Gretna luncheon hears of Community Foundation impact

Northern Pittsylvania County has received more than $170,000 in grants and scholarships from The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region since it began in 1996. An additional $820,000 has been awarded to Chatham area and general Pittsylvania County organizations. The complete listing of grants was shared at a June 23 luncheon for Northern Pittsylvania County supporters, grant recipients and potential donors at Mama Rosa’s restaurant. Information was also shared about the online grant cycle for nonprofit organizations with an August 3, 2015 deadline.

Northern Pittsylvania County supporters, grant recipients and potential donors at Mama Rosa’s restaurant for The Community Foundation Luncheon on June 23rd.

Northern Pittsylvania County supporters, grant recipients and potential donors at Mama Rosa’s restaurant for The Community Foundation Luncheon on June 23rd.

Pittsylvania County donors have also established 10 endowment funds within The Community Foundation, including:

  • W. Earl and Elise M.G. Allen Fund (1998)
  • Margaret Spruce Floyd Scholarship (2003)
  • Ray M. Harris Scholarship (2004)
  • John L. Hurt Scholarship (2003)
  • Larry Donald Huskey Fund (2009)
  • Herman and Helen Melton Historical Fund (2003)
  • Audrey Millner Fund (2000)
  • Pittsylvania County Animal Shelter Fund (2008)
  • Richard Ramsey Scholarship (2010)
  • Florence P. Wagner and Jennie Lee Wagner Scholarship (2008)

Fourteen Pittsylvania County citizens have served on The Community Foundation Board, including currently serving members Angeles Atkinson, Brenda Blair, Rev. Ed Pope, Paul Thompson and Lewis Wall. Four Pittsylvania County Board members have served as past presidents – Ben Davenport, H.F. Haymore, John “Eddie” Herndon, Jr., and H. Victor Millner, Jr. Additional Pittsylvania County residents who have served on the foundation Board include E. B. Fitzgerald, III, Donald Merricks, Audrey Millner, Robert W. Scearce, Jr. and Vaden Wright.

“All of Pittsylvania County has been a part of our core service area since The Community Foundation began,” said Debra L. Dodson, Executive Director. Donors, organizations or businesses may start their own endowment funds for as little as $10,000 and scholarships for $25,000. Once a fund is established anyone can make designated gifts to that fund.

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is an independent, public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of local civic leaders to gather permanent funds to support our area. The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is a public charity with total assets exceeding $29 million.

While the Foundation works with donors with local ties to establish funds to benefit any geographic area, their primary service area is Danville/Pittsylvania County, Virginia and Caswell County, North Carolina. Donations are also being sought to build up resources for South Boston/Halifax County, with consideration being given to other neighboring counties.

Community agencies can now submit grant applications online. The deadline is August 3, 2015. The next scholarship application cycle will begin January 1, 2016 and will be available online. For more information, contact the Foundation office at 434-793-0884.

June 2015

Now Accepting Grant Applications, Deadline August 3, 2015

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is currently accepting applications for the competitive grant cycle. Area non-profits with a current 501(c)3 are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted online.

 

The deadline for all applications is August 3, 2015.

 

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is an independent, public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of local civic leaders to gather permanent funds to support our area.

While the Foundation works with donors to establish funds and scholarships to benefit any geographic area, our primary service area is Danville/Pittsylvania County, Virginia and Caswell County, North Carolina. Donations are also being sought to build up resources for South Boston/Halifax County, with consideration being given to other neighboring counties.

Community foundations are established to manage a collection of separate funds created by individuals and corporations – a community of donors – to enhance the quality of life in a local area. These funds are pooled and invested under the direction of a board of directors comprised of community leaders.

The Community Foundation is a fully tax-exempt organization. Individuals, businesses or organizations may establish their own fund or may contribute any amount to existing funds. The Community Foundation may be contacted at 541 Loyal Street, VA 24541, (434) 793-0884

 

The Community Foundation Awards 86 Scholarships Totaling More Than $160,000 to Area Students

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region has awarded 86 scholarships totaling more than $160,000 to area students. Presentations from 39 different scholarship funds within The Community Foundation were made at a scholarship reception held May 31, 2015 at The Community Center in Chatham. The Community Foundation has awarded 870 scholarships totaling more than $2 million since its beginning in 1996.

 

Students from Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County, North Carolina, earned more than $160,000 in college scholarships from the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region on Sunday.

Students from Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County, North Carolina, earned more than $160,000 in college scholarships from the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region.

 

The Adkerson-Dodson Special Education Scholarship was established in 2012 in memory of Elsie Carolyn Adkerson and in memory of Robert Edward Adkerson and Elsie Herndon Adkerson. The scholarship supports deserving Danville/Pittsylvania residents who have a need for financial support and who are pursuing an undergraduate degree or licensure in special education. Courtney Meadows (Central Virginia Community College) received $700.

