During a recent celebration held at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir, the Foundation of CCC&TI proudly announced that it not only met but exceeded its highest goal to date raising more than $565,000 for the 2026 Annual Fund Drive. The event brought together donors, partners, volunteers and college leaders to honor the generosity and dedication of the community in helping the Foundation meet its goal.
Foundation Board Chair, Peg Broyhill opened the celebration and thanked volunteers, Foundation supporters and college employees for their hard work on behalf of the campaign. “We did it. This year’s goal was our highest ever and we raised an astounding $565,031,” said Broyhill. “That makes this year’s campaign the sixth highest Fund Drive in Foundation history. What an incredible accomplishment- and every dollar represents lives that will be changed because of you. Thank you for believing in our students, the college, and the future of CCC&TI.”
Broyhill also recognized this year’s Fund Drive Chair Carmela Tomlinson. “I’d like to thank someone who’s leadership was instrumental in making this campaign such a tremendous success, our Annual Fund Drive Chair and Foundation Secretary, Carmela Tomlinson. Thank you for your leadership, support and inspiration that energized this campaign and inspired so many to invest in our mission.”
Tomlinson, who is also Director of the CCC&TI Small Business Center, spoke briefly about the support of the community. “Every year we surpass our goal and that just tells me that everyone in this room believes in our college and our students and that’s the message we share with them. We believe in your potential and we believe in your future. It’s been an honor to serve. Our theme is ‘Rising Together’ and that’s exactly what we did. Thank you to everyone in this room, every business, every organization, every individual and every friend of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. We rose together!”
CCC&TI Foundation Board Vice-Chair Deborah Murray gave the traditional celebratory toast in honor of the successful fund drive and the volunteers and donors who made it possible. “I’m proud of the college and the story they have written for themselves and for us and the way they continue to answer and meet the needs of this community, no matter what that is. No matter what the need, you’ve never said no,” said Murray. “I’m proud of each and every one of you because this hasn’t been an easy year. But you know the story, you believe it, you love it and you share it with your friends and neighbors and share the importance and the impact of their donations on individual lives,” she continued. “So, here’s to Dr. Poarch and all the community college staff and students for giving us a story we love and that we love to share. And here’s to you, the fundraisers who believe and feel and ask. You never disappoint, even in a year that’s tough. So here’s to your success and to the continued success of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute.”
CCC&TI President Dr. Mark Poarch enthusiastically thanked volunteers and donors for their commitment to the college and its students. Poarch recognized faculty and staff, thanking them for their support of the campaign. “Our faculty and staff raised the highest amount ever for this campaign with nearly $43,000 in donations and set the tone for what happens in the community. So, a special thank you to them for believing in the work and for what they do every day to change the lives of our students,” he said. “And thank you to Peg, Carmela and Deborah for your leadership throughout this campaign.”
Poarch spoke briefly about the college’s ongoing work in the community, active construction and renovation projects that are currently underway on the college’s campuses in Caldwell and Watauga Counties and new programs being developed. “You are not supporting an idle college. We are busy! We are doing everything we can to be what this community needs us to be. We strive to be The Community’s College,” and we are going to continue to do that with your support.”
For more information on the Foundation of CCC&TI, giving opportunities, scholarships and more, visit www.cccti.edu/foundation or call 828-726-2260.