Leadership Randolph adds layer this year with online auction

ASHEBORO — Leadership Randolph has traditionally supported one nonprofit as a team project. This year’s class not only expanded that to four nonprofit projects but went even further, raising money for Lydia’s Place.

Leadership Randolph was established in 1988 as a program of the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce to develop community-minded leaders. The 10-month program examines various resources, issues and services within the county.

Adam Deathe, president and CEO of the Chamber, said he wanted to expand the projects of Leadership Randolph to make it more of a “Chamber of the Community.” 

“I wanted a form of legacy for this year’s class,” he said July 30.

The class had formed into four smaller groups, each devising a nonprofit project. The students worked with United Way of Randolph County to invite nonprofits to apply for help.

“We had a number of applications that we shared with the class,” Deathe said. “Each group picked a project. The projects will wrap up in August and be presented to the nonprofits in September.”

But Deathe wasn’t finished. “I invited volunteers to support the delivery of a stretch project, a fifth project for the benefit of our community. This project is the online auction in support of Lydia’s Place.

“The online auction, accessible through the QR code accompanying this story and https://arcc.betterworld.org/auctions/leadership-randolph-stretch-proj will close at the end of August.”

Lydia’s Place is a nonprofit organization providing temporary shelter for women and families experiencing homelessness in central North Carolina. Not only do families receive shelter, Lydia’s Place also provides meals, basic hygiene, budget assistance, computer lab, transportation and help finding jobs and housing. And that’s not to mention money for housing application fees, utility deposits, driver’s license fees, replacement birth certificates and Social Security cards as well as funds for medical support.

“Lydia’s Place needs help for the cost of women getting back on their feet,” Deathe said. 

The online auction, to be held Aug. 31, is augmented by donations from individuals, businesses and organizations.

Helping with a fifth project is in line with Deathe’s goal to provide Leadership Randolph students with a stronger sense of community.

“The palpable sense of community was something that attracted me to Randolph County when I explored the potential of moving here last year,” he said. “Without community, our lives would be poorer. It is something we all avail ourselves of every day. I am keen that we all are able to contribute positively to its growth and sustainability. Even small contributions to our community help. Therefore, the auction website will also accept financial donations to our project in support of Lydia’s Place.

“Leadership is front and center, to create a new generation of leaders. This is an opportunity to apply leadership skills.”