January 27, 2010
By ERIKA CAPEK
The Brunswick News
The College of Coastal Georgia Foundation set its sights high and achieved a goal that's never been accomplished before.
It collected over $1 million, and it managed to do it during a time when the nation is up to its neck in recession.
William F. Torrey Jr., college foundation chairman, announced the results of the fund-raising campaign during a meeting of trustees, donors and select students at the college in Brunswick Tuesday. The foundation exceeded its goal of $1 million, raising $1,049,146 in contributions from more than 400 supporters.
"This is a great occasion," Torrey said. "The amount of money raised because of (your) efforts is nothing short of amazing. The people responsible should be mighty, mighty proud.
"This is something this community has never seen before."
Forty-five trustees of the foundation have been working toward the historic seven-figure goal for a year.
Two trustees who played a large role in getting people to donate served as co-chairs of the Major Gifts Committee: Willou Smith, a former state legislator, and Jack Dinos, retired chief executive officer of Southern Tea Co.
"The community could see that good things were happening here," Smith said.
The college's new four-year status, high student enrollment and new buildings are among the reasons why so many people have been enthusiastic about giving, Smith said.
The funds will go toward student scholarships, faculty support, outreach activities, capital and technology improvements and expanded educational programs.
Dinos said the success of the campaign reflects the spirit of the community.
"We were given an unobtainable goal and thanks to the generosity of the people of Glynn County and the area that we service from a student standpoint, we exceeded that goal," Dinos said.
The foundation is banking on the campaign being just as successful next year so that it can provide sustainable scholarships and opportunities for students.
Trustees said the college relies upon continued contributions and generosity of civic and business partners.
Tony Sammons, area manager for Georgia Power Co., which donated $10,000, said he was unaware of the results of the campaign until Tuesday.
"We knew it'd be tough getting to the goal, and we're excited that we even exceeded it a little bit," said Sammons, who attended the celebration.