Southport Magazine

What: Cornelia’s Animal Jam
When: Sunday, September 7th
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Southport Community Building
223 E. Bay St.
Cost: Free but accepting donations
Info: e-mail: rescueanimaljam@gmail.com
call: (910) 269-6583

In life, Cornelia Rogers dedicated her time and talents to the community of Southport. She was a nurse for 50 years, a graduate of Stanford University with an MBA from Columbia University. Cornelia taught nursing at Brunswick Community College, and she also was an instructor of aerobic exercise for 40 years, including 14 years in Southport. She also was a diligent volunteer in many non-profit organizations throughout her life.

Despite her passing this summer at the age of 76, Cornelia’s spirit relentlessly continues to aid the more vulnerable members of society. In lieu of a funeral service, Cornelia requested that her friends and family organize and a fundraiser for animal rescue, something she was heavily involved in throughout her time in Southport.

With the help of friends, family and residents of Southport, Cornelia’s wishes will be fulfilled at Cornelia’s Animal Jam: Party to Support Animal Rescue.  On September 7th, several animal rescue organizations and local vendors will gather at the Southport Community Building to honor the life and memory of Cornelia Rogers.

“She was just a wonderful human being who cared about her community and animals, particularly animals in need,” Emma Thomas, a friend of Cornelia’s and owner of The Adventure Company, says. “Her passion for animals and helping animals in need was just astounding.”

A longtime resident of Southport, Cornelia was heavily involved in various aspects of the community. According to Thomas, in addition to working with The Adventure Company on the historic bike tours around town, Rogers was a volunteer at the Southport Visitors Center, Southport Maritime Museum, and Southport Parks and Recreation.

Heather Hemphill, a close friend and co-worker of Cornelia at Southport Parks and Recreation, calls her friend irreplaceable. Classes were always full when Rogers was instructing and despite times when she did not feel well, she made the time for her students.

“She enjoyed it. This was her hobby,” Hemphill remarks. “But I think that is a direct reflection on Cornelia as a person. Anything she chose to do, she gave 150 percent.”

There are several aspects of the fundraiser organized by Cornelia’s friends and family. Eight animal-rescue organizations will have tables set up for donations and educational sharing, including Paws Place Dog Rescue, Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter, SOAR (Southport/Oak Island Animal Rescue), Save the Manatee, The Elephant Sanctuary, Karen Beasley Turtle Hospital, Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program, and the southeastern chapter of U.S. Equine Rescue League. Organizers encourage attendees to donate to an organization of their choice by making checks payable directly to that charity.

Also, there will be music, food and a silent auction. Several artists in the Southport community are donating their time and work to the fundraiser—yet another testament to her influence.

Cornelia stressed to her friends that she wanted the fundraiser to be a fun event and to focus on animal rescue fundraising and education. However, the organizers did confide that if there are people who wish to share thoughts and memories of Cornelia, there is an opportunity for toasts.

Cornelia leaves behind a legacy of service and hard work that resonates heavily in the community she loved. With Cornelia’s Animal Jam, her benevolent spirit and memory continue to help the animals she so loved.