A Season of Giving on the Campus Beautiful

Image courtesy of concord.edu

As Thanksgiving is approaching, giving back is something that is on everyone’s mind. That is precisely why the Concord University Foundation, Inc. is trying to inspire the community to be a part of the University’s growth and success. The Foundation will host the Beckley-Raleigh County Dinner on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at the Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels, West Virginia. A reception begins at 6 PM followed by dinner at 7 PM in the Bright Ballroom. Business or cocktail attire is suggested for guests of this event.

According to Concord University Foundation, Inc. website, this non-profit organization was established in 1974 with the mission of “aiding, strengthening and furthering the work of Concord University.” 

Casie Coughlin Justice, Executive Director of Concord University Foundation, Inc. said of the purpose for this annual fundraiser: “The money raised [at the Beckley-Raleigh County Dinner] will go into an unrestricted fund that allows the University to use the money for whatever purpose it needs, with approval from the board of directors.  It could be used for projects around campus, scholarships, software needs, administrative purposes, etc.  That’s why this particular fundraising event is so important, because it raises funds for improvements needed at Concord University.” 

The Foundation has been working tirelessly for years to attain adequate funding for Concord University and its students. Thanks to their efforts, the University is able to offer more than $21 million a year in scholarships, grants and other forms of financial aid and provide more than 90 percent of freshman students with some level of financial support, according to the university’s website at concord.edu. According to the Foundation’s annual report, in the 2014-2015 fiscal year, it has helped 453 students gain an education at “The Campus Beautiful” and awarded $464,262.19 in scholarship money to deserving students. Donations from the community continued to help maintaining the Campus Beautiful to be an invaluable and enjoyable experience for many of its students, faculty and staff.

“Similar fundraising dinners have been going on for more than 15 years. This is the second year we have hosted a dinner in Beckley,” Justice continued. An annual spring dinner in Charleston will be held next on April 7, 2016.

Keynote speakers are reported to be Frank Alderman, M.D., CEO and co-founder of MedExpress, who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Kevin Given, a 1989 graduate of Concord, and initial investor of MedExpress and Chief Operating Officer of Quail Valley Golf & River Clubs. “Kevin Given is an incredibly successful Concord alumnus who has accomplished many things. Today, MedExpress has over 130 locations in 10 states and employs 3,000 people.  We felt it was a great opportunity to hear how Mr. Given and Dr. Alderman started such a successful company together and it gave us an opportunity to showcase one of our alumni,” said Justice.

According to the initial press release by from the university, sponsors for the Beckley-Raleigh County Dinner include: Judge Omar and Weena Aboulhosn, the Gregory and Lorraine Allen Foundation, Aramark, Sam Baker Insurance Agency, BB&T, E.T. Boggess Architects, Inc., Chick-fil-A–Beckley Galleria, Concord University Alumni Association, First Community Bank, Kevin Given, David and Sandy Kirby, Kirby Lester Financial Group, Dr. Brad Lane, Little General, MedExpress, Mountaineer Automotive, R.T. Rogers Oil, Robert and Margaret Sayre, The Hugh I. Shott, Jr., Foundation, Inc., John David Smith, and United Bank.

Tickets for the fundraising dinner are $125 per person. Concord University faculty, staff, students and members of the Concord University Alumni Association may attend the dinner for $100 per person. Members of the community are also encouraged to attend the fundraiser. Along with individual seating, tables and sponsorships of the event are also available. Advance reservations are required.

For further information, to purchase tickets or arrange a table sponsorship, call 304-384-6056. Reservations may also be made online at http://hub.concord.edu/cufoundation.