kim, Author at RandolphKids.org

Gala for the Children 2026 Raises $94,000 for Randolph County Children | Randolph Partnership for Children

kim — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:22:04 +0000

Once Upon a Time in Randolph County — A Night That Changed the Story for Our Children

The Gala for the Children 2026 raises over $94,000 for programs supporting children birth through five in Randolph County.

Some evenings you remember for the action. Some for the company. Some for the way a room full of people comes together around something that truly matters.

April 18, 2026 was all three.

The Gala for the Children 2026 — Once Upon a Time in Randolph County — was one of the most extraordinary evenings in the history of our annual fundraiser. More than 200 guests filled the Randolph County Agricultural Event Center for a night of catered dining, spirited bidding, games, and community celebration — and when the final bid was placed and the last raffle ticket was drawn, this community had raised over $94,000 for children and families right here in Randolph County.

Let that number sink in for a moment. $94,000. For children who are just beginning their stories.

AN ENCHANTED EVENING

From the moment guests walked through the doors, the magic of Once Upon a Time was in the air. Black Powder Smokehouse kept the crowd well fed with a delicious buffet while the silent auction tables filled with bid sheets and the Revolving Raffle buckets began to overflow with tickets.

The evening was full of fun, laughter, and the kind of friendly competition that only happens when a community is bidding for a cause it believes in. The Rock Paper Scissors game brought the crowd to its feet at 8:15 PM — with the last person standing, David Smith, choosing between a Cabin Stay in Gatlinburg or a 3-Night Stay in Ocean Isle Beach. The Revolving Raffle drew winners all evening long, building to the final draw — a Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 donated by Dripps Browning, LLC. Parker Benefit Auctions guided the crowd through it all with their trademark energy and expertise, and we are so grateful for their partnership.

THE LIVE AUCTION

The live auction brought out some of the most spirited bidding of the evening. And it was all kicked off with the “Buy a Hometown Hero a Drink” auction — where guests bid for the opportunity to buy Former Asheboro Mayor David Smith a drink!

Every bid was a vote of confidence in the community we share.

THE SILENT AUCTION — THREE CHAPTERS, ONE STORY

This year’s silent auction featured three themed sections — Once Upon a Time, A Hero’s Journey, and Happily Ever After — each closing at a different time throughout the evening to keep the excitement building. With more than 70 items across all three sections, guests had no shortage of incredible opportunities.

THE HEART OF THE EVENING

Every Gala for the Children has a moment that brings the room together — a moment that reminds every guest why they came. This year that moment was the Fund-A-Need, dedicated to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails free, age-appropriate books every single month to registered children from birth through their fifth birthday — completely free to families. Randolph Partnership for Children helps bring this extraordinary program to families throughout Randolph County, because we know that children who are read to grow up ready to read themselves.

And it began with $8,000 in match dollars from our wonderful Gala Chairs, Modern Woodmen of America and a few anonymous donors! With that incentive, where the auctioneer called for the room to raise their paddles, Randolph County answered. And in that moment — paddles in the air, hearts full — the story of what this community is capable of became very clear.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS

None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of our sponsors. A heartfelt thank you to:

Gala Chairs: Modern Woodmen of America

Ciderella Crown Presenting Sponsors: Acme-McCrary and Sapona Foundation, Inc. | Alpha Omega Financial, LLC | Ann M. Hoover

We are also deeply grateful to every individual, business, and organization that donated an item to our auction and raffle — your generosity filled the tables and kept the paddles flying all evening. Finally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the members of our Gala planning committee, who helped ensure the success of every aspect of the Gala for the Children 2026.

LOOKING AHEAD

$94,000 is more than a number. It is books on doorsteps. It is families supported. It is a child walking into kindergarten ready to read, ready to learn, ready to grow. It is the next chapter — and Randolph County wrote it together.

We are already looking forward to the Gala for the Children 2027. If you would like to be part of the story — as a sponsor, auction donor, member of the planning committee, or guest — we would love to have you. Visit www.randolphkids.org or contact Kim Radcliffe at kradcliffe@randolphkids.org or (336) 629-2128 ext. 112 to learn more.

Thank you, Randolph County. What a chapter we wrote.

The post Gala for the Children 2026 Raises $94,000 for Randolph County Children | Randolph Partnership for Children appeared first on RandolphKids.org.

Supporting the Educators Who Care for Our Youngest Learners

kim — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 23:22:40 +0000

The Susan Helsabeck Scholarship

Early childhood educators give so much of themselves every day — their time, energy, patience, and care. For many, continuing their education is a goal, but one that can feel out of reach while balancing work, family, and financial responsibilities.

