Press release from the Community Foundation of Henderson County:
A newly created emergency response fund to assist Henderson County nonprofits responding to the coronavirus received a $100,000 gift this week from Chuck and Jean McGrady, Mike McGrady, and Kathy McGrady.
The Henderson County COVID-19 Response Fund was established jointly by United Way of Henderson County and Community Foundation of Henderson County to rapidly deploy resources to front line human services organizations that are assisting vulnerable populations during the coronavirus crisis.
The McGrady family’s gift will help local nonprofits that are seeing a surge in requests for crisis services such as food, shelter, rent and utility assistance, and basic supplies. It is also intended to spur other contributions to the Fund from local citizens who are concerned about how the crisis is impacting low-income individuals and families in Henderson County.
“My family has deep roots in this community,” said Rep. Chuck McGrady. “Our philanthropy expresses our love for Henderson County and its people. During this unprecedented crisis, we want to be able to assist those who are going to be most impacted, and we hope that those Henderson County residents who have the ability to give and give generously will join us. United Way of Henderson County and Community Foundation of Henderson County are two trusted institutions that give us confidence our contribution will be used in the best way possible.”
Denise Cumbee Long, Executive Director of United Way of Henderson County, said “We are profoundly grateful for this generous gift from the McGrady family. Their community spirit and concern for those in need have been evident throughout the years, and now they are stepping up once again in this time of crisis. I hope their leadership will inspire others to also contribute to the COVID-19 Response Fund so that we can do even more together.”
McCray Benson, President and CEO of Community Foundation of Henderson County agreed. “The leadership of the McGrady family is a hallmark of how the people of this community respond in times of need,” said Benson. “In addition to this being a remarkable financial gift, it is also empowering the spirit that makes this community one of the best places to be, especially in challenging times. We are deeply grateful.”
With the McGrady family gift and a match of $50,000 from the Community Foundation, the Henderson County COVID-19 Response Fund is now nearing $200,000. Long and Benson say the need is great however, and more donations are needed.
Applications from local nonprofits seeking assistance are being received on a rolling basis. Funding decisions are made by a committee of local leaders representing Henderson County government, the Chamber, Henderson County Public Schools, NAACP, Henderson County Health Department and Department of Social Services, the local faith community, the Latinx community, and health care. A first round of grant decisions will be announced next week.
Donations to the Henderson County COVID-19 Response Fund can be made online at www.cfhcforever.org or by mailing a check to CFHC, 401 N. Main St., Ste. 300, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
Nonprofits interested in applying to the Fund can access the application at www.cfhcforever.org or www.liveunitedhc.org.
About United Way of Henderson County
United Way is advancing the common good by creating opportunities for a better life in Henderson County. If you would like more information or would like to make a donation, contact United Way of Henderson County at PO Box 487, Hendersonville, NC 28793, 828-692-1636, or visit online at liveunitedhc.org. You can also find UWHC on Facebook and Instagram.
About Community Foundation of Henderson County
Founded in 1982, Community Foundation of Henderson County’s mission is helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter. CFHC accepts gifts from individuals, families, businesses and organizations to create a permanent pool of charitable capital from which grants are awarded. Learn more about Community Foundation of Henderson County at www.cfhcforever.org, and by calling (828) 697-6224.
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