Latest news with #HCCFoundation
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
HCC Foundation raises $181K in one-day giving campaign
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – The Holyoke Community College (HCC) Foundation surpassed its fundraising goal during its fifth annual 'Together HCC: Drive to Change Lives' campaign. The one-day giving campaign, held on March 4, brought in $181,285 from 504 donors, including alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members. The goal was to secure 500 donors, a milestone that was exceeded through widespread support. Free genealogy programs offered in Holyoke 'For the fifth straight year, our network of alumni, faculty, staff, and friends continue to show how much they care about HCC students,' said Julie Phillips, HCC's Director of Development. 'With so many people giving what they can, it shows our students that we are invested in their success.' The funds raised will directly support six key areas that benefit 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 The HCC Foundation's Unrestricted Fund Alumni accounted for the largest portion of donors at 37%, followed by HCC faculty and staff at 30%, friends of the college at 19%, parents at 5%, and students at 5%. Donors collectively unlocked $130,000 in challenge pledges, including a $5,000 contribution from Gary Rome, owner of Gary Rome Hyundai in Holyoke, and a HCC Foundation Board of Directors member. 'Every gift to the 'Together HCC' campaign matters,' said Phillips. 'When we remove barriers for one student, we're not just changing their life, we're transforming their family's future and strengthening our entire region.' The HCC Foundation originally launched the 'Together HCC: A Campaign for Caring' initiative in March 2020 to provide financial relief to students struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2021, with Rome's support, the campaign adopted the 'Drive to Change Lives' theme, collectively raising nearly $1 million for student aid programs. Those who missed this year's giving day but still wish to contribute can make a donation online. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
HCC, Gary Rome partner for one day fundraiser campaign
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)– A popular one day fundraiser for a local college is celebrating its fifth year. 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.