The Susan Helsabeck Scholarship exists to help make that goal more attainable.

What Is the Susan Helsabeck Scholarship?

The Susan Helsabeck Scholarship provides financial support to early childhood educators in Randolph County who are continuing their education in the field of Early Care and Education.

Awarded annually, the scholarship supports an educator who is:

Working in a Randolph County child care program
Actively enrolled in a higher education institution
Committed to growing professionally and strengthening their classroom practice

By supporting continued learning, the scholarship helps educators build skills, deepen their knowledge, and bring new ideas back to the children and families they serve.

Honoring Susan’s Legacy

This scholarship is named in memory of Susan Harris Helsabeck, a beloved colleague and longtime advocate for early childhood education.

Susan served as the Randolph Partnership for Children’s Professional Development Specialist from 2015 until her passing in 2021. Throughout her career, she was known for her encouragement, warmth, and unwavering belief in early educators and the important work they do.

Susan believed that supporting educators through continued education strengthens not only classrooms, but entire communities. This scholarship carries forward her commitment to lifting up those who care for our youngest learners.

Who Should Apply

Early childhood educators may be eligible to apply if they:

Are working as a teacher in a Randolph County child care program
Are actively enrolled in a higher education institution
Have completed EDU 119
Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher

Full eligibility details and application requirements are available online.

Why This Early Childhood Educator Scholarship Matters

When early educators are supported in their education, children benefit. Continued learning helps educators:

Strengthen classroom practices
Better support children’s development
Grow professionally in a demanding and meaningful field

The Susan Helsabeck Scholarship recognizes the dedication of early educators and invests in their growth.

Applications Are Now Open

Applications for the Susan Helsabeck Scholarship are now open.

If you are an early childhood educator in Randolph County who is continuing your education, we encourage you to apply and take advantage of this opportunity for support.

Learn more about eligibility and apply for the Susan Helsabeck Scholarship

The post Supporting the Educators Who Care for Our Youngest Learners appeared first on RandolphKids.org.

Thinking About a Career in Early Childhood?

kim — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 23:21:51 +0000

Randolph START Can Help You Begin

If you’re considering a career in early childhood education — or you’ve recently started working in a child care setting — you may be wondering where to begin. What training is required? How do you gain experience? And what support is available?

Randolph START (Supporting Teachers and Readying Talent) was created to help new and aspiring early childhood educators take their first steps with confidence.

What Is Randolph START?

Randolph START is a career pathway program for early childhood educators who are new to the field or exploring work in child care. The program provides training, guidance, and connections that help participants build a strong foundation for working with young children.

Whether you are exploring early childhood education as a career, changing fields, or just starting in a classroom, Randolph START offers a supportive place to begin.

Why Early Childhood Education Matters

Early childhood educators play a critical role in children’s brain development, social-emotional growth, and early learning. Quality early care lays the foundation for a child’s success in school and beyond.

Starting with the right training helps new educators feel prepared, supported, and confident as they enter the field.

Who Should Apply

Randolph START is designed for individuals who:

Are interested in becoming an early childhood educator
Are new to working in a child care program
Are exploring training or education in early childhood
Want guidance and support at the beginning of their career

The program meets participants where they are and supports a wide range of starting points.

Apply by February 6

Applications for the upcoming Randolph START cohort are due by February 6.

If you are ready to begin — or explore — a career in early childhood education, now is the time to apply.

Start Your Career with Support

Beginning a career in early childhood education doesn’t mean figuring everything out on your own. Randolph START provides the tools, guidance, and encouragement new educators need to take their next step.

Take the first step

The post Thinking About a Career in Early Childhood? appeared first on RandolphKids.org.

Step Into the Classroom:

kim — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 22:23:59 +0000

Why Community Leaders Are Invited to Early Educator Day

Early childhood educators do complex, skilled work every day — guiding learning, supporting development, and creating safe, nurturing environments for young children. Yet for many outside the classroom, it can be difficult to fully understand what this work looks like in practice.

That’s why Randolph Partnership for Children invites community leaders, elected officials, and business owners to participate in Early Educator Day on March 25.

What Is Early Educator Day?

Early Educator Day is a job-shadowing experience designed to give community leaders a firsthand look at the work early childhood educators do with our youngest learners.

Participants spend two hours shadowing an early educator in a local early learning setting. This experience allows leaders to observe the knowledge, patience, responsiveness, and decision-making required in early childhood classrooms.

Following the classroom visit, participants gather for a guided debrief over lunch to reflect on what they observed and discuss the role early educators play in supporting children, families, and the broader workforce.

