The Arts Center of Greenwood was abuzz with excitement on Tuesday, January 30th, as The Greenwood Promise hosted a heartwarming donor appreciation event. A capacity crowd of generous supporters filled the room, united by their dedication to brightening the futures of local students.
Cathy Miller, the Interim Executive Director, welcomed everyone with a poignant question: “Where would we be without education?” Her powerful inquiry resonated deeply as the night unfolded.
The evening was highlighted with a celebratory announcement from Board Chairman, Ron Millender. Greenwood County has made astonishing strides in its post-secondary education enrollment rate, soaring to second place in the entire state! This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of donors.
The true heart of the event belonged to the inspirational student speakers. David Vallejo, a Piedmont Tech student pursuing Engineering Design Technology, shared his journey and expressed his sincere gratitude to the donors in the room. His heartfelt plea, “to continue supporting students like him,” struck a chord with everyone present.
Daniela Corona, a Phase 2 scholarship recipient studying nursing at Lander University, captivated the audience with her story as a first-generation college student. Her dream of becoming a Nurse Practitioner and her plans to join Self Regional Healthcare ignited emotions of pride and hope.
The evening concluded with inspiring remarks from Dr. Matt Logan, President and CEO of Self Regional Healthcare, and a dedicated member of The Greenwood Promise Board of Directors. He underscored the profound impact of the organization’s work and the enduring partnership between education and healthcare in shaping a brighter future for the community.
The Greenwood Promise donor appreciation event was not just a celebration – it was a testament to the transformative power of generosity and education. Through the stories of dedicated students and the commitment of incredible supporters, the night affirmed that, together, we can truly change lives and empower the next generation to reach their full potential.