Hendersonville – In a show of community support, First Citizens Bank has donated $10,000 to the Educational Foundation of Blue Ridge Community College to aid recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. This contribution, made on behalf of the Robert P. Holding Foundation, highlights the collaboration between local institutions and philanthropic organizations during crises.
A Legacy of Educational Support
The Robert P. Holding Foundation, founded to honor the former president of First Citizens Bank, has a long history of supporting higher education and healthcare initiatives in North Carolina. Since 1955, it has contributed millions to educational institutions, demonstrating a commitment to fostering community growth.
Nicola Barksdale, senior vice president at First Citizens Bank, shared her personal connection to the initiative, stating how meaningful it is to support the community college where her educational career began. She emphasized the importance of Blue Ridge’s disaster relief efforts and the bank’s role in supporting those initiatives.
The donation was presented on December 17 at the Henderson County Campus, with Barksdale and other bank officials, including Hank Dunbar, who traveled from Raleigh to highlight the importance of the partnership.
Addressing Immediate Needs After the Hurricane
Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, president of Blue Ridge Community College, noted the significance of this donation for hurricane relief efforts. “This generous donation exemplifies the power of community partnerships in creating meaningful change,” she said, expressing gratitude for the recognition of education’s role in recovery.
The Educational Foundation has been proactive in assisting students affected by Hurricane Helene through its Disaster Relief Fund. Benjamin D. Rickert, Director of Marketing at Blue Ridge, explained that the fund helps students overcome financial barriers due to disasters, covering costs for basic needs, housing, transportation, textbooks, and fees. The foundation collaborates with the College’s Financial Aid department to identify students in need.
Building a Stronger Community Together
The recent donation from the Robert P. Holding Foundation will be added to the Disaster Relief Fund, with specific allocations yet to be determined. The funds can support hurricane relief efforts for students, faculty, and staff.
Dunbar emphasized the long-standing relationship between First Citizens Bank, the Holding family, and Blue Ridge Community College, noting their strong support for the community college system across North Carolina.
Trina Stokes, executive director of Blue Ridge’s Educational Foundation, expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating it fosters hope and resilience among students and staff.
As Blue Ridge Community College continues its mission to provide accessible education, this donation underscores the importance of community partnerships in overcoming challenges. The collaboration between First Citizens Bank and the Robert P. Holding Foundation exemplifies how organizations can make a meaningful impact during difficult times.
A Commitment to Future Generations
Blue Ridge Community College is dedicated to preparing students for success in the workforce and further education, offering over 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates, along with fast-tracked job training programs.
The Educational Foundation has operated successfully for over 50 years, ensuring responsible use of funds. It is overseen by a volunteer board of directors and undergoes annual audits for transparency.
As communities recover from Hurricane Helene’s impact, support from organizations like First Citizens Bank and the Robert P. Holding Foundation will be crucial in helping students navigate their educational journeys. The commitment to education and community resilience remains strong as these partnerships work together to build brighter futures.
For more information about Blue Ridge Community College and its programs, visit [blueridge.edu](http://blueridge.edu).