Estes Center Celebrates Its First Decade; Looks to Bright Future
On Friday, October 24, friends and supporters gathered at the Estes Community Center to celebrate 10 years of success providing educational and enrichment programs in the Chase City area. Attendees also learned of plans to assure a well-maintained and equipped future at 316 North Main Street through the Center’s Endowment Fund. A silent auction of items was held during the event to raise money for the perpetual maintenance of the Center’s physical facility, grounds and equipment.
The theme of the evening, “Preserving the Opportunity…Maintaining the Dream,” was representative of an announcement of an anonymous contribution, matching dollar for dollar up to $100,000 to initiate the Estes Community Center Endowment Fund. Recognized during the event were those who have contributed or pledged $1,000 to kick-off the new fund and also the members of The Estes Heritage Society who have included the endowment fund in their estate plan.
During the evening, Master of Ceremonies Dr. Earl Moore spoke about accomplishments at the Center through its partnership with Southside Virginia Community College over the past decade. Programs include the training of Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nurse Aides, computer and other college-level coursework and a place for community programs and social events. The center was expanded in 2007 to include the new 18,000 square foot Garland Building, which added state-of-the-art classrooms, a fully outfitted science lab, a nursing lab, offices and a student lounge.
Dr. John J. Cavan, president of Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC), reiterated that the Center makes it possible for the college to accomplish its mission of touching the lives of every Southside Virginian. “Having this state-of-the-art facility for use by everyone in this community is a great asset and accomplishment,” he said.
He also noted that SVCC does not have the luxury of just raising tuition for needed funds to maintain this facility. Mecklenburg County residents’ incomes run 40% below the state average. Nearly 20% of school-aged children in Mecklenburg (1 in 5) live at or below the poverty line. Only 12% of adults in Mecklenburg aged 25 or older have attained a four-year degree; thus, the importance of raising money for the Endowment Fund.
The Estes Community Center Endowment Fund is invested through the Southside Virginia Community College Foundation, Inc. For more information, call 434-949-1051.
About The Estes Center
The Estes Community Center in Chase City is located in the heart of downtown Chase City, where it offers a variety of healthcare and other coursework in conjunction with Southside Virginia Community College, as well as events and programs for area residents. The Center was created to help combat the effects of plant closings and layoffs in the region and to boost employment opportunities through education and training.
(c) 2008. Southside Virginia Community College. All rights reserved.
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