Tag Archive for: #vgccfoundation

VGCC Foundation Craft Fair Vendor Deadline Sept. 25 For Oct. 9 Event

/by

–       Information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation will host the 4th annual “Fill the Pantry” Craft Show on Friday, Oct. 9, from 2–7 p.m. inside the VGCC Civic Center in Henderson.

This popular community event brings together local artisans, crafters, and vendors for an afternoon of shopping, creativity, and giving back. Proceeds from the event will directly support the VGCC Food Pantry, which provides essential resources to students facing food insecurity across Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties.

The Foundation is currently seeking vendors to participate in this year’s event. Booth spaces are available for $25 for each 10′ x 10′ space ($50 for a 10′ x 20′ space), plus a donated item to be used for raffles. This event offers an affordable opportunity for local businesses and creators to showcase and sell their products while supporting a meaningful cause.

“The ‘Fill the Pantry’ Craft Show continues to grow each year, thanks to the incredible support of our community,” said Angela Douglas, Food Pantry assistant. “This event not only highlights local talent but also helps ensure our students have access to basic needs so they can focus on their education and future success.”

Community members are encouraged to attend, shop, and support the cause. A wide variety of handmade goods, crafts and unique items will be available. The entry fee for shoppers is three canned goods or non-perishable items.

To register as a vendor, complete the online interest form at https://bit.ly/4vQVsyR. Please note vendors will not be considered registered unless they have paid before the deadline of Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Vendors must offer items for sale.

For additional information or questions, please contact Angie Douglas douglasa@vgcc.edu or 252.738.3323.

VGCC Foundation’s $5M ‘Building Futures Campaign’ Well On Its Way To Goal

/by

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation’s $5 million fundraising campaign is well on its way, with more than $1 million raised since the campaign kicked off in March.

Building Futures: Empowering Students, Strengthening Communities is a 10-month campaign to raise money to address a funding deficit and ensure the successful completion of two transformational workforce training facilities, namely the Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Applied Technology (CAMAT) and the Transportation Training & Technology Center (TTTC).

The $1,051,000 in philanthropic support demonstrates strong early momentum, donor confidence, and measurable community impact, according to school officials.

Building Futures represents a high-impact workforce development initiative, advancing economic mobility and career pathways for students across Vance, Granville, Franklin, and Warren counties.

While state funding and grants have supported both facilities, increased construction costs have created a funding shortfall. The Building Futures fundraising plan seeks to raise $5 million in transformational philanthropic investment to ensure both facilities open fully equipped with modern technology and industry-grade training equipment.

This investment directly supports student success, workforce readiness, and long-term regional economic growth, while strengthening the talent pipeline for high-demand industries.

The Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Applied Technology will serve as a state-of-the-art training center designed to prepare students for high-demand, high-wage careers in welding, mechatronics, electrical systems, and HVAC.

This facility will expand access to quality jobs, industry-recognized credentials, and upward economic mobility, while supporting employers seeking a highly skilled workforce.

The Transportation Training & Technology Center will expand and modernize instruction in CDL-A and B, heavy equipment operations, and diesel and heavy equipment mechanics.

This facility addresses critical workforce shortages while providing hands-on, career-connected learning opportunities that lead directly to employment and family-sustaining wages.

Together, these two facilities represent a transformative investment in community impact, workforce innovation, and economic development. By aligning education with industry demand, VGCC is advancing scalable workforce solutions, employer partnerships, and student-centered outcomes that strengthen communities and regional competitiveness.

The Building Futures initiative reflects a commitment to evidence-based impact, measurable outcomes, and expanding opportunity at scale—key priorities for national philanthropic leaders investing in systemic change.

Individuals, families, corporations, and philanthropic organizations are invited to participate in the Building Futures initiative through a variety of major gift and naming opportunities. Donors may choose to name classrooms, labs, and more.

For more information about supporting workforce training, transformational giving opportunities, philanthropic partnerships, or community impact investments, please contact the VGCC Foundation at foundation@vgcc.edu or 252.738.3264 or visit www.vgcc.edu/building-futures.

