Up & Coming Weekly

August 13, 2019

Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.

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20 UCW AUGUST 14-20, 2019 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM "Diabetes. Dodge It." at's the tagline for the annual Better Health Dodgeball Tournament scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 24. It takes place at Freedom Courts Sportsplex, which is located at 3126 Gillespie St. According to Amy Navejas, executive director of Better Health, this unique fundraiser began because Better Health "wanted to come up with a fundraiser that was new and different for our area, but still highlighted our emphasis on moving and being healthy. After tossing around several ideas (Better Health) settled on the idea of bringing dodgeball to Cumberland County. It's an incredibly fun, lively and competitive event that brings the community together." e fundraising goal for the 2019 tournament is $20,000. "Last year we were close," said Navejas, "so we know that, with the community's support, we can do it this year. is is a crucial fundraiser for Better Health programs. It allows us to continue to offer emer- gency medications and dental care to the uninsured, diabetes and nutrition education, (the) childhood obesity pro- gram and more." Tournament teams are organized and fielded by various businesses, lo- cal gyms, professional organizations and personnel from some municipal departments like the Fayetteville Police Department. "is is a great team-building event," Navejas said. "A lot of organizations do this as an opportunity for staff to come to- gether, have fun and be active at the same time. We want people to see that there are tons of ways to work physical activity into your routine. It doesn't have to be just sit-ups and push-ups, which can be daunting." Founded as a non-profit in 1958 with the mission to provide for the un- met healthcare needs in Cumberland County through assistance, referral and education, Better Health has been providing life-sustaining medications, dental care, diabetes education and medical equipment for over 60 years. Additionally, Better Health offers diabetes management clinics, cook- ing demonstrations and screening, a childhood obesity program — which teaches an estimated 1,200 children about healthy lifestyle choices — vision care for the uninsured, medical sup- plies and medical equipment loans. In addition to the tournament, Bet- ter Health programs rely on the United Way and other local charitable founda- tions and trusts for funding, support from local churches and donations from the community at large. Many of the Better Health programs are staffed by health professionals who volunteer their time. Better Health also relies on donations of good used medical equip- ment such as wheelchairs. ese dona- tions are the sole source for its medical equipment loan program. "We encourage everyone to come out (for) Dodgeball … on Aug. 24," said Navejas. "You won't be disappointed. e closer we get to that final round, the more intense it gets. Let's dodge, duck, dip and donate." General admission to the tourna- ment is $5 at the door. To find out more about registering a team, visit www.betterhealthcc.org. Better Health hosts Dodgeball tournament by PRUDENCE MAINOR EVENT PRUDENCE MAINOR, Con- tributing Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly. com 910-484-6200. e Better Health "Diabetes. Dodge It." tournament is set for Aug. 24. Emergencies • Reptiles • Birds • Exotic Animals Equine Service • Orthopedics and Specialty Surgeries 3109 Ft. Bragg Rd. • 910-323-1535 www.ahofnc.org Nights - Weekends - Holidays 910-864-2844 And Our Pet Friendly Staff Second Location Riverside Animal Hospital Dr. J.K. Garrett, DVM • Dr. Brian K. Garrett, DVM Dr. Beth Susen, DVM • Dr. Brittney McLamb, DVM Dr. Bryan Rodgers, DVM • Dr. Amy Nevens, DVM Call 910-484-6200 today! Find the best our community has to offer in the Best of Fayetteville edition of Up & Coming Weekly year-round at www.upandcomingweekly.com

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