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Philanthropy Phyllis – the promotional stuffed animal being used by the Davie Community Foundation to gain interest in the IGNITE DAVIE College Promise (ID) program – spent December visiting.

She met many of the local businesses that support the program.

“She now understands what a wonderful benefit the promise offers to any resident of Davie County who attends school in the county,” said Jane Simpson, foundation CEO. “Philanthropy Phyllis plans to take advantage of the IGNITE DAVIE College Promise after graduation and start school at Davidson-Davie Community College in Fall 2024. She absolutely cannot wait to get started.”

Right before Christmas, the endowment fundraising goal of $3 million was reached.

“Commitments actually surpassed the goal,” Simpson said. “This makes ID a reality for future generations of Davie students. Philanthropy Phyllis called it a true Christmas miracle.”

Philanthropy Phyllis joined the Davie Community Foundation Board and spouses for a holiday dinner and heard the news.

Meeting the $3 million endowment goal was not the only good news shared at the dinner. NC Rep. Julia Howard helped to secure a $500,000 grant for ID. The monies can’t be added to the endowment, but they can pay for the costs of the program for the next two years.

“What amazing news, a second Christmas miracle,” Simpson said.

“Philanthropy Phyllis and the ID partners thank representative Julia Howard and all of the contributors who helped make ID a permanent program for Davie residents.

“This is wonderful news, and again this is the kind of project that makes Davie County such a special place,” said Terry Bralley, president, Davie County Economic Development.

“This will have a lasting effect for Davie County,” said County Commissioner Terry Renegar.

“It has been a long road since we announced the ID at a Davie County High School football game in 2019,” Simpson said. “It feels so good to finally reach the goal.”  “We are all in agreement, Davie County truly is igniting the future of its youth, and now it will continue for generations to come.”