Brightspeed Establishes Annual $3K Scholarship Through VGCC Foundation

/by

— from Vance-Granville Community College

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation announces a $3,000 annual scholarship established by Brightspeed to support students pursuing their educational goals.

The scholarship, named the Brightspeed Bright Futures Annual Scholarship, will be awarded to one deserving student and used for the fall 2026 – spring 2027 academic year, according to information from VGCC.

“Brightspeed is proud to be part of the communities we serve, and that means investing in the people who call them home,” said Sabrina Anderson, local marketing manager at Brightspeed. “The Brightspeed Bright Futures Annual Scholarship is about supporting local students as they work toward their goals and helping create opportunities that strengthen families, neighborhoods and the community as a whole. We’re honored to partner with The VGCC Foundation to help students build brighter futures.”

VGCC Foundation Executive Director Tanya Weary expressed gratitude to Brightspeed, a high-speed internet provider that operates in about 20 states, including North Carolina. “This generous contribution will make a meaningful difference by providing critical financial assistance and opening doors of opportunity for our students as they work toward achieving their educational and career goals.”

Students planning to attend VGCC in fall 2026 are encouraged to apply for the Brightspeed Bright Futures Annual Scholarship beginning in May. The scholarship is designed to support students who demonstrate a commitment to their education and a desire to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation supports the mission of the College by providing resources that enhance educational opportunities for students and strengthen the College’s impact in the community.

For more information about the scholarship or how to apply, please visit The VGCC Foundation webpage or contact The VGCC Foundation office at foundation@vgcc.edu or 252.738.3264.

TownTalk: VGCC Foundation Celebrates 50 Years

/by

– Information courtesy of Vance-Granville Community College

For the past 50 years, the Vance-Granville Community College Foundation has been helping students with scholarships and other financial means. In doing so, it also has strengthened communities and has opened doors of opportunity across the VGCC four-county service region.

Established in 1976 as the College’s Endowment Fund, The VGCC Foundation has played a vital role in helping students overcome financial barriers and achieve their educational goals. Over five decades, The Foundation has expanded its impact well beyond scholarships to include emergency assistance, student success initiatives, program support, and strategic investments that enhance learning environments.

“This anniversary is more than a celebration of our history; it’s a celebration of our students and the lives they go on to change,” said Tanya Weary, executive director of The VGCC Foundation. “For 50 years, The Foundation has been committed to meeting students where they are and providing the support they need to succeed. Every gift, every partnership, and every opportunity has helped change lives—one student at a time.”

In an undated photo, former VGCC president Dr. Ben Currin (1981-1998) and longtime trustee Donald C. Seifert Sr. accept a donation on behalf of the College’s Endowment Fund, now known as The VGCC Foundation.

As part of its 50th anniversary year, The VGCC Foundation is also focused on the future. The Foundation is actively raising funds to support two new buildings: the Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Applied Technology in Granville County and the Transportation Training & Technology Center in Warren County. Both are critical projects that will expand instructional space, modernize learning environments, and better serve students and the region’s workforce needs.

“These new facilities represent an investment in our students, our faculty, and the future of our communities,” Sheri Jones, VGCCF associate director noted. “The support we receive today will help us continue building futures, empowering students, and strengthening communities.”

Throughout the year, The Foundation will highlight its legacy, recognize supporters, and share stories of impact while continuing its mission to empower students and strengthen the communities Vance-Granville Community College serves.

For more information about The VGCC Foundation, its 50th anniversary initiatives, or opportunities to support the new building projects, visit www.vgcc.edu/foundation, email foundation@vgcc.edu, or call 252.738.326

CLICK PLAY!

The Local Skinny! VGCC Foundation Preparing For 3rd Annual Wine-Tasting Gala

/by

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation is putting the finishing touches on plans for the third annual gala wine-tasting gala slated for Saturday, April 11. Proceeds from the event will help students facing financial emergencies.

