A long-time charitable organization in Wilmington presented a donation of $25,000 to the St. Mary’s Pediatric Dental Clinic in November.
 
The gift was a celebration by the Ministering Circle of Wilmington of its 126 years of service to the area, a news release stated. The Ministering Circle has supported the clinic for many years.

“The St. Mary’s Pediatric Dental Clinic plays a vital role in the health of area children," Margaret Mayo, Ministering Circle president, said in the release.  “It’s our pleasure to support such a worthy cause.”

In addition to the clinic, the group donates scholarship money to UNC Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College Nursing Program annually.  It raises funds through community donations and through  its annual “Gourmet for a Cause,” which took place Nov. 1 this year, the release stated.

The Ministering Circle is a non-profit, nondenominational outreach organization of 50 women. Its first project, in 1890, was to build a shelter on Wrightsville Beach for sick children, according to the release.

photo caption: (Ministering Circle President Margaret Mayo (right) presents check to Laura Vincent of St. Mary's Dental Clinic)