WCC Foundation Raises $171,425 at 33rd Annual Invitational

WCC Foundation Raises $171,425 at 33rd Annual Invitational

GOLDSBORO, N.C. – The Foundation of Wayne Community College successfully raised $171,425 at its 33rd annual Invitational, providing crucial funding for student scholarships and college improvements.

The comprehensive fundraising event generated revenue through multiple channels, including corporate sponsorships, online and in-person auctions, golf and pickleball tournaments, a putting contest, and a 50/50 drawing.

College Leadership Expresses Gratitude

WCC President Patty Pfeiffer addressed donors at the live auction dinner, emphasizing the critical importance of community support.

“We could not do what we do without the Foundation, and the Foundation cannot do what it does without you,” Pfeiffer told attendees.

Student Success Story Highlights Impact

The event featured a compelling testimonial from Gaby Rivera, a WCC graduate who benefited directly from the Foundation’s scholarship programs. Rivera participated in the Career and College Promise (CCP) dual-enrollment program as a high school student before continuing her education at WCC.

The Foundation’s Bison Benefit scholarship, which provides CCP students with four semesters of free tuition after high school graduation, enabled Rivera to pursue her associate degree without financial burden.

“Because of the Bison Benefit scholarship, I was able to focus on my education and be involved on campus,” Rivera shared with donors. “You’re the reason students like me get to grow, dream, and feel like we belong.”

Tournament’s Impressive Legacy

The Invitational was established in 1993 by Dillon Wooten of Wooten Development Company and has since raised over $3 million, making it the most successful golf tournament in the North Carolina Community College System.

This year’s event attracted support from 100 businesses and individuals who provided sponsorships at various levels and donated auction items.

Major Sponsors and Supporters

Invitational Sponsor: Jackson & Sons

Pickleball Tournament Sponsor: Mt. Olive Pickle Company

Diamond Sponsors: Benton & Sons Fabrication, Georgia-Pacific, Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Bonnie and Bill Hunter, and R.A. Bryan Foundation Inc.

Platinum Sponsors: Wooten Development Company, Alta Foods LLC, Atlantic Casualty Insurance Company, Southern Bank, Piedmont Natural Gas, Deacon Jones Auto Group, Jackson Builders Inc., Wayne UNC Health Care, Allen Grading Company, Beacon Roofing Supply, Ryerson, Precision Plumbing, Elevated Aesthetics, Truist, Sport Durst Mazda of Goldsboro, Seegars Fence Company, AP Exhaust Products, Moseley Architects, Franklin Baking Company LLC, Fran and Larry Boyce, Wayne Foundation, Griffin Exterminating Co., Walnut Creek Senior Player Group, and Case Farms.

Additional support came from Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Blue sponsors, along with dedicated meal sponsors including Janney Montgomery Scott LLC for dinner, beanSweet at WCC for breakfast, and Chick-fil-A of Goldsboro for lunch.

About the Foundation

The Foundation of WCC operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding community support for educational opportunities at the college. Its mission encompasses funding program and facility enhancements, providing employee recognition, offering cultural programs for the community, and awarding scholarships to deserving students.

The Foundation’s work ensures that Wayne Community College can continue serving students like Rivera, who depend on financial assistance to achieve their educational goals and contribute to their communities.

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