The Wilmington Chamber Foundation kicked off its Work on Wilmington service event for 2017 on Wednesday, as it opened its doors for applications from area schools and nonprofit organizations.
 
Work on Wilmington brings together people from local businesses and other groups to tackle projects across the area in a one-day service blowout, which this time around will take place on April 29. The deadline to submit projects is Nov. 18.
 
“On average, we have 1,200 volunteers ready to tackle more than 30 projects across New Hanover County during the four-hour-long Work on Wilmington event,” said Scott Czechlewski, communications director of the Wilmington Chamber and co-director of Leadership Wilmington. “This is an excellent opportunity for schools and nonprofits to submit a project application and receive the benefit of donated supplies and labor, if they are selected. We are aiming to increase the number of selected projects this year to provide an even greater impact in the community.”
 
The annual community service event was created and organized by Leadership Wilmington, a civic leadership development program of the Wilmington Chamber Foundation. Work on Wilmington -- or WOW -- was launched by the 2006 class of Leadership Wilmington. The mission has always been to bring together local business and volunteers to improve the community.  
 
Thousands of volunteers are assigned to various projects throughout the city, and spend the morning painting, planting, fixing, refurbishing and cleaning area nonprofits and schools, Czechlewski said. The day culminates in a volunteer appreciation celebration later in the afternoon that includes food, music, games and prizes.
 
“Work on Wilmington does more by noon than most of us can do in an entire year,” said Lisa Barry, co-chair of the Work on Wilmington projects committee, in a new release. “Thanks to the Wilmington Chamber Foundation and the Leadership Wilmington class that spearhead the project each year, thousands of volunteers give their time and sweat equity to foster the improvement of the schools, parks, museums and organizations that bring our community closer every day.”
 
Schools and nonprofits can request to have a project done by submitting an application or contacting the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.
 
WOW organizers are also seeking area businesses and individuals to donate to this fantastic event. Last year, Work on Wilmington raised more than $67,000 to fund Work on Wilmington’s various community projects.