HCC, Gary Rome partner for one day fundraiser campaign
Since 2021, the HCC Foundation has partnered with auto dealer Gary Rome for a one-day campaign to raise money for student support programs and academic resources at Holyoke Community College.
1.1 million pounds of goods donated to Chicopee Goodwill
The annual 'Together HCC: Drive to Change Lives' campaign is being held on Tuesday, March 4, beginning at 12:01 a.m. to midnight. With a goal of 500 donors and $230,000, this year's success would put the campaign's six-year cumulative support total above $1 million.
The funds raised will be used in six areas that directly support HCC students: academic excellence and innovation; scholarships; the Thrive Student Resource Center and Food Pantry; the President's Student Emergency Fund; the President's Fund for Opportunity and the HCC Foundation's general, unrestricted fund.
'Each year, our giving day demonstrates the extraordinary power of community support,' said Julie Phillips, HCC director of development. 'Reaching $1 million in cumulative giving would be remarkable, but what's more significant is how these gifts have removed barriers and created opportunities for countless students.'
Partner Gary Rome is an HCC Foundation board member and owner of Gary Rome Hyundai in Holyoke. He is pledging to donate $5,000 when 125 people donate to the campaign and add the comment '#TogetherHCC' to the dealership's Facebook campaign post on March 4.
'Education transforms lives,' said Rome. 'I see it firsthand in our community through HCC graduates who become our employees, colleagues, and leaders.'
Also contributing are longtime HCC supporters Peg Wendlandt '58 and her husband Gary Wendlandt. They donating $100,000 in challenge gifts throughout the day.
Donations can be made through a secure portal on the HCC website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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