Cathi Miller recognized in New Bern Sun Journal as a Craven County Unsung Hero 

Cathi Miller learned relatively early that helping the community is not only beneficial to others, but also personally rewarding. After moving with her parents to New Bern from Florida in 1994, not long after her high school graduation, Miller began to volunteer for the Craven County Jaycees just five years later.

Those experiences helped her to network and find additional opportunities to lend her talents. Since 2007, Miller has been a regular volunteer at the United Way’s most prominent fundraising events. Whereas the events are prominent, Miller chooses to steer clear of the spotlight.

“I definitely like to work behind the scenes,” she said.

Among her favorite United Way volunteer opportunities are races, such as the Crystal Coast Half Marathon, the Run United in Color 5K Trail Run, and the Spooky 5K Trail Chase. The race events bring many people together, she said, and she also enjoys the unpredictable nature of outdoor races, which adds to each event’s unique character and exciting atmosphere. Miller helps with many other United Way events, too, like the Bacon & Brew Fest and the Strike it Rich King Mackerel Fishing Tournaments. Her volunteer duties differ, depending on the event, she said.

Miller may be humble about her volunteer contributions, but Kitty Hardison, of the United Way of Coastal Carolina, sings her praises. Hardison noted that Miller had volunteered at every community event run by the United Way of Coastal Carolina since 2007, she said in her nomination.

“I just love helping out, meeting new people, and being part of the community,” Miller said.

She recommends volunteer work to anyone who wants to feel more connected to their neighbors.

“Sometimes you can just do small things and it doesn’t take up a lot of time,” she said.

From the nomination, submitted by Kitty Hardison:

“She prefers the behind the scenes work that is often overlooked, but is critical to any successful event.”

“She has served on many boards in the past, including the Craven County Jaycees for over 10 years, and is an active member of Croatan Presbyterian Church.”

“We don’t know where she finds the time to help us at United Way, but we are certainly thankful that she does.”

About the organizations:

Craven County Jaycees is an organization for young professionals and is the equivalent of a Junior Chamber of Commerce. Members get together to sponsor a number of different fundraising events that benefit the community and various helping organizations. Miller said she was particularly active in the annual Christmas Parade. More information about the Craven County Jaycees is available from its website at www.cravencountyjaycees.org.

United Way of Coastal Carolina supports and brings together resources of many local helping organizations, and aids in their accessibility to recipients who need the various services. It serves Craven, Carteret, Pamlico, and Jones counties from its New Bern office. More information and volunteer opportunities are available by visiting its website at www.unitedwaycoastalnc.org and by calling 637-2460.