Community Leaders Recognized by New Bern Breakfast Rotary

The New Bern Breakfast Rotary recognized two community leaders at their Annual Installation Dinner on June 25. These awards follow nominations from Rotary members each year to select professionals in the nonprofit and business sectors in our community who represent one of Rotary International’s seven Areas Of Focus.

Amanda Delgado, Executive Director of the Coastal Center for Hope & Healing was presented the 2026 Community Leader - Nonprofit Sector Award by newly elected club President, Ann Super in the Rotary Focus Area of Peace Building and Conflict Resolution. Amanda joined the agency nine years ago as Education & Prevention Coordinator, leading the New Beginnings Program, and later served as Shelter Director. In 2021, she became Executive Director of the organization, formerly known as the Coastal Women’s Shelter, which was founded in 1978. Following its 2018 merger with Promise Place, the Center became the sole provider of comprehensive domestic and sexual violence services in Craven, Jones, and Pamlico counties. Its services include court advocacy, transportation, tuition assistance, clothing, food, housing assistance and referrals, support groups for adult and youth survivors, employment counseling, a 24/7 crisis hotline, and interagency referrals. The agency also operates Helping Hands Boutique, an upscale thrift store, and a safe house for survivors needing immediate shelter. It recently
opened Courtney’s House, a transitional living home that supports survivors on their path toward self-sufficiency. Amanda is deeply committed to the Center’s mission of providing essential services, preventing domestic violence through education, counseling, and direct support, and empowering survivors to build safe, productive lives.

Todd Whisnant, owner of Coastal Sole in New Bern, was presented the 2026 Community Leader – Business Sector Award by Past President David Super, in the Rotary Focus Area of Economic and Community Development. Todd has more than 37 years of footwear industry experience, and after many years with The Athlete’s Foot franchise, he turned his passion for helping customers find the right shoes into a family-owned business, opening Coastal Sole in March 2017. For more than 22 years, Todd has been an essential partner in Kicks-For-Kids, the New Bern Breakfast Rotary Club’s signature service project. He and his staff have helped provide thousands of pairs of shoes to hundreds of students in Craven County selected by school counselors. He assists with measuring children’s feet, placing orders, storing inventory, and encouraging donations to support the project. The program has helped reduce bullying, build pride, and support countless students and families—impact that would not be possible without Todd’s commitment. In addition to giving Coastal Sole customers personalized footwear
guidance, Todd supports other community efforts, including Ainsley’s Angels, the Coastal Sole Pub Runners, and several running events throughout the year.

The New Bern Breakfast Rotary Club meets every Thursday morning, 7:30 to 8:30 am, and on the 2nd and 4th Thursday evenings, 5:30 to 6:30 pm, at the Ghent Event Center on Dr. MLK Jr., Blvd. Visitors are always welcome. For more information, go to www.newbernrotary.org.