The William E. Barr Scholarship was established in 2013 in memory of William E. Barr. The scholarship supports Danville – Pittsylvania County graduates attending Hampden-Sydney College. Tyler McGaughey (George Washington High School) received $800.

The Bennett-Bushnell-Jones-Kaufmann Scholarship was established in 2008 to provide scholarships to second-year nursing students at Danville Community College. Emily Pleasant (Bartlett Yancey High School) received $1,825.

The James W. Bryant, Sr. and James T. Collie Scholarship was established in 2005 by a retired school teacher. The scholarship is for Pittsylvania County Public Schools graduates, with a preference for those pursuing education or nursing. Two scholarships of $2,570 each were awarded to Brittnie Cooke (Liberty University) and Erika Dodson (Dan River High School).

The Bernard C. Calvert Scholarship was established in 2004 by the Brosville Council #51 of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. The scholarship is restricted to Tunstall High School graduates, preferably students who attended either Brosville or Stony Mill Schools. Lauren Yoder (Tunstall High School) received $1,950.

The John Watson Daniel Scholarship was established by the JWD Retirement Club in 1997. A scholarship in the amount of $675 was presented to Deborah Cassada (Tunstall High School).

The Danville Academic Boosters Club Scholarship is awarded to the top five scholastic students in the Danville Public School system. The following students received scholarships – Jonathan McCain (Galileo Magnet High School), Domitilo Gomez (GWHS), John Campbell (GWHS), Unnisa Mehr (Galileo Magnet High School) and Lillie Neal (GWHS).

The Danville Regional Medical Center Auxiliary/Volunteers Scholarship was established in 2007 for Danville Regional Medical Center employees, volunteers and their immediate families, who are studying a medical field. Ten scholarships of $1,200 each were awarded to Alexa Barley (Dan River High School), Tynia Chattin (Dan River High School), Hannah Dewberry (Campbell University), Corietta Henry (Danville Community College), Emily Hilton (Radford University), Jackson Hylton, Jr. (Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine), Chrisha Llana (Galileo Magnet High School), Elizabeth McBride (Chatham High School), Ashlee Pickrel (Lynchburg College) and Brianna Ryan (James Madison University).

The Roy L. and Mary G. Doss Scholarship was established in 2010 to benefit graduating seniors of Danville or Pittsylvania County. The following students received $5,500 each – Melinda Jisel Espinoza (Chatham High School), Joshua Estabrook (Liberty University), Sierra Franklin (Liberty University), Domitilo Gomez (GWHS), Danielle Jeffers (GWHS), Makenna Jones (Virginia Tech), Ram Leandro Madejas (University of Virginia), Jonathan McCain (Galileo Magnet High School), Natalie Nicholson (University of Virginia), and John Robinson III (Dartmouth College).

The Susan L. Edwards Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Susan L. Edwards in 2012. The scholarship is awarded to students pursuing the field of radiologic technology. Lauren Haymore (Chatham High School) received $1,100.

One student received the John R. and Betty B. Eggleston Scholarship, established in memory of Dr. and Mrs. Eggleston in 2002. The scholarship was presented to Kaitlin Robertson (Arizona State University) in the amount of $675.

The First Responder-Hero Education Scholarship was established in 2013 to provide scholarships for Danville-Pittsylvania-Caswell County High School graduates whose parents are armed force members or veterans, law enforcement officers, or fulltime or volunteer firefighters, with a preference for graduates whose parents were killed or wounded while performing their duties. Haley Shaffer (Tunstall High School) received $1,125.

The Margaret Spruce Floyd Scholarship was established in memory of Mrs. Floyd and transferred to The Community Foundation in 2003. The scholarship is awarded to female high school students from Pittsylvania County. Emily Dodson (Dan River High School) received $2,175.

The Gantsoudes Scholarship was established in 2008 to benefit George Washington High School students attending college in Virginia or North Carolina. Deja Lewis (GWHS) received $1,825.

The Roy G. and Joan F. Gignac Scholarship was created in 2000 to benefit area students who may attend the Illinois Institute of Technology or pursue technical disciplines. Scholarships were awarded to Austin Canavan (Tunstall High School), Landon Holley (Tunstall High School), Hannah Ricketts (Virginia Tech), and Joseph Snead (Tunstall High School). Each received $3,160.

The Diane Marie Gross Scholarship was established with The Community Foundation in 2013. The scholarship is for Danville graduates attending Washington and Lee University or the College of William and Mary. Katie Van Der Hyde (College of William and Mary) received $1,025.

The John B. Grubb Scholarship was established in 2007 in memory of Mr. Grubb to benefit Danville and Pittsylvania County Public School graduates. Heath Hylton (Chatham High School) received $675.

The GW Class of 1957 Scholarship was established in 2007 to benefit George Washington High School students. The Class of 1957 created the scholarship for their 50th High School Reunion. Jennifer Eibert (Mary Baldwin College) received $1,675.

