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Watauga County Community Foundation Announces 2021 Spirit of Philanthropy Award

For 16 years, the Watauga County Community Foundation (WCCF) has recognized an individual or group that exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy by giving to the Watauga County community and making it a better place.

For 2021, however, there’s not just one honoree. This time, WCCF is recognizing the residents of Watauga County with the Spirit of Philanthropy Award, honoring all those who have endured both unprecedented health and economic hardships in 2021 and generously given back to their community.

“In a year such as 2021, we can think of no better honoree for our Spirit of Philanthropy Award than the citizens of Watauga County,” said Brian Crutchfield, board president of the Watauga County Community Foundation. “Our local people are very deserving of this recognition and the Watauga County Community Foundation would like to extend gratitude for their unending generosity.”

The Spirit of Philanthropy Award recognizes those who have generously shared their time, talents and treasures for the betterment of the Watauga County community. First awarded in 2006, this recognition honors perseverance and commitment to improving the quality of life in the community and efforts directed at creating a better and brighter tomorrow. The award is typically celebrated at an event at the end of each year, but that has not occurred the last two years due to the pandemic.

In 2020 WCCF recognized the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce with the Spirit of Philanthropy Award for their leadership in navigating the formidable challenges facing businesses and residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chamber redefined their role in the community and went above and beyond to help keep businesses and residents informed of the changing landscapes during the pandemic.

“Like the Chamber, the residents of Watauga County have worked tirelessly to make our community a better place during another difficult year,” Crutchfield said. “In the middle of a global pandemic our Watauga County residents were even more dedicated to giving back as the needs of our community grew. Our residents reached out in any way they could to improve the lives of others during these tough times and we are grateful for them.”

About the Watauga County Community Foundation

The Watauga County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation. WCCF was founded in 1991 and has grown to include 36 Endowment Funds. This year the Legacy Fund, an unrestricted community fund within WCCF, contributed $24,000 to deserving local organizations.

About the North Carolina Community Foundation

The North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF) is the single statewide community foundation serving North Carolina and has administered more than $217 million in grants since its inception in 1988. With more than $400 million in assets, NCCF sustains more than 1,200 endowments established to provide long-term support of a broad range of community needs, nonprofit organizations, institutions and scholarships. The NCCF partners with a network of affiliate foundations to provide local resource allocation and community assistance across the state. An important component of NCCF’s mission is to ensure that rural philanthropy has a voice at local, regional and national levels.

Contact

Colby Martin
North Carolina Community Foundation, Community Leadership Officer for Western NC
cmartin@nccommunityfoundation.org or (828) 358-0030