LAURINBURG — The recent Capital Campaign Dinner at Cross Pointe Church helped to raise a large portion of the $40,000 goal that will go toward completing a second floor 4,000-square-foot space at Cross Pointe. The church facility was built as a multi-purpose facility to serve as a place of worship and as a community center.

“The city has no recreation center and few positive activities for youth to do, said Pastor Edds. “Five gangs are recruiting them and stealing their lives and souls.”

Last summer Cross Pointe initiated “Kids Night Out” to give youth a place to go, eat, have fun, and learn. Partnering with the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office, area businesses, other churches and volunteers, the church bused in 125 at risk youth every week for an evening geared for them. The program was highly successful.

Cross Pointe decided to expand the program and called it “Third Base.” Before a child goes “home” from school, they can come to “Third Base,” where they can enjoy a safe haven where there is a great meal, recreation, tutoring, mentoring and other activities. Third Base will be a positive alternative for kids rather than gang culture.

“There were pledges and donations of $23,000 made at the dinner,” Edds said about the Feb. 28 event. “There was a great turnout from the community that night. Among the attendees were County Commissioners Tim Ivy and Betty Gholston, City Council Member Mary Evans, NC Rep. Garland Pierce, Laurinburg Mayor Matthew Block and other community and business leaders.

“A big thank you to all who helped make this event a great success,” he added.

NC Sen. Tom McInnis and Mr. Dudley Blossom, former owner of the Cleveland Indians. were the guest speakers.

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Staff report