The Ray M. Harris Scholarship was created in memory of Mr. Harris and transferred to The Community Foundation in 2004. The scholarship gives primary consideration to Pittsylvania County High School graduates. Paul Henderson (Dan River High School) received $3,400.

The Stuart Harris Drama Scholarship recognizes outstanding drama students in the Danville Public Schools. Nakia Stephens (Galileo Magnet High School) received $1,300.

The Douglas Sager Hayes and Mildred “Mickey” Hayes Scholarship was established in 2013 to provide scholarships for Danville-Pittsylvania graduates studying art. Kelsey Edwards (Tunstall High School) received $2,725.

The Hokie Bird Scholarship was established in 2013 to support Danville-Pittsylvania County graduates attending Virginia Tech. Zachary Taylor (Virginia Tech) received $1,100.

The John L. Hurt, Jr. Scholarship supports students from Gretna High School, with a preference for students who have attended the John L. Hurt, Jr. Elementary School. Ethan Barnes (Gretna High School) received $2,300.

The Robert and Bernice Milam Scholarship was transferred to the foundation in 2010 from Third Avenue Congregational Christian Church to benefit its active members. The following students each received $1,350 – Grant Bowen (GWHS), Kelsey Case (Averett University), Carrie Hartgrove (College of William and Mary), Tyler High (Danville Community College), and Dustin Marshall (University of Virginia).

Three scholarships totaling $4,425 were awarded from the Onnie H. & Bertie W. Milloway Scholarship to assist area students who attend Averett University. Scholarships were presented to current Averett students Nichelle Foisy, Paige Gwynn, and Brandy Stein.

The Patrick H. Musick Scholarship was established to provide funding for deserving Averett University students who have a tennis-playing background. Angelica Orlikowski (Averett University) was awarded $750.

The Arnold B. Porter & Elizabeth J. Porter Scholarship was established in 2006 for students who are members of Fairview United Methodist Church. Kaitlyn Ferrell (Eastern Virginia Medical School) received $2,725.

The Irene L. Pritchett Scholarship was created years ago to benefit area African-American students. The Pritchett scholarship was transferred to The Community Foundation in 2001. Sierra Cole (Chatham High School) and Dequanne Coles (GWHS) were each awarded $1,960.

The Alger Pugh Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Alger Pugh, GW High School football coach, after his death in 1984. The scholarship was then transferred to The Community Foundation and is given to deserving GW athletes. Wells Hunter Byrnes, Jr. (GWHS) received $2,750.

Thirteen Gretna High School seniors were awarded $500 each from the Richard Ramsey Scholarship. The Scholarship was created in memory of Mr. Ramsey, a Gretna High School teacher, many years ago and transferred to The Community Foundation in 2010. This scholarship was created to benefit Gretna High School students. The recipients are Rebekah Bayse, Ethan Barnes, William Bennett, Michael Glover, Chandler Haley, Libby-Kathryn Hodges, Christopher Hubbard, Hannah Kinsley, Mason Moorefield, Hailey Rowland, Bryant Short, Ebony Toler, and Sarah Tucker.

A scholarship in the amount of $2,150 was given from the Riddle-Francis Scholarship, which was created in 2005 by a former teacher to benefit Pittsylvania County students, with a preference for Tunstall and Dan River students. The scholarship was awarded to David Brendle (Dan River High School).

The Rotary Club of Yanceyville Scholarship was established in 2013 by the Rotary Club of Yanceyville for graduates of Bartlett Yancey High School. Jacob Crews (Bartlett Yancey High School) received $1,500.

The Percy and Velna Scearce Scholarship was created in 2001 to benefit area students. Dylan Mitchell (Liberty University) received $1,325.

The Spiros Skenderis Memorial Scholarship was created by the Danville Bar Association in memory of Judge Spiros Skenderis. Judge Skenderis served as a compassionate judge of the Danville Juvenile and Domestic Relations District for 19 years. A $2,075 scholarship was awarded to Martin Gomez (Old Dominion University).

The Eileen and Joseph Stendig Scholarship was created in 2005 to benefit area students. Chrisha Llana (Galileo Magnet High School) was awarded $2,525.

The Louise P. Surles Scholarship supports area students who attend the University of Virginia. John Campbell (GWHS) was awarded $2,525.

The Florence P. Wagner and Jennie Lee Wagner Scholarship was established in 2008 to provide scholarships to Pittsylvania County high school graduates. Alex Garcia (Tunstall High School) was awarded $1,325.

The Andy Warren Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of GW High School assistant football coach and is given to deserving GW athletes. William Browning (Lynchburg College) and Ashley Riddle (Radford University) received $1,880 each.

The Woodlawn Academy Scholarship was established in 2014 to provide scholarships for former Woodlawn Academy students and immediate family of former students. Lauren Oakes (Chatham High School) received $3,725.