The L3 Brand Community Alliance is proud to present the fifth annual “I Love My Community Celebration & Giveaway” on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Crown Complex. This free community event is designed to celebrate, uplift and support families just in time for the back-to-school season.
This year’s celebration will feature a lively Community Cookout, inspiring Awards Ceremony, and a special culinary segment, “Chopping It Up With Chef Judy.” Chef Judy is a Food Network Champion Chef, TV personality, and the proud owner of Uptown’s Chicken and Waffles, The Ville Wings and Bar, and Lorraine’s Home Essentials. Her dedication to flavor and community makes this an experience not to miss.
Attendees will also enjoy a Back-to-School Giveaway and a welcoming community resource fair, connecting families with helpful services and support in an atmosphere full of fun, care and connection.
2025 recognitions will include celebrating excellence in public education, highlighting successful students and staff members. Other recognitions will celebrate community members, and organizations that exemplify love for their community in a major way.
New featured event zones this year include:
The Education Corner – focused on literacy, tutoring, college readiness and academic resources
Arts on Fire – a space for local artists, performances, and creativity to shine
Business & Wealth – promoting entrepreneurship, financial literacy and small business connections
Mental Health Matters – featuring wellness tools, local mental health providers and self-care resources
In addition to giveaways of school supplies, hygiene kits, food, clothing and more, families can also register on-site for the L3 Youth Project: A Day in the Life Initiative, which offers free internships, job readiness training, mentorship, resume building and access to employment opportunities.
“This isn’t just about giving—it’s about growing,” said Elizabeth Stiff, Executive Director of L3 Brand Community Alliance in a press release. “Our mission is to bring people together, meet real needs and show what’s possible when community leads with heart and action.”
The event is free and open to the public. Donations are welcomed to support the ongoing work of L3 Brand Community Alliance, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Local vendors and supporters will also be present, continuing the collaborative spirit that makes this event special.
To sponsor this event with monetary donations or item contributions—including school supplies, clothing, shoes, backpacks, food, hygiene and personal care items—please email: Contact@L3Brand.com or call (678) 665-3526.
Want to join in on the community partnership or be a vendor at this event? Call, text or email (678) 665-3526 / Contact@L3Brand.com.
To volunteer, visit l3brand.com/volunteer or call/text (678) 665-3526.
All smiles on graduation day! (From left to right: Back row: Col. Donald Kimbler, Cadet John Lopes, Cadet Priscilla Wright, Cadet Jakob Feaster, Maj. Cameron Player, Col. Guy St. Louis; Middle row: Capt. Carmen Williams, Cadet Nyah Marzan, Cadet Madi
CFVH celebrated the groundbreaking for their new adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit in Lillington on Jan. 31. The facility is estimated to be completed by December of this year and is located on the campus of Central Harnett Hospital at 215 Bright
The 75th Anniversary Celebration featured remarks from hospital and community leaders, as well as historical displays showcasing the hospital’s journey. Photos by GFBJ.On Friday, Oct. 10, Sampson Regional Medical Center celebrated 75 years of s
