LENOIR, NC (March 6, 2019) — The Foundation of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute held its Annual Fund Campaign kickoff luncheon on Tuesday, March 5 at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir.
Featuring community leaders, campaign volunteers, and college faculty and administrators, the event starts fundraising efforts for the Foundation’s Annual Fund Drive. Peg Broyhill, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, offered opening remarks and welcomed the crowd of supporters. Broyhill also announced the goal for this year’s campaign as $375,000, the highest to date for the campaign. Broyhill also announced that Alvin Daughtridge will lead the 2019 Annual Fund Drive campaign.
Daughtridge, a retired executive at Fairfield Chair Company and a member of the CCC&TI Board of Trustees, has been a leader in the Caldwell County business community and an advocate for education for more than five decades. A long-time supporter of the Foundation of CCC&TI, Daughtridge said the annual Fund Drive is a way for the college and the community to work together to prepare for the future. “When you are out on the campaign trail, remind contributors of what a vital role they play for the community and the students,” said Daughtridge. “The success of this campaign has a significant impact on the success of the college and the success of our community.”
Deborah Murray, Vice Chair of the Foundation and Director of the Caldwell County Economic Development Commission, spoke to the group about the value of CCC&TI in the community. “We would not have the success that we have in our community without CCC&TI. The community college is nimble, resourceful and responsive and helps me do my job,” said Murray. “Your investment is improving our community and everywhere you look there is evidence of it.”
CCC&TI President Dr. Mark Poarch also addressed the group, sharing the college’s success last year in serving more than 13,000 students and producing more than 780 college graduates. Poarch also mentioned several new initiatives for the college including construction on a new student services center for the Watauga Campus in Boone, partnerships with Appalachian State University, expanded program offerings and the addition of softball and baseball to the college’s athletic program among others. “It’s going to be a busy year. Without your help, it would not be possible. Thank you for your investment in CCC&TI,” said Poarch. “I thank you, our students thank you, our community partners thank you – for helping us be the best community college in the state.”
Several students also spoke at the event. Dyamond Harvey, Patricia Hall and Jody Miller shared how scholarships and assistance through the Foundation have helped them pursue their educational goals. Harvey is a member of the Lady Cobras Basketball team and came to CCC&TI from Miami, Fla. “Coach Richie [Covington, CCC&TI’s Women’s Basketball Coach] offered me a huge opportunity and I took a leap of faith. It was the best thing I’ve ever done,” said Harvey.
Patricia Hall is enrolled in CCC&TI’s Sonography Program and returned to school for a career change after her husband passed away. “Things don’t always go as planned. Sometimes life throws you a curveball. I’m so grateful for all the help I’ve received,” said Hall. “You may not always get to see the people you help but it definitely has a ripple effect. When you help me, you help my kids and when I’m working in the health care field, I’ll be able to help others. Thank you for the lives you’ve touched.”
Broyhill introduced each of the team captains for this year’s campaign. They are Barbara Freiman, Guy Walters, Wayne Keller, Joan McGee, Barbara Weiller, Deborah Murray, Dr. Mark Poarch, Mary Frances Sullivan, Peg Broyhill and Wade Wilmouth.
Foundation Executive Director Marla Christie recognized the faculty and staff members at CCC&TI, who kicked off their portion of the campaign in February. To date, the employee campaign has raised more than $27,000 and employees are continuing their efforts.
CCC&TI students are also working to raise money for the campaign. The Student Government Association is hosting several fundraising events on campus and throughout the community. Students have raised more than $1,500 for campaign thus far.
Board priorities for this year’s campaign include funding for scholarships, the Dream Award Program, childcare, student emergencies, academic support and professional development.
For more information on the Foundation of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, or to make a gift to the Annual Fund Drive, visit www.cccti.edu/foundation or contact the Foundation Office at 828-726-2260.