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North Carolina Community Foundation announces establishment of Cruso Endowment

The North Carolina Community Foundation announces the establishment of the Cruso Endowment. The Cruso Endowment will benefit the greater Canton community and is held locally with the Haywood County Community Foundation, an NCCF affiliate.


The Cruso Endowment was established by David and Irene Smathers. During their life together, the couple supported numerous causes that benefitted children, the environment and their local community. They often contributed to building funds and land upkeep for local churches and children’s homes, gardening and tree adoption programs through the Haywood County Cooperative Extension and the Cameron Boy’s Residential Wilderness Camp through Baptist Children’s Homes.


Through their estate, the Samthers’ wanted to benefit eastern Haywood County in a variety of ways. The Cruso Endowment, building on the Smathers’ legacy, will go to help the economically disadvantaged and church community projects in eastern Haywood County, the beautification of and appearance programs and programs in the Town of Canton and to support recreational needs in Canton. Friends and family of the Smathers will make up an advisory committee for the fund and hope to see the endowment grow for years to come.


“The Samthers family has a tremendous legacy of generosity in this community,” said Katie Crumpler, NCCF regional director. “The North Carolina Community Foundation is honored to steward the Cruso Endowment to continue their legacy for generations to come.”


In addition to the Cruso Endowment, the Smathers continue their legacy of helping children through a generous gift to the Haywood County Schools Foundation and the Broyhill Home of Baptist Children’s Homes in Clyde.


To make a gift to the Curso Endowment, click here or simply make your check out to the “Cruso Endowment” and mail to: North Carolina Community Foundation, 3737 Glendwood Ave., Suite 460, Raleigh, NC 27612.