Cary Spotlight | Issue #355

Scammers Target Relief Efforts, Apex Man Wins Big, & New Cary Business Directory

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Quote of the Day

📰 Scammers Target Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts on Venmo

📰 Apex Man Wins $400,000 in Second-Chance Lottery Drawing

📰 Cary Spotlight Launches New Directory to Connect Locals and Businesses

⭐ Celebrating Italian American Heritage Month

😋🍴 Savor Cary: The Big Easy Oven + Tap

☀️ Cary NC Weather

📅 Lots Of Events This Week (The Week at a Glance)

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: When do we celebrate Hispanic Heritage month and why?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Discover Bee Banhmi, a local business sponsor of Cary Spotlight. They do catering, online ordering, home delivery and in-store. Great food made with quality ingredients. You can read their Business Spotlight | Menu

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Money transfer with Cash App by Square! Via: techdaily.ca | #zelle #cashapp #venmo #wealthsimplecash #transferwise #money

Scammers Target Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts on Venmo

Meredith Bernard, a popular YouTuber from Caswell County known as “The Farm Wife,” raised over $50,000 in relief donations following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

Her online community rallied to support the affected mountain communities, with donations pouring in through platforms like Venmo and PayPal. However, her fundraising efforts were soon targeted by scammers who created a fake Venmo account, using her photo and a nearly identical username to deceive donors. While the fraudulent account has since been taken down, a few donations were misdirected before it could be stopped.

This type of scam, common after disasters, highlights the importance of verifying donation sources. Scammers often mimic legitimate charities or individuals to exploit the generosity of well-meaning people.

Experts urge donors to carefully check payment details, confirm phone numbers, and only contribute to trusted accounts or organizations. Despite the setback, Bernard remains focused on helping the storm-affected communities and hopes the scam won’t discourage future donations.

PayPal, Venmo’s parent company, emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for fraud and urged users to report any suspicious activity. Read Full Report.

Apex Man Wins $400,000 in Second-Chance Lottery Drawing

A Wake County resident’s gamble on a second-chance lottery drawing has paid off in a life-changing way. Octavia Oglesby, an Apex man, struck fortune on Wednesday when he won the $400,000 grand prize in the 2024 Multiply The Cash Second Chance drawing. His lucky break came via an email notification from the lottery, informing him of his top prize win.

Oglesby made his way to the state lottery headquarters in Raleigh to claim his windfall. After state and federal taxes were deducted, he took home $286,000. 

The second-chance drawing allows players to scan their Multiply The Cash scratch-off tickets into their lottery accounts for automatic entry, giving non-winning tickets a chance at redemption. Alongside Oglesby’s big win, the drawing also produced four $20,000 winners and ten $500 winners, adding to the excitement for hopeful participants.

The Second Chance drawing continues to offer players across the state a renewed shot at significant prizes, turning a losing ticket into a possible fortune. Read Full Report

Cary Spotlight Launches New Directory to Connect Locals and Businesses

Cary, NC, has long been celebrated for its unique blend of suburban charm and vibrant community spirit. From its thriving cultural scene to its abundance of natural beauty, Cary offers an array of experiences for both residents and visitors. Whether strolling through lush parks, attending local festivals, or savoring cuisine at a variety of restaurants, Cary is a place that seems to have it all.

To make navigating these offerings easier, Cary Spotlight has launched a new online resource: the Cary Spotlight Directory. Designed to help residents and newcomers alike, this platform serves as a online guide to local living. Whether you're looking for a place to call home, the perfect spot for dining, or a trusted business, the Cary Spotlight Directory is the go-to destination.

What sets this directory apart is its community-driven ethos. Every business listed has been vetted, ensuring only the best of Cary is represented. Google ratings and reviews are featured prominently, giving users confidence in their choices.

Business owners can apply for free listings, but limited number of new listings will be added each month—creating a waiting list for those eager to join this carefully curated resource.

In a town where a strong sense of community defines daily life, the Cary Spotlight Directory stands as a reflection of that unity. For anyone seeking to connect more deeply with Cary, this new website offers an essential guide to the town’s vibrant offerings. Visit CarySpotlightDirectory.com

Celebrating Italian American Heritage Month

October marks Italian American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the profound impact of Italian Americans on our nation's history and culture. From contributions to art, music, cuisine, and architecture to leadership in politics, science, and business, the influence of Italian Americans is woven into the fabric of American life.

Here in North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed October as Italian American Heritage Month, highlighting the rich contributions of the Italian American community to the state's development in areas like construction, industry, and education. Italian immigrants helped build many of the state's railroads and cities, leaving a lasting legacy in North Carolina.

As we celebrate this heritage, it’s a time to appreciate the lasting influence of Italian American culture, from iconic dishes like pasta and pizza to the timeless works of artists like Frank Sinatra and Martin Scorsese. This month, let's honor the history, achievements, and vibrant traditions that Italian Americans bring to our communities.

What aspect of Italian American culture has influenced your life the most?

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Credit: The Big Easy Oven + Tap

Savor Cary:
The Big Easy Oven + Tap

The Big Easy Oven + Tap is one of the restaurants that was nominated by the Cary Spotlight’s Readers for our Savor Cary Giveaway. If you had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below. We will share the results of this reader poll in an upcoming issue. Checkout their website: The Big Easy Oven + Tap

The Big Easy Oven + Tap

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Cary Spotlight introduced the “Savor Cary” giveaway, a new initiative designed to highlight Cary's vibrant dining scene. Subscribers can enter to win a VIP dining experience by referring new readers to our newsletter.

You can choose from a selection of dining experiences valued at $100 (gift voucher), with new options introduced monthly to keep the contest engaging and fresh. First drawing: 24 Oct 2024.

Recommend Cary Spotlight and Win Dinner on Us!
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Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Cary, NC for the rest of the week.
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information.

October 12th (Saturday)

October 13th (Sunday)

October 14th (Monday)

October 15th (Tuesday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15 in the United States. This month-long observance honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans whose roots trace back to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

The celebration begins on September 15, as this date marks the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Additionally, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. The month serves to recognize the significant influence Hispanic communities have had on American culture and history.

For more information, you can visit the official Hispanic Heritage Month website.