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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Gypsy Women's Spring Fling: A Tradition of Community Support by STEPHANIE CRIDER is a literacy publication that goes into the hands of every elementary A true band of kindred spirits, the Gypsy student in Cumberland County. Partners like the Gypsy Women help put Women have been together for 18 years. the papers in the children's hands. They've seen each other get married, A check will be presented Sunday evening at the cook out. have babies and raise families. They've As one of the first biker bars in Fayetteville, Legend's has acquired an weathered divorces, illnesses, deaths and eclectic group of patrons, something that Whitley loves. other tough times together. The Gypsy "We have people from all walks of life that come in here," she said. "And Women take care of each other — and they all bring something different to the place," said Whitley. they take care of the ones they love. Julie "Jules" Farrell, one of Whitley's friends and a Gypsy Woman, says it is Sometimes that means a sick friend or Whitley's big heart that makes Legend's such a special place. a widow. Sometimes it means giving to "Holly is such a generous person and so giving. She comes from the heart a worthy cause like Hospice or Duke and people can sense that in her. It is easy to see that cares about people." Children's Hospital. It always means This is represented well on the back wall of the pub. It's filled with giving back to the community. That's images of friends, family and patrons who have been a part of Legend's what the Gypsy Women do. And they Pub in some way. do it wholeheartedly — with sass and "These are people we loved. They are our family, and now they are gone," vigor. Stewart and Marsha Bryant can explained Whitley. attest to that. Some of them were killed in combat, some in accidents, some were taken The Bryants were in an accident last July by illnesses. All of them were loved and a part of the Legend's family. Whitley while in New York and found themselves knows each of them by name, how they died and when. She shares touching facing a pile of unexpected bills. Even Holly Whitley, Gypsy Woman and owner of Legstories about each one and it is clear that they were more than customers. They though the couple had insurance, it was ends Pub. are family. still a big hit financially, not to mention the Whether it is poker emotional trauma. runs, a Spring Fling or "I was in the hospital for a week and we had extra expenses Thanksgiving Dinner and hotel rooms and rental car bills and medical expenses at the pub, people who that our insurance didn't cover," said Marsha. "The Gypsy know Whitley know Women did a poker run for us and raised about $6,000. We are that she looks out for definitely thankful for them and what they did for us. We were her friends. Last year even able to give $1,000 of that money to another lady who has the Gypsy Women breast cancer and was struggling to pay her bills, too." raised more than Though there is always something going on at Legend's Pub $40,000 for a variety on Bragg Boulevard, the Spring Fling is a favorite for Gypsy of causes. Whitley Woman and Legend's Pub owner Holly Whitley. This year the estimates that the event falls on May 24-26. group has raised about Spring Fling is a weekend packed with activities, food and fun. $500,000 through the And each year, the Spring Fling raises money for a worthy cause. years. Things kick off on Friday, May 24 with a pre-party that includes "We've done a pool tournament. Up to 32 people can play, it costs $20 per Legend's Pub in the early years. poker runs and other player, with a $500 pay out. things like the Spring Saturday's events kickFling for a bunch of off with a poker run. different causes. We have helped people with cancer and other sicknesses. Registration for the poker We've raised money for people who have been hurt in accidents, and we've run starts at noon. The ride given to organizations like Duke Children's Hospital. We even helped is followed by a pig pickin', Goodys (the apparel store that used to be on Skibo Road). We raised more an auction and a raffle. The than $10,000 for them for a fundraiser they were doing. This year we are pig pickin' and auction are giving the money from the Spring Fling to Kidsville News!," explained set to happen after the ride, Whitley. most likely around 5 p.m. Up While Whitley is the driving force behind the Gypsy Women, there are for raffle this year is a 2004 others who eagerly step up to support her endeavors. Dyna Wide Glide. Tickets for "Some people are busy and are able to help by donating cash or the raffle cost $50 and only auction items and other people choose to give their time. I can't tell you 200 will be sold. The raffle how many hours have been donated to helping us help other people winner will be drawn after all out," said Whitley. "Our men are always ready to help out and do the tickets have sold. Winners whatever we ask them to do, too." do not have to be present to "They do a lot of the heavy lifting for us," added Farrell. win. The raffle is sponsored Legend's recently underwent a facelift, with upgrades to the by Ray Road Auto Parts and building inside and out. After some push back from regulars and a Service, Legend's Pub and few jokes about putting lipstick on pigs, it has turned out to be a good Sellers Paint & Body Shop. thing because the things that make Legend's Pub Special are still Sunday features a bike there. The atmosphere is still laid back and welcoming. The beer is show. Registration starts at still cold. The wall of pictures still holds the faces and noon and judging will be memories of the departed and Legend's is still the home around 3 p.m. to announce Legend's Pub today. of the Gypsy Women. the winners. After the bike Find out more about show, stick around for Legend's Pub, the Gypsy Women the rodeo, which includes fun and games — Gypsy Women style. Don't miss the STEPHANIE CRIDER, Editor. COMand Spring Fling by calling cookout afterwards, too. MENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly.com The proceeds from this year's Spring Fling benefit Kidsville News! Kidsville News! 867-2364. WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM MAY 22-28, 2013 UCW 7