A Closer Look at Compensation

As part of the debrief, participants receive a mock paycheck representing what they would have earned for their time in the classroom if they were employed as that educator.

This moment is not intended to surprise or shame, but to provide important context. It helps connect the skilled work participants observed with the reality of how early educators are compensated — and opens the door for informed, meaningful conversation.

Why Leaders and Business Owners Are Invited

Early childhood education is not only a family issue — it is a workforce and economic issue.

When early educators are supported, child care programs are more stable, families are better able to work, and local businesses benefit from a reliable workforce. Leaders who understand the realities of early childhood education are better positioned to make informed decisions that strengthen their communities.

Early Educator Day offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from classrooms rather than from reports or statistics alone.

Who Should Participate

Early Educator Day is especially relevant for:

Municipal, county, and state leaders
Business owners and employers
Community decision-makers and advocates

No prior experience with early childhood education is needed — just a willingness to listen, observe, and learn.

Join Us on March 25

Early Educator Day takes place on March 25, with job-shadowing opportunities scheduled throughout the morning and a shared lunch and debrief to follow.

Community leaders and business owners who are interested in participating are encouraged to learn more and sign up.

Learn more about Early Educator Day and register to participate

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Warm Seats & Feet: Meeting Basic Needs

kim — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 22:10:02 +0000

Warm Seats & Feet: Meeting Basic Needs for Young Children in Randolph County

Families know best what their children need.

Through conversations with parents across Randolph County, the Randolph Partnership for Children heard a consistent concern: young children outgrow socks and undergarments quickly, and replacing these basics can be difficult for families already stretching their budgets.

In response, we launched Warm Seats & Feet, a community initiative focused on helping meet these essential needs with care, dignity, and respect.

What Is Warm Seats & Feet?

Warm Seats & Feet provides new socks and new children’s undergarments for young children, along with additional cold-weather items and resources when available.

These items are offered to help families:

Replace worn or outgrown clothing
Keep children warm and comfortable
Free up limited household resources for other needs

Items are available while supplies last.

Who Can Receive Items

Warm Seats & Feet is designed to support families with young children in Randolph County.

There are no forms to complete and no questions to answer beyond what’s needed to help families feel welcomed and supported.

How to Access Warm Seats & Feet

Families can receive items by:

Visiting the Randolph Partnership for Children office during regular business hours, or
Connecting with us at select community events and distribution locations

Additional distribution opportunities will be shared as they become available.

Why This Matters

When children are warm and comfortable, they are better able to focus, play, and learn. By helping families meet basic needs, Warm Seats & Feet supports children’s confidence and well-being while helping families stretch limited resources.

Meeting basic needs is an important part of building strong foundations for learning and growth.

Community Support Makes This Possible

Warm Seats & Feet is made possible through generous community partnerships, including:

UnitedHealthcare
AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina

Their support allowed us to purchase essential items for young children in Randolph County. We are grateful for partners who listen to families and invest in solutions that make a real difference.

How the Community Can Help

Community members can support Warm Seats & Feet by:

Sharing this resource with families who may benefit
Donating new children’s socks or undergarments (items can be dropped off at the Randolph Partnership for Children office at 349 Sunset Ave, Asheboro or the Randolph Guardian ad Litem office at 134 N Fayetteville St, Asheboro.)
Helping spread the word about upcoming distribution opportunities

Together, we can help ensure young children have what they need to stay warm, comfortable, and ready to learn.

Questions or Need More Information?

Juani Allen, Family and Community Engagement Specialist

Randolph Partnership for Children
📍 349 Sunset Ave., Asheboro, NC
📞 336-629-2128 ext. 127
📧 jallen@randolphkids.org

Find Out More

The post Warm Seats & Feet: Meeting Basic Needs appeared first on RandolphKids.org.

Why Randolph County Needs More Early Childhood Educators

kim — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 20:11:27 +0000

Every Great Teacher Has a Beginning: Why Randolph County Needs More Early Childhood Educators

Every day, hundreds of families in Randolph County head to work—often with a stop at a child care center to entrust their little one to a teacher who knows them, welcomes them, and is trained to keep them safe while supporting their healthy development.

But this isn’t the reality for every family.

There simply aren’t enough child care spaces to meet the need.

According to The Early Years, nearly 6,000 young children in Randolph County live in households where their parent(s) work, but there are only 1,924 licensed child care slots available. That gap leaves families scrambling and places stress on an already strained workforce.

Space Isn’t the Problem — Staffing Is

When people hear about the shortage, many assume we need to build more centers. But the truth is: we already have room to enroll more children. What we don’t have is enough early educators to teach them.

