Tess Judge Honored with North Carolina’s Prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine at Community Foundation’s David Stick Legacy Luncheon

On Dec. 11, the Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF) hosted its annual David Stick Legacy Society Luncheon at Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe, where Tess Judge was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolina’s most esteemed honors. 

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine was conferred to Tess Judge by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. The award, presented by OBCF Emeritus Director Jane Webster, recognizes individuals with a proven record of extraordinary service to the state. 

Tess Judge has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Outer Banks Health Development Council, the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County, and the College of the Albemarle Foundation. She currently serves as Vice Chair on the OBCF Board of Directors. 

“Tess never shies away from community responsibility – and she always answers the call for individual help,” said OBCF Emeritus Director  Jane Webster. “Her leadership and tireless commitment to local philanthropy and economic development have made a lasting impact.” 

The David Stick Legacy Society Luncheon is an annual event celebrating donors who have made planned gifts to the Outer Banks Community Foundation. 

This year’s gathering brought together over 50 attendees, reflecting the community’s strong commitment to philanthropy and the foundation’s mission.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of a grant to the Outer Banks Health Development Council. 

The grant, accepted by President of Outer Banks Health Ronnie Sloan, Director of Community Outreach and Development Jennifer Schwartzenberg, and Senior Administrator, Operations Amy Montgomery, marked the completion of a $250,000 commitment to the Carol S. and Edward D. Cowell, Jr. Cancer Center. This state-of-the-art facility, located in Nags Head, opened its doors to patients on January 29, 2024, offering comprehensive cancer care to residents and visitors of Dare County and the surrounding region.

“Tess Judge exemplifies all of the qualities of a servant leader. While serving as the Chair of the Outer Banks Health Board of Directors, she also co-chaired the successful $6KM campaign to build the Cowell Cancer Center. Tess approaches every commitment she makes with a heartfelt desire to improve the lives of others and she doesn’t stop until positive results that impact people are achieved,” emphasized Ronnie Sloan, President of Outer Banks Health.

During the luncheon, OBCF Chair Jean Louise Dixon announced the Community Foundation’s 10 fourth quarter grant recipients, highlighting the foundation’s ongoing dedication to community enrichment. 

One of the fourth-quarter grant recipients, the Mustang Music Outreach Program, performed at the luncheon. This grant will support the program’s relaunch, providing musical instruction for student musicians.

The David Stick Legacy Society honors individuals who have named the Outer Banks Community Foundation as the beneficiary of any type of planned or deferred gift. 

Planned giving offers a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy in your community. By including charitable contributions to the Community Foundation in estate plans, individuals can support causes they care about and help sustain vital programs for future generations.

For more information about planned giving, visit www.OBCF.org or contact the staff at 252-423-3003.

About the Outer Banks Community Foundation: The Outer Banks Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to fostering philanthropy and supporting local causes. Through its charitable funds and grant programs, the Foundation strives to enrich the quality of life for residents of the Outer Banks.