Clifton Forge, VA (Sept. 24, 2015) - Dabney S. Lancaster Community College President Dr. John Rainone announced the launch of a $3.5 million capital campaign Sunday, during the biennial “Bubbles, Bands and Brunch” affair hosted by the DSLCC Educational Foundation on the DSLCC Clifton Forge campus. The fund-raising goal is expected to be reached by the end of 2016.
“Imagine, Invest, Inspire: The Campaign for DSLCC” initiative has already raised more than $2.6 million, said Rainone, with a $1.4 million philanthropic gift from the Alleghany Foundation leading the way.
The comprehensive campaign, said Rainone, involving faculty, staff, alumni, the DSLCC Educational Foundation, local board and members of the community, “will support our students and help build futures; further our vision of excellence for the college; advance DSLCC higher on the list of the nation's top community colleges; and educate and train a workforce capable of growing and strengthening economic infrastructure.
“With state appropriations accounting for only 47% of our budget,” he continued, “more challenging goals means that more resources will be needed. Building on a solid foundation, we want to ensure DSLCC’s excellence well into the future--this Campaign will allow us to achieve that.”
Rainone noted that 100 percent of the DSLCC Local Board, Educational Foundation Board and the Campaign Steering Committee have already pledged contributions, and over 60 percent of the DSLCC faculty and staff – more than double the national average for community college campaigns -- have supported the effort. Also, over 260 individuals, businesses and private foundations have participated.
“Our foundation is strong. Our vision is bold. And our potential is great,” concluded Rainone.
Members of the Campaign Steering Committee—many of whom helped reveal the campaign status by holding up placards with numbers-- were recognized: Jack and Mitzi Hammond, Honorary Chairs; Ward Robens and Dave Newkirk, Campaign Co-Chairs; Teresa Hammond and Brandon Caldwell, representing the Alleghany Division; Nick Moga and Ramona Garcia, Bath County; Donna Vaughn and Michelle Crook, Botetourt County; Bob Claytor and Matt Paxton, Rockbridge County.
Also recognized were representatives of the Alleghany Foundation: Jim Eller and emeritus members Jack Hammond, Harrison Fridley and Charlie Kahle. Dr. Michele Ballou and Lisa Schoppmeyer are also Alleghany Foundation members; Dr. Ballou serves as president.
Elaine Nelson, DSLCC Educational Foundation President, and Rachael Thompson, Executive Director, welcomed the audience.
“Bubbles, Bands and Brunch” is a fund-raising effort hosted every other year by the DSLCC Educational Foundation, in partnership with B.A. Rupert Real Estate and Cucci’s Pizzeria. With “The Great Gatsby” as the theme, many of the 200 supporters in attendance sported 1920’s costumes. There were also door prizes awarded and a silent auction of donated items from area businesses.
“We sincerely appreciate our most generous donors and are truly excited to advance the educational opportunities afforded to our regional community,” commented Thompson.
The “Bubbles” event has funded more than $60,000 in scholarships since 2003; the DSLCC Educational Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships to residents of the College’s service area since 1980. For more information or to make a contribution, please contact Thompson at (540) 863-2837 or email rthompson@dslcc.edu. |  | Displaying the status of the $3.5 million fund-raising campaign-- $2.6 million raised to date -- launched Sunday by the Dabney S. Lancaster Community College Educational Foundation were members of the Campaign Steering Committee, from left: Jack and Mitzi Hammond, Ward Robens, Teresa Hammond, Brandon Caldwell, Ramona Garcia, Nick Moga, Michelle Crook, Donna Vaughn and Educational Foundation Board President Elaine Nelson. Not pictured: David Newkirk, Bob Claytor and Matt Paxton. The Hammonds are honorary chairpersons; Robens and Newkirk serve as co-chairs. The kick-off was held during the biennial “Bubbles, Bands and Brunch” event hosted by the Educational Foundation. The campaign has received a $1.4 million gift from the Alleghany Foundation. For more information or to donate, contact Executive Director Rachael Thompson (540) 863-2837 or email rthompson@dslcc.edu.
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