Hiring new teachers can take weeks or months. Background checks must clear. Required trainings must be completed. And once someone begins the job, the reality sets in: early childhood education is not simply babysitting. It requires:

Understanding early learning and development
Building strong relationships with families
Maintaining safety and supervision
Completing health and safety trainings
Passing background checks and health assessments

It takes the right person with the right preparation—and finding that fit can take time and resources programs often don’t have to spare.

Introducing Randolph START

To support our community and strengthen the workforce, the Randolph Partnership for Children is launching Randolph Supporting Teachers and Readying Talent (Randolph START)—a fast-track early educator training program created to prepare the next generation of teachers.

Over two weeks (60 hours), participants will:

Complete all required training
Receive necessary background checks and assessments
Tour a child care program
Observe classrooms
Take part in hands-on learning experiences

At graduation, each participant will leave with a portfolio including:

Certificates for completed training
A qualifying letter from the Division of Child Development and Early Education
Samples of their work demonstrating readiness

This means centers can hire candidates who are already prepared, reducing onboarding costs, shortening time-to-hire, and helping programs open more classrooms so more families can access reliable childcare.

A Step Toward a Stronger Future

Investing in early educators doesn’t solve everything—but it moves us in the right direction. When we help future teachers succeed, we strengthen the entire community. A stable early education workforce means:

More classrooms open
More families supported
More children learning in nurturing environments

Every great teacher has a beginning. Randolph START is designed to help them find it.

Learn more about Randolph START

Find out about the W.A.G.E.S. salary supplement program.

The post Why Randolph County Needs More Early Childhood Educators appeared first on RandolphKids.org.

Imagine a Randolph County / Imagina un Condado de Randolph

kim — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:14:51 +0000

Imagine a Randolph County… Where Kids Dream Big and Families Shine

Close your eyes for a moment. Picture Randolph County as a place where every child’s laughter echoes in safe parks, every parent has the support they need, and every family feels connected. Sounds amazing, right? That’s the kind of future we’re dreaming up—but we can’t do it without YOU.

The Randolph Partnership for Children is inviting all Randolph County residents to take the 2025 Family and Community Survey. It’s quick, anonymous, and it gives you the chance to share what really matters to families like yours.

Why take it?
Because your voice is powerful! The survey will help us:

Create programs that truly fit the needs of families.
Show community leaders what YOU want for Randolph County.
Make sure kids and parents alike have what they need to thrive.

Imagine a Randolph County where:

Families find the resources they need with ease.
Every child gets the best possible start in life.
Community ideas turn into real solutions.

Here’s the fun part:

The survey is anonymous, but you can choose to get a copy of the results.
Only Randolph County, NC residents can participate.
Everyone who completes it can enter into a drawing for a $100 gift card to Wal-Mart or Sheetz (winner announced in early November!).

So go ahead—help us imagine, dream, and build a brighter future for our community.

Take the 2025 Family and Community Survey today. Together, we can make big dreams happen in Randolph County!

Take the Survey in English

Imagina un Condado de Randolph… Donde los Niños Sueñan en Grande y las Familias Brillan

Cierra los ojos por un momento. Imagina un Condado de Randolph donde la risa de cada niño llena los parques, cada padre recibe el apoyo que necesita y cada familia se siente conectada. Suena increíble, ¿verdad? Ese es el futuro que soñamos—¡y necesitamos TU voz para hacerlo realidad!

El Randolph Partnership for Children los invita a todos los residentes del Condado de Randolph a participar en la Encuesta Familiar y Comunitaria 2025.

¿Por qué participar?
Porque tu voz tiene poder. Con tus respuestas podemos:

Crear programas que se adapten a las necesidades reales de las familias.
Mostrar a los líderes comunitarios lo que TÚ quieres para el condado.
Asegurar que los niños y padres tengan lo que necesitan para prosperar.

Imagina un Condado de Randolph donde:

Las familias encuentran recursos fácilmente.
Cada niño recibe el mejor comienzo posible en la vida.
Las ideas de la comunidad se convierten en soluciones reales.

Y además:

La encuesta es anónima, pero puedes pedir una copia de los resultados.
Solo los residentes del Condado de Randolph, NC pueden participar.
Todos los que la completen entrarán en un sorteo para ganar una tarjeta de regalo de $100 de Wal-Mart o Sheetz (el ganador se anunciará a principios de noviembre).

Así que, ¡anímate a imaginar, soñar y construir un futuro más brillante para nuestra comunidad!

Completa la encuesta hoy. ¡Juntos podemos hacer realidad los grandes sueños en el Condado de Randolph!

Responda la encuesta en español

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