When he's not helping lead the way at United Way, Tony works at Moen and brings the same energy, humor and dedication to our Board of Directors.
What inspired you to get involved with United Way of Coastal Carolina?
Initially I was "volontold" to be UW coordinator for my work in 2010; the more I worked internally on that campaign, the more I learned about what they did. In 2018 the UW helped me coordinate disaster recovery services for my associates displaced during Hurricane Florence. At that point I joined the board to help in a larger role - not just within my company.
If you could solve one challenge in our community overnight, what would it be?
Housing and transportation.
What is your favorite thing about living in Eastern North Carolina?
It's a very welcoming community; slightly slower pace of life (and traffic); but still lots of opportunity for a variety of activities.
What's a local business, restaurant, or hidden gem you think everyone should visit?
Carolina Comics and More on MLK Blvd. - a truly welcoming and well stocked comic book shop; and second place - The Casual Nerd near the Food Lion on MLK - a really good game store.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
We're all just people - don't let anything else distract from that (father and mother) but more importantly from Groucho Marx - "I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member."
If you could have dinner with any person, living or historical, who would it be and why?
Living - maybe President Obama; he's a little geeky and yet still down to earth; Dead - either J.R.R. Tolkien to hear in his own words some elvish or Gary Gygax (creator of Dungeons and Dragons) but only if we would run a campaign together (so it would be a really long dinner)
What are three words your friends would use to describe you?
Creative, Sentimental and Caring.
What is one thing most people would be surprised to learn about you?
I tend to overshare - so I doubt a lot would surprise them; but maybe I wish that we could base our culture more closely to resemble the Muppets.
What is your go-to comfort food?
Either Ice Cream, Mom's Country Style Steak or my wife's Apple Crisp.
If you weren't working in your current profession, what career would you choose?
Novelist (Editors Note: Tony has written THREE books!)
What is the cause of issue you're especially passionate about?
Equality
What's your favorite way to spend a Saturday in Coastal Carolina?
Playing a Tabletop Role playing game (i.e. Dungeons and Dragons); or seeing a play at one of the many community theaters.
What book, podcast or movie has had a big impact on you?
The Lord of the Rings (book) - probably reading it in middle school steered me the rest of my life. Movie - Muppet Christmas Carol (There are few movies I always tear up during multiple places - who am I kidding I tear up a lot; but often with so many accompanying smiles).
What does "community" mean to you?
Connections
In one sentence, why should someone support United Way of Coastal Carolina?
UWCC is an agency that connects community together; a way to link services to needs in an often confusing world of non-profits.
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee
Beach or Mountains?
Mountains
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Either or Neither
Dogs or Cats?
Cats
Sweet or Salty?
Sweet
Favorite Local Event?
Any Community Theater production; Christmas at Tryon Palace (in general all the stuff that happens around Christmas)
Favorite Holiday?
Halloween
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor?
Something with Peanut Butter
One word to describe Coastal Carolina?
Welcoming
One word to describe United Way?
Supportive