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IGNITE DAVIE kicked off its fall fundraising campaign, “Ignite The Future! Invest In Our Kids” in September.

It is the last effort to reach the $3 million endowment goal.

The campaign was kicked off with the “Touchdowns for Education” project Sept. 1 when the Davie High War Eagles varsity football team hosted North Davidson.

Youthn football players and cheerleaders were in attendance for Youth Football Night. Davie Community Foundation staff and volunteers tossed mini footballs into the crowd every time Davie scored a touchdown.

Thirty-six businesses and individuals that joined the touchdown team agreed to contribute $100 every time Davie scored a touchdown. Davie scored five touchdowns to help raise $18,000 for IGNITE DAVIE.

“It was a great night for Davie County – winning the game and supporting education,” said Jane Simpson, president and CEO of the Davie Community Foundation.

Davie Schools also got involved in September as Simpson challenged support through payroll deductions. She challenged schools to raise the bar on participation to 200 staff and increase commitments to $25,000.

To motivate staff, a first and second place prize was offered.

“The most competitive in nature really stood out as some schools went all out to encourage participation,” Simpson said. “In the end, first place was captured by William R. Davie Elementary with 100% participation and second place by North Davie Middle School with 74% participation. A special award was added, the Spirit of Giving Award, was presented to Cooleemee Elementary School who had 73.33% participation and gave more in donations than any other school in the county.”

William R. Davie staff enjoyed coffee and treats from Maddie Cakes Cream Puff Truck and lunch delivered by Chick-fil-A.

North Davie and Cooleemee enjoyed lunch from Chick-fil-A – all to celebrate the generosity of staff members.

Davie County Schools did not meet the challenge offered by Simpson; they blew right by it. Instead of 200 participants, the schools had 388. Instead of $25,000 in commitments, they totaled $27,522.

“Thank you, Davie County Schools, for your commitment to making college education possible for all of our children.”

The community also got involved in supporting IGNITE DAVIE at the first Ignite Your Appetite of the year was held at Restaurant 101 in Downtown Mocksville.

In the beginning of September, IGNITE DAVIE needed an additional $400,000 to reach the $3 million goal. At the end of September, an additional $300,000 is needed.

During September, more than 500 individuals and businesses  supported IGNITE DAVIE.

Donations to the Davie Community Foundation are tax deductible and 100% is applied to the IGNITE DAVIE College Promise endowment. “Don’t hesitate to get involved in making a life-changing difference for the children of Davie County,” Simpson said.

Visiting www.ignitedavie.com.

Checks payable to Davie Community Foundation, IGNITE DAVIE noted in the memo, can be sent to thefoundation at PO Box 546, Mocksville, or online at www.daviefoundation.org. Click on the Donate button and choose IGNITE DAVIE Endowment from the drop-down menu.