At Roanoke Cooperative, community engagement is at the heart of everything we do, and this year's Twilight Festival, Hope for Hardy, was no exception. What began in 2013 as a small group of friends rallying to support Doug Hardy’s liver transplant has blossomed into a 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to promoting organ donation and providing financial assistance to transplant patients and their families. We're proud to have been part of this meaningful cause, which aligns with our commitment to supporting health, wellness, and the power of community.
The 2024 Twilight Festival, held at Centennial Park in Roanoke Rapids, carried the inspiring theme "Don’t Count Me Out," reminding us all that it’s never too late to become an organ donor. A powerful example of this message is Cecil Lockhart, who, at 95 years old, became the oldest organ donor in U.S. history. His liver was donated to a woman in her sixties, proving that age is not a barrier to saving lives.
This year's event offered something for everyone, with free music, art, vendors, food trucks, and a showcase of classic cars. But the highlight of the evening was the exhilarating Ping-Pong Ball Drop, and Roanoke Cooperative was thrilled to play a key role. Benton Barrett, one of our dedicated First Class Line Technicians, generously volunteered his time to make the drop happen. From high above the crowd, Benton released 1,500 brightly colored ping-pong balls from a Roanoke Cooperative bucket truck. The balls scattered in every direction, sending waves of excitement through the crowd as they scrambled to grab one that matched the numbers drawn from the drum on stage.
The lucky winners took home a $1,000 prize, while second place secured $500. Beyond the excitement and fun, the event served a much greater purpose—raising awareness about organ donation and sparking important conversations about how we can all help save lives.
We were honored to participate and support this incredible cause. At Roanoke Cooperative, we believe that events like the Twilight Festival, Hope for Hardy, remind us of the power of community and the life-changing impact of organ donation. Pictures courtesy of Hope for Hardy. For more information about The Twilight Festival or Hope for Hardy, check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hopeforhardy.
