Frances Abbot Burton Powers Fund awards $15,000 in local grants

By Katie Crumpler

The Frances Abbot Burton Powers Fund for support of the Town of Henderson has awarded its first round of grants, according to Preston Powers, Mrs. Powers’ husband. This year’s nonprofit recipients include:

• ACTS of Vance County received funding to provide additional hot meals and case management services to homeless men, women and children. 
• Community Partners of Hope, Inc. received funding for general operating support. 
• Henderson Family YMCA’s program, Girls on the Run of Northern NC, received funding to use as sponsorships for girls who wish to be a part of the program. 

These organizations were recognized at an awards ceremony on August 28 at the CPA firm of Phillips, Dorsey, Thomas, Waters & Brafford, P.A. Mr. Powers was on hand to pass out checks and share stories of Frances Powers’ life.  “She loved everybody. If there were more people like Frances in the world, there wouldn’t be any wars and everybody would get along. She loved everybody, and I’m especially grateful she loved me.”

Frances Abbot Burton Powers was a native of Henderson. When she passed away in 2012, many said that she truly never met a stranger and anyone fortunate enough to come in contact with her could not help but be caught up in her enthusiasm and positive outlook on life.

The endowment set up in her memory will continue to make grant funds available in the summer for government entities and nonprofit organizations that benefit the Town of Henderson and have a physical location in Henderson.

For further information, contact Katie Crumpler at kcrumpler@nccommunityfoundation.org or 919-256-6914