Nov. 8, 2023
As we kick off the holiday season, I was honored to experience Wakesgiving, a Central Services tradition, with some members of my new work family. Wakesgiving combines the feel of a family reunion and a fundraising event all in one. At this annual celebration, staff take a break from their busy schedules to relax, connect, and have fun. Last week, hundreds of staff members braved an unusually cold afternoon to engage in conversation, catch up with colleagues and enjoy lunch from local food trucks.
Our incredible employees–both in schools and in Central Services–are this district’s most precious resource. I’m working hard every day to build relationships with my colleagues in all roles so that I can support them as we move forward in our work together. Wakesgiving gave me the perfect opportunity to connect with Central Services staff away from the formality of meetings, so we could get to know each other and enjoy coming together as a team.
Giving is at the core of Wakesgiving. It warms my heart to know that our staff, who dedicate their careers to supporting children, find other ways to give back to our community.
Each year leading up to Wakesgiving, our colleagues raise money for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. This year, Central Services employees raised more than $4,500, which will allow the Food Bank to purchase over 22,000 meals for our neighbors in need.
Wake County Public School System employees make a tremendous impact for our schools and students every day. And when we come together as a family, we can also do extraordinary things for our community.