VGCC Foundation Director Tanya Weary and Associate Director Sheri Jones say it’s important to be able to assist students when things come up that prove to be barriers to their education. In addition to administering more than 350 scholarships each year, students also have access to a food pantry, a clothing closet and can ask for help to cover unforeseen costs when their car battery dies or they have a flat tire.

There’s even a program with KARTS to provide transportation to and from campus if transportation is needed.

“Putting on events like the gala…is very heartwarming to us,” Jones said.

Attendees will get a souvenir wine glass and the chance to sample wines from different wineries while enjoy foods that pair well with each variety.

There’s a silent auction – bidding is done online – with auction items that include vacation packages, as well as cornhole boards and chairs from the VGCC carpentry classes and other items from the school’s culinary and cosmetology departments, just to name a few.

A violinist and pianist will provide special music throughout the evening for the event, which will be held at High Rock Farm on Enon Road in Oxford.

“It’s a great night for a great cause,” Weary said. Current VGCC students will be on hand to share their stories about how these extra resources have helped them along the way.

Tickets are $75 each and may be purchased through The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation office. Only 150 tickets will be sold, so get yours now! Email foundation@vgcc.edu or call 252.738.3264 to purchase tickets or to learn more.

 

CLICK PLAY!

VGCC Foundation Gets $3,000 Grant From Food Lion Feeds For Food Pantry

/by

 

— Information courtesy of Vance-Granville Community College

 

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation has received $3,000 from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation to help students experiencing hunger. The Feeding the Hungry grant supports The Foundation’s efforts by purchasing food items that will ultimately help tackle food insecurity among our students. In addition, the grants support community feeding partners by helping neighbors increase their access to nutritious food and providing nutrition education to eliminate health risks for those experiencing food insecurity.

The VGCC Foundation aims to reduce food insecurity through its food pantry that serves students at all VGCC campuses. The campuses are located in Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin counties. The food pantry is a one-stop shop for food and hygiene items for students and is sustained through a partnership with the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, Food Lion, fundraisers, donations of items and monetary gifts. The Foundation will be able to use this generous gift from Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation to purchase food items and support healthy eating initiatives for its students.

The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting families facing food insecurity across its 10-state footprint. Established in 2001, the foundation provides financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to feeding local neighbors in the communities it serves. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $18.1 million in grants.

VGCC Foundation’s ‘Fill The Pantry’ Craft Fair Set For Friday, Oct. 10 At Civic Center

/by

— Information courtesy of Vance-Granville Community College Foundation

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation is planning its third annual Fill the Pantry Craft Fair on Friday, Oct. 10 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the College’s Civic Center in Henderson.   The event supports the VGCC food pantry, which provides essential resources to students in need.  This indoor craft fair is open to the public.

Cost of admission will be three (3) canned goods, nonperishable food items, or paper goods at the door.

Join in for a day of shopping, community, food, raffles and giving back. Local vendors will offer a variety of handmade goods—perfect for early holiday shopping—while helping to stock the pantry shelves.  In addition, grab a bite to eat from Bun on the Run or enjoy a coffee and/or treat from The Double Shot.

“With the holiday season quickly approaching, this show is a fantastic way to celebrate our local crafters while also supporting the community,” said Angela Douglas, VGCC Food Pantry Assistant. “We are excited to host this family-friendly event and help our students at the same time.”

Sheri Jones, VGCC Foundation associate director, said, “We are supported by donations from The Food Bank of North Central NC as well as one of the local Food Lion stores.  We also do a weekly donation pick-up from Strong Arm Baking Company in Oxford and have employees who make monetary donations and product donations.  Since we are able to do our event indoors, we have moved it to Friday afternoon and early evening this year so that it doesn’t compete with numerous other events – most outdoors – that take place on Saturdays in October.”

The VGCC Foundation is still accepting craft vendors to participate in this indoor community event, but spaces are limited. Craft vendors who would like to participate should complete the online Craft Show Interest Form. Vendor fees will be $25 for a 10 x 10 space plus a donated item to be used for raffles. For more information, please contact the Vance-Granville Community College Food Pantry at 252-738-3323 or douglasa@vgcc.edu.

