News

Hundreds turn out for Day of Action

Denise Cumbee Long, Jay Kirby, Paige Posey, Mark Warwick and Mark Garrett pose at East Henderson High School..

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 19, 2022

More than 550 volunteers fanned out across the community to tackle 31 service projects at 23 Henderson County schools during United Way’s annual Day of Action on Friday.

Projects included landscaping and outdoor maintenance, preparing classrooms and other educational spaces and helping to improve playgrounds for the youngest students. At Hendersonville High volunteers helped move teachers into the newly renovated Stillwell building. In addition to hands-on labor, many citizens shopped for and donated much needed schools supplies.

“It’s thrilling to welcome our community back to an in-person Day of Action," said Denise Cumbee Long, executive director of the United Way. "The volunteers who contributed so much work have helped our teachers and administrators prepare for the year and the improvement projects will instill a sense of pride in our students. Every volunteer who joined this mission is supporting the health, financial stability and educational needs of our community and we thank you.”

Premier Sponsor Pardee UNC Health Care came through again to provided much needed support.

“At Pardee, we are so proud and fortunate to be able to support our Henderson County schools, students, teachers and parents, and United Way. It feels good to get out and help others in our community,” Pardee President Jay Kirby said.

The cumulative total of hours contributed by the hundreds of volunteers exceeded 2,200 hours.

“The commitment of United Way, Pardee UNC Health Care and the community volunteers who have given their time to help our schools is amazing," newly appointed Henderson County schools Superintendent Mark Garrett said. "On behalf of the 13,000-plus students and families of Henderson County Schools, thank you!”

In addition to Pardee, Day of Action supporters included Silver Sponsors Carolina Village, Pratt & Whitney and WestRock; Bronze Sponsors Blue Ridge Orthodontics, Optimum, Pepsi, WNC Bridge Foundation and Chick-fil-A, which provided breakfast.