Cape Fear Memorial Foundation matches nursing graduates’ gift | Community Spirit

WHITEVILLE, NC (WECT) - The president of a Wilmington-based foundation was so impressed to learn of the generosity of Southeastern Community College’s most recent Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) class, she immediately penned a check to the SCC Foundation to match the class gift, which will benefit ADN students graduating in 2013.

Anna Erwin, president of the Cape Fear Memorial Foundation (CFMF) was perusing WECT’s Communities website when a headline piqued her interest. It read, “SCC Associate-Degree Nursing Class Leaves Legacy.” The article explained that Sue Hawks, SCC executive dean of institution advancement, made the College’s 2012 ADN class aware that some of their fellow students were postponing the final step in becoming a registered nurse because they lacked funds to sit for the NCLEX, the state licensing exam.

“We had raised monies throughout the year and had failed to put all of the funds to good use,” stated Wes Gray, 2012 ADN class president. “To date, 100 percent of the graduates from our class, that have taken the board exam, have passed. We do not want any future graduates to postpone sitting for the NCLEX due to lack of funds. We decided that our gift of $1154.50 would alleviate financial stress for some of the 2013 graduates.”

Impressed by the class’s gift, Erwin immediately granted $1,200 from CFMF, matching the gift given by the students.

“Our intent in matching these funds is to recognize the philanthropic efforts of this class. I congratulate them on their fundraising and their problem solving,” she stated.

The Cape Fear Memorial Foundation, a private, non-operating foundation located in Wilmington, supports charitable not-for-profit organizations that provide health and medical services and health education.

Erwin is able to award discretionary funds in the name of the Foundation for small projects. Larger grants are voted on by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. SCC was the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Cape Fear Memorial Foundation in 2009.

This generous grant provided funds for the purchase of five automated external defibrillator (AED) units for the College, in an effort to ensure emergency preparedness for all who frequent the SCC campus.

“We are most appreciative of funds appropriated to the SCC Foundation for both of these health related projects,” stated Hawks. “It’s nice to know that ‘good news’ concerning SCC and our students travels beyond our county and is rewarded by those who have a shared interest in health care.”

To make a donation to the SCC Foundation or to create a SCC Scholarship, contact the Foundation by phone at (910)642-7141, ext. 320, by email at shawks@sccnc.edu or at P.O. Box 151, Whiteville, NC 28472.  Visa and MasterCard are accepted.  Contributions to the SCC Foundation are tax-deductible as allowed by law.