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By Bridgette Dillard

Marketing/Communications

Davie Foundation

Joy and excitement filled the air as the students, family members, board members and donors arrived at Triple J. Manor for the Davie Community Foundation Red Carpet Reception.

It was first hosted in 2021 to provide scholars with the opportunity to be recognized for their selection as a scholarship recipient and the chance to meet the donors of the scholarship they received. The red carpet was rolled out in the middle of the room and everyone gathered around for the main event – to clap and cheer as the students strutted down the carpet.

The night kicked off with Foundation Vice Chair Mike Morton welcoming everyone, followed by past Chair Jennifer Hanes announcing the names of the students and the scholarship they received.

As a career coach of Davie County High School, she knew many of the students and was able to add personal notes as they made their way down the carpet.

Hors d’oeuvres were made by the Davie County High School Culinary Arts and Hospitality Program students and paid for by ADK Beta Mu Chapter. Five members of the Pearls of Empowerment handed out the bite-sized appetizers on silver trays.

After the final student walked the carpet, Senior Program Officer Melissa O’Connor thanked everyone for attending, provided information for the parents about the scholarship checks and requested that the students gather for a group photo. The students positioned themselves along the staircase and their parents flocked to the front to snap a picture to remember the special occasion.

The night concluded with the scholars mingling and enjoying cake and conversation with their donors and families.

So far, Davie Community Foundation has awarded $282,717.25 in scholarships to 98 high school and college students.

A new scholarship fund, the John and Faye Long Scholarship was added to invest in students attending NC State University for engineering. Mr. Long attended NC State as did some of his and Faye’s children and grandchildren. The Longs loved the idea of investing in students who would attend their alma mater.

Many donors started their scholarships in honor of a family member or friend and the night gave them the opportunity to share memories with the recipient.