The highly anticipated 2025 Crossroads Ford Apex ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade, presented by Shop Local Raleigh, is proud to announce that Dereck Whittenburg will serve as Grand Marshal for this year’s event. His selection underscores his impactful legacy in Raleigh, across North Carolina, and nationally.
Dereck Whittenburg is best known for his starring role as a guard on the 1982–83 NC State University Wolfpack men’s basketball team that captured the NCAA National Championship, a season that has become part of sports lore. Dereck was recognized as the Most Valuable Player of the Final Four West Region and NCAA Finals, and his jersey, number 25, is among those honored by NC State.
Beyond his playing years, Whittenburg has dedicated himself to coaching and administration, including an executive role at his alma mater, where he now serves as Associate Athletic Director for Community Relations and Student Support. While his athletic accomplishments are impressive, it is his dedication to community, educational access, and the Triangle region that truly sets Whittenburg apart. In 2015, he and his wife, Jacqueline, founded the Dereck Whittenburg Foundation, which has given hundreds of scholarships to North Carolina college students facing financial challenges. He is also a founding board member of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, created in memory of his former coach and mentor, Jim Valvano.
He is also an Emmy Award-winning documentary producer of “Survive and Advance” for his work as an executive producer, and most recently, he authored his memoir titled “The Shot Heard Around The World: How I Went From The Playground To The White House.” All of which highlights his commitment to giving back. His dedication to “what happens after the cheering stops” is often cited, meaning his focus extends well beyond sport and into meaningful, long-term impact.
The selection committee for the Crossroads Ford Apex ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade, alongside Shop Local Raleigh’s nonprofit board, chose Whittenburg for three key reasons:
As a long-time Triangle resident and visible community leader, Dereck embodies the spirit of Raleigh and North Carolinians. His Inspiring Story, from first-generation college graduate to philanthropist, resonates with perseverance and success. The Parade celebrates unity, generosity, and hope. Whittenburg’s record of scholarship giving and community engagement aligns perfectly with the holiday spirit of that mission.
“I am deeply honored to serve as Grand Marshal,” said Dereck Whittenburg. “This Parade is about community gathering, about joy, and about supporting the local businesses and families that make the Triangle region so special. I’m honored to be named Grand Marshal of this annual tradition celebrating our community and holiday season together.”
“[Mr. Whittenburg] exemplifies the values we hold dear: achievement, giving back, and lifting others up,” said Jennifer Martin, Executive Director of Shop Local Raleigh. “Dereck was a clear choice to be honored in this year’s parade.”
The parade will take place on November 22, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Downtown Raleigh.
About the Raleigh Christmas Parade:
Presented by Shop Local Raleigh and sponsored by Crossroads Ford and ABC11, the Raleigh Christmas Parade is an annual event celebrating the start of the holiday season. Known for its vibrant displays, live entertainment, and family-friendly atmosphere, the parade has been a beloved tradition in the Raleigh area since 1944.
About Shop Local Raleigh
Shop Local Raleigh (SLR) is part of a growing national movement of communities rallying to support their independent businesses. Shop Local Raleigh is about connecting, supporting, and growing independent businesses to strengthen and enrich our community. SLR currently serves over 900 locally owned and independent businesses. Businesses and consumers can learn more at www.shoplocalraleigh.org.
For more information about the Raleigh Christmas Parade, please visit www.grma.org.