Good morning, Norfolk.

A local sorority surprised a new mother on Thursday morning with a gift basket of baby items in honor of its 103rd Founders’ Day—items collected for the Rhoyal Baby Blessing initiative at Sentara Leigh Hospital.

The Theta Chi Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho, whose member is an ODU alumna and whose partner is a former employee, plans to make this an annual event.

Chesapeake nonprofit Joy Ministries, founded 35 years ago by Danette Crawford, helps single mothers and children in Hampton Roads with 23 programs providing food, housing and education.

The ministry is raising funds to pay off its Miracle Center and expand housing for single moms—while planning December Holiday of Hope events as demand grows after the pandemic.

ROŪGE: Theater Reinvented will host its first fundraiser called PlayNight this Saturday as three Norfolk homes in Ghent and Talbot Park transform into interactive theaters—guests choose scenes from three Broadway plays and their level of part participation to build a closer community connection.

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra and TORCH will host a benefit concert on Saturday, Nov 15 at 4 p.m. at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk to raise funds for Lynnhaven River Now—an organization that works to improve local water quality.

General admission starts at $45 and offers discounts for those 25 and younger as musicians meet the audience after the show.

Norfolk State University announced on Thursday that writer and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $50 million to support student scholarships, faculty research, athletics and strategic initiatives at the school — the largest gift in its 90-year history and her second major donation after a $40 million gift in 2020.

Norfolk transit will offer $4 special roundtrip passes for the Grand Illumination Parade in Downtown Norfolk on November 22 — kids 17 and under ride free with a paying adult.

Ticket options include online purchase or QR codes at light rail and ferry stations while extra service runs ensure smooth travel for paradegoers.

A VCU study found that the opioid crisis cost nearly ($786 million) in Hampton Roads in 2023, or about ($862 per person).

The study said most of the cost came from lost work wages and urged more overdose care to help save lives.

Waterparks Concert

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — The NorVa — $59 — Enjoy an exciting live music experience with Waterparks at a popular local venue.

Contemplative Night with Will Reagan

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Coalescence Coffee Company — No cost specified — Enjoy an evening of singing and stories as Will Reagan shares from his wide range catalogue.

Atreyu Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — The NorVa — $51+ — Experience the intense sounds of Atreyu live in concert at a premier Norfolk venue.

The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Chrysler Hall — Cost TBD — Experience a captivating live rock concert set in an enchanting candlelit atmosphere.

North Carolina Central Eagles vs Old Dominion Lady Monarchs Women's Basketball

2 p.m. — Chartway Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement as the Eagles take on the Lady Monarchs in this thrilling women's basketball matchup.

Virginia Beach Christmas Market

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — The Virginia Beach Christmas Market — $8 for adults, $2 for children — Discover unique crafts and festive cheer at Virginia’s beloved holiday tradition.

Norfolk State Spartans vs. Virginia-Lynchburg Dragons Basketball Game

1 PM — Joseph G Echols Hall — Tickets required — Experience an exciting matchup between college basketball rivals in Norfolk.

Tidewater Striders Turkey Trot 10K & Mile

8:15-10:45 a.m. — Mt. Trashmore Family YMCA — $30 entry — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a festive 10K and 1 Mile run for families and runners of all abilities.

The Spill Canvas and Mae Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The NorVa — Ticket price not available — Experience a night of alternative rock with beloved bands The Spill Canvas and Mae.

A Merry Little Christmas Carol

7:30 p.m. — Wells Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartwarming tale of Scrooge with a festive ensemble during Norfolk's beloved holiday celebration.