyle brand. Funds are generated through the success of these initiatives and the generosity of donors, with all proceeds directly supporting Big Rock’s charitable efforts. At its core, Big Rock is guided by a five-point mission statement that reflects its dedication to community, conservation, and education:
– To promote sportfishing throughout Carteret County and the state of North Carolina.
– To promote Conservation among Sportfishermen.
– To raise money for Charities and Worthy Community Projects.
– To preserve Maritime Culture and Heritage.
– To promote Marine Education.
