Benefiting Babies: Outreach Alliance's annual event helps needy children

The measure of success does not always have to be grand. The Outreach Alliance for Babies likes to gauge achievements with baby steps -- and they have more than 600 of them.

The Outreach Alliance for Babies' fifth annual fundraiser was held Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Sundance Hotel, and tickets were $25. Founded in May 2005, the Alliance has provided baskets of baby necessities to more than 600 needy local families. Suggestions of families come from various organizations, including the Department of Public Health, Exchange/SCAN and Forsyth Medical Center. Each infant receives a layette, which is hand-assembled by executive director and founder Phyllis Sample Bonds. The baskets hold onesies, diapers, a sleeper, washcloths, a sleep and play set, a diaper bag, bibs, books, burp/lap cloths, snuggies and formula. It costs about $130 to fill one basket. The baskets are possible because of donations and the annual fundraiser.

The Matt Kendrick Trio played music while guests helped themselves to an array of appetizers -- from wings to chips and dip, brownies and cookies. Tables with silent-auction items lined the room. They had such items as a WXII breakfast with the morning crew, a wide-screen TV and a pre-decorated Christmas trees. Adding a special element to the evening was the presence of children, a reminder of the heart of the Alliance's cause.

Pat Mobley arrived with her friend Carolyn Rajacich. "This is a very useful organization. I have been involved for two or three years. This whole group is great," said Mobley. "We are here to support babies in Winston-Salem who need help getting a good start. This is quite a dynamic group," said Rajacich.

Greta Argenta has two small children, and both were a part of the evening. "This is a really good cause. I have two children and I know how much stuff they need. It's very expensive to have kids. I'm just glad that we can help other children and babies in some way," she said.

Jim and Pam Longworth sat at a table eating appetizers. Mr. Longworth was the emcee for the evening. "This is a very important organization. In this economy, some needs are left unmet. To have a group like this to supply much-needed help for babies and their families, there really couldn't be a better cause," said Mr. Longworth. "This is a unique way to raise money. It's an awesome event, and it's a great way to spend an evening with my husband," said Mrs. Longworth.

Cheri Hardy Bullins, a board member, was holding her 16-month-old daughter, Kinsey, who was dressed in a purple and silver sparkly dress. "This is great for the community to know about. Children don't have a choice when they are born, and they need help sometimes. We feel lucky we can provide for our daughter, and want to help others with babies."

Linda Hege, the chairwoman of the board of directors, was nearby. "This is one of the best events we've done. It's so different. It's our fifth anniversary and the kids are really making it special."

Nicole Ducouer, a morning news anchor at WXII, recently joined the board. "I am very new at this. I heard about it from another anchor. I see people here helping children out, it's great to know that people are working hard to make a difference. Phyllis (Bonds) has really given so much to make a wonderful organization."

Bonds was literally running from place to place, ensuring that all was going as planned. "We have helped more than 600 babies. This is a celebration, and for us it's just very exciting to have such a big anniversary." She was intent on introducing me to one of the first families she helped with the Alliance, and led me backstage, where the fashion show was lining up.

Clarence Lewis, and his son, Trinity, dressed in a New York Yankees uniform, were in the back, getting ready for the fashion show. The family came from New Orleans after Katrina. "You know anything that Phyllis is involved in will go above and beyond. The organization was a beautiful thing when it helped us, and now it's just gotten bigger. She does this from the heart. I would not have disappointed her."

After Mr. Longworth introduced the board, he welcomed Ducouer to the stage to begin the New York-themed fashion show. Each child, ranging in age from 2 weeks to 15 years, had on an outfit that related to some aspect of New York -- including a Rockette and a firefighter.

The packed night continued with a one-of-a-kind entertainment -- Like Nun-Other, featuring Sister Larretta Rivera-Williams, the vice chairwoman of the board. Billed as the singing nun, she took the stage with flair: "The VP of the board shouldn't have to sing, but then again I'd do anything for the cause."

cworf@wsjournal.com

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