Nonprofit BAGS holding its 2025 fundraising gala

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- On September 27, the nonprofit organization, Being a Grandparent Support (BAGS), will roll out the red carpet for its Roaring 20s Fundraising Gala.

The event, which will be held at the Life Enrichment Center located at 3805 Tarheel Club Road in Raleigh, aims to raise $20,000 in support of grandparents who are actively raising their grandchildren.

TO PURCHASE GALA TICKETS, CLICK HERE

The centerpiece of the evening will be playwright Christopher Glover's Murder at the Cotton Club, an interactive mystery that immerses the audience in a blend of suspense and humor. Attendees are invited to dress in their favorite Roaring 20s styles while becoming part of the unfolding drama.

Funds from the gala will launch BAGS Emergency Bucks, a program designed to provide $200-$500 Visa gift cards to grandparents who've recently been awarded guardianship of children ages 0-12. These funds will help cover essentials such as groceries, clothing, and school supplies during the critical first days of transition.

According to the organization, North Carolina has an estimated 87,000 grandparents raising their grandchildren, with 60% over the age of 60 and nearly one in four living in poverty. BAGS exists to meet these urgent challenges through emergency support, resources, and advocacy.

Founder and CEO Genita Spencer sees this fundraising gala as a lifeline for families often overlooked. "We're not just putting on a show, we're shining a light on a growing phenomenon and the resilience of grandparents who are rewriting their lives to raise the next generation," Spencer said. "Every ticket purchased, every dollar raised, brings us closer to ensuring that no grandparent raising a child has to walk this journey alone."

For Christopher Glover, partnering with BAGS is deeply personal. Glover stated, "While my wife and I aren't grandparents yet, many of our friends are. After spending time with Ms. Genita and the BAGS family, I knew I had to do something to help. Theatre, like music, is a powerful vehicle that brings people together from all walks of life. My hope is that this play not only entertains but also helps raise awareness and support for this incredible mission."

For more information on the organization or to purchase gala tickets, visit bagsgoodlife.org/2025-gala