DSLCC Launches $3.5 Million Fund-Raising Campaign
I was pleased to announce on Sunday, during the biennial “Bubbles, Bands and Brunch” affair hosted by the DSLCC Educational Foundation, the launch of a $3.5 million major gifts campaign. The Imagine, Invest, Inspire: The Campaign for DSLCC initiative has already raised more than $2.6 million with a $1.4 million philanthropic gift from the Alleghany Foundation leading the way.
The comprehensive campaign, involving faculty, staff, alumni, the DSLCC Educational Foundation, local board and members of the community, will support our students and help build futures; further our vision of excellence for the college; advance DSLCC higher on the list of the nation's top community colleges; and educate and train a workforce capable of growing and strengthening economic infrastructure.
With state appropriations accounting for only 47% of our budget, more challenging goals means that more resources will be needed. Building on a solid foundation, we want to ensure DSLCC’s excellence well into the future--this Campaign will allow us to achieve that.
I am pleased to announce that 100 percent of the DSLCC Local Board, Educational Foundation Board and the Campaign Steering Committee have already pledged contributions, and over 60 percent of the DSLCC faculty and staff – more than double the national average for community college campaigns -- have supported the effort. Also, over 260 individuals, businesses and private foundations have already participated in the effort.
Our foundation is strong. Our vision is bold. And our potential is great.
I want to thank the members of the Campaign Steering Committee: Jack and Mitzi Hammond, Honorary Chairs; Ward Robens and Dave Newkirk, Campaign Co-Chairs; Teresa Hammond and Brandon Caldwell, representing the Alleghany Division; Nick Moga and Ramona Garcia, Bath County; Donna Vaughn and Michelle Crook, Botetourt County; Bob Claytor and Matt Paxton, Rockbridge County.
The Bubbles, Bands and Brunch is a fund-raising effort hosted every other year by the DSLCC Educational Foundation, in partnership with B.A. Rupert Real Estate and Cucci’s Pizzeria. With “The Great Gatsby” as the theme, many of the approximate 200 supporters in attendance sported 1920’s costumes. The “Bubbles” event has funded more than $60,000 in scholarships since 2003; the DSLCC Educational Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships to residents of the College’s service area since 1980.
The Alleghany Foundation Donates $1.4 million to the DSLCC Campaign
I was also very pleased to announce on Sunday a landmark philanthropic gift of $1.4 million from The Alleghany Foundation for our initiative. This gift, the second largest in the college’s history, supports one of their tenets -- “educational attainment.” The Alleghany Foundation is truly an example of a benefactor that reflects the origin of the word—literally to “do good (to)”—and they know that supporting community partners goes far beyond just awarding of financial help.
For the past year, DSLCC’s campaign has been in a quiet phase, which refers to the way in which many fundraising efforts begin. It has been a time to refine goals and develop strategies for success, working with some key stakeholders in the community. I am delighted to announce that during this phase, we received positive feedback and several large lead gifts which created momentum for the campaign and inspired all of us to move forward. It was the Alleghany Foundation who provided this lead gift.
I was pleased to have at Sunday's "Bubbles, Bands, & Brunch" some members of the Alleghany Foundation Board of Directors including Mr. Jim Eller and Emeritus Board Members Mr. Jack Hammond, Mr. Harrison Fridley, and Mr. Charlie Kahle
Thank you to the Alleghany Foundation for making this college and community-changing gift!
For more information or to make a contribution, please contact the DSLCC Educational Foundation at (540) 863-2837 or by email rthompson@dslcc.edu. You may also make your donation online at Giving.
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