WILMINGTON, N.C. — Central Rotary of Wilmington is doing their own version of the well-known "Flock for a Cause" fundraiser that involves pink plastic flamingos taking over local businesses to raise money for nonprofits. This is the first year the Rotary has ever done the fundraiser, but the chairperson of the project, Louise McColl, says it's off to a great start.

“I bought one for my mother, and she's been dead a little over two years and mine says on it, 'In tribute of the best mom ever', and so to me it's just a way of remembering her and coming out here and seeing something that I did in memory of her.”

The funds from this year's project are benefiting two local nonprofits – She Rocks, which brings awareness to ovarian cancer and Miracle Field of Wilmington, which strives to give those with disabilities access to fitness and recreation. Their goal this year is to be able to give $5,000 to each charity.

Jennifer Bell of Access of Wilmington, which manages all the programming at the Miracle Field, says the money will be put toward a future building that will allow people with disabilities access to recreation and exercise.

“It would be a place where anyone could come and use an accessible gym with accessible fitness equipment,” Bell says. “We could have the options to have wheelchair basketball teams, hot wheels hockey, soccer, all indoors.”

The current Miracle Field is 33,000 square feet of rubberized surface, and it's one of the largest in the country, but Bell says the fact that it's outside creates challenges when the weather gets in the way. She says they frequently have to cancel programs.

“Everything that we do we are trying to eliminate barriers to health and wellness for people living with disabilities,” Bell says.

The fundraiser runs through the end of February, and people can make a donation or purchase a flamingo for $50 here. McColl says she hopes people will take the time to visit the flocks and see the outpouring of support the community has shown already.

“It's really just a $50 donation that's going to go to impacting the lives of so many, not only with Access of Wilmington for 650 children, adults, and veterans, but also the amazing She Rocks organization as well,” Bell says.