Press release from T-Mobile:
Today, T-Mobile announced two North Carolina cities – Mars Hill and Marshall – as part of the 25 small towns winning Hometown Grants to jumpstart vital community development projects.
- Mars Hill, N.C. received $48,500 to help transform a remodeled space in a 1930s refurbished school building into a certified commercial community kitchen within the community center. The commercial kitchen finishings (cooler, stove, plumbing) would be a vital part in serving the community, partnering with farmers, partnering with the clinic for nutrition classes, community cooking classes, teaching food preservation, and place where local folks can cook to sell at the farmer’s market.
Laura Ponder, Upper Laurel Community Organization, Inc.: “Thank you to T-Mobile for providing much needed funding to transform space at our Upper Laurel Community Center into a certified, commercial kitchen. This addition will build community by bringing people together while providing educational opportunities allowing community members to prepare, cook and process food while meeting regulatory standards. Using these facilities will enhance the sustainability of local food and provide a boost to new or existing food entrepreneurs. We are grateful for T-Mobile’s trust and generous support! “
- Marshall, N.C. received $50,000 to repair the roof and structure of the historic Madison County Arts Council building. The building serves the citizens of Madison County with arts and culture programming.
Nancy Allen, Mayor, City of Marshall (NC): “On behalf of the Town of Marshall and as Mayor, we are honored to receive this wonderful grant for our Madison County Arts Council’s roof repair for one of our distinguished buildings in Marshall. The Madison County Arts Council is working diligently to renovate and restore this building for the purpose of having more spaces available for our arts, children, town and public. In order to preserve a wonderful building and to expand the use of this facility, we need opportunities, like this grant, to provide the necessary repairs. Again, thank you so much for this grant and we are so appreciative of this opportunity!
David McClurkin, BOD Chair, Marshall (NC): “On behalf of the board of the Madison County Arts Council, I would like to thank you for your forward thinking in awarding this grant to our organization. This very generous contribution for the repair of our roof will ensure the comfort and safety of our audience, artists, patrons, and staff. We have long been an anchor for the traditional arts, music, and culture of our region. With your help we can continue to be an essential, inspiring focal point for the entire community, and support the creative economy and quality of life for all of Madison County.”
The community is welcome to come celebrate at events and formal check presentations in both towns:
- Mars Hill, N.C.: Saturday, 9/24 from 8 am to 2 pm. Check presentation will begin at 10:30am; Bright Hope Laurel United Methodist Church 271 Laurel Valley Road, Mars Hill, NC
- Marshall, NC: “Saturday, 9/24 from 10 am-5 pm. Check presentation will begin at 11 am; Art on the Island, Blannahassett Island, Island Road, Marshall, NC (Cross the French Broad River, turn right off the bridge onto the island)
T-Mobile Hometown Grant BackgroundLaunched in April 2021, T-Mobile Hometown Grants is a $25 million, five-year initiative to support the people and organizations who help small towns across America thrive and grow by providing funding to kickstart important new community development projects. Since the program’s start, T-Mobile has given more than $5.4 million dollars to kickstart 125 community development projects across 37 states. Mars Hill and Marshall, North Carolina join five other cities in North Carolina that have received T-Mobile Hometown Grants including Boiling Springs, Elizabeth City, Kings Mountain, Laurinburg, and Robersonville.
Hometown Grants are provided every quarter to up to 25 towns. Every small town with a population of less than 50,000 people with a vision for how to make their community even stronger than it is today are eligible and encouraged to apply. Hometown Grants are part of the Un-carrier’s massive 5-year commitment announced in April 2021 to bring 5G to rural America, open hundreds of new stores and support economic development in small towns by providing $25 million in funding.For full details on how to submit a proposal for Hometown Grants, visit https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants.
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