Click Play!

Granville County Crime Stoppers Establishes Scholarship For VGCC Criminal Justice Students

/by

–       Information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation (VGCCF) is proud to announce the establishment of a new academic achievement scholarship for Criminal Justice students, made possible by a generous $10,000 donation from Granville County Crime Stoppers.

The newly created Granville County Crime Stoppers Criminal Justice Academic Achievement Scholarship will support and encourage students pursuing careers in criminal justice. This contribution reflects Crime Stoppers’ ongoing commitment to crime prevention and community development through education.

“We are deeply grateful to Granville County Crime Stoppers for investing in the future of our students and our community,” said VGCC Foundation Executive Director Tanya Weary. “This scholarship will help remove financial barriers and empower students who are passionate about making a positive impact through criminal justice.”

The scholarship is available to qualified students currently enrolled in VGCC’s Criminal Justice Technology program who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to public service. Interested students may apply now at vgcc.academicworks.com.

 

Granville County Crime Stoppers continues to be a vital partner in making our community a safer place to live and work. This scholarship further strengthens their mission by supporting the next generation of criminal justice professionals.

 

For more information about The VGCC Foundation, contact 252.738.3264 or foundation@vgcc.edu.

ReplyForward

41st Annual VGCC Golf Tournament Set To Tee Off May 5,6

/by

The 41st annual Vance-Granville Community College Foundation’s Golf Tournament for Scholarships is set for Monday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 6 at the Henderson Country Club.

The four-member team Super Ball tournament begins with lunch and registration at 11:30 a.m. and shotgun start at 1 p.m., according to information from Sheri Jones, The VGCC Foundation’s associate director.

Find registration forms and sponsorship information here:

The VGCC Foundation Golf Tournament – Vance Granville Community College.

The golf tournament is one of VGCC’S primary fundraisers for The Foundation. Money raised will be used for scholarships to help eligible students with the cost of tuition and books, as well as emergency grants.

The golf tournament provides resources for the College to remove barriers in order to enhance and expand its efforts to address need-based aid for students and promote equitable outcomes for all learners.

Sponsors, please note that payment must be received to guarantee your sponsorship. Please make checks payable to The VGCC Foundation. Online payments can be made at The VGCC Foundation Online Gifts Page.

For more information, contact foundation@vgcc.edu.

The Local Skinny! VGCC Foundation Fundraiser Saturday, April 5 At HighRock Farms

/by

Join The VGCC Foundation at the second annual wine tasting gala and silent auction fundraiser on Saturday, April 5, from 6 – 9 p.m. to help support students facing unforeseen financial crises.

The event’s theme is  “Unlocking Possibilities: You Are Key,” and will take place at HighRock Farms in Granville County.

Unexpected burdens can easily derail some students. Through initiatives like a food pantry, emergency assistance, transportation vouchers and career closet, The VGCC Foundation steps in to meet students’ basic needs when the unexpected gets in the way of their academic progress, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

Now in its second year, the wine tasting gala and silent auction features an array of wineries showcasing their signature wines including reds, whites, bubbly and more. Guests will enjoy a buffet of foods including chicken, beef, and more (as well as tea and water), while The Hub will offer a variety of beer and wine for purchase by the glass.

Attendees will receive a souvenir wine glass and have the option to purchase their favorite finds. In addition, a variety of silent auction items will be on display for bidding throughout the evening. Also added this year is a Wine Pull and various raffle opportunities. A short program showcasing students who have benefited from donor contributions will open the evening, and local students will provide the event’s entertainment.

HighRock Farms, located at 2317 Enon Road outside Oxford, is owned by Beth and Dave Hollister.

Dress for the evening is business attire.

Tickets are $75 each and may be purchased through The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation office. Only 150 tickets will be sold, so be sure to get yours early! To purchase tickets online, visit www.vgcc.edu/the-vgcc-foundation-online-gifts and enter “Gala” in the Designation box. To purchase tickets using any other method, please email foundation@vgcc.edu or call 252.738.3264.

Click Play!