The celebrations continue on the campus of Sampson Community College, as the college is turning 50 this year, and the SCC Foundation annual phonathon raised $15,000 to help fund grants, scholarships, programs and services at the local educational institute.

“The phonathon was a big collaboration of staff, faculty, students, Foundation directors and community volunteers,” SCC Foundation executive director Lisa Turlington said. “We are lucky to have such overwhelming support for Sampson Community College and truly appreciate the commitment to help promote the college to raise money for student scholarships. The Foundation is especially thankful for Lyman Horne and all the folks at Star who pitch in to make the live television event possible.”

Things were a little different at this year’s phonathon. The staff of Star Communications had to move equipment from the company’s home office, where the phonathon normally takes place, to the campus of SCC. The company’s office on U.S. 421 was damaged during Hurricane Matthew.

“The Board of Directors of the Sampson Community College Foundation is very pleased with the recent outpouring of love during our recent phonathon,” said Lyman Horne, Foundation board member. “Many thanks to all involved to all who helped make this event successful.”

More than 100 volunteers helped field calls for the two hours of the phonathon. During that time, various talent segments were presented by residents of Sampson County and segments featuring three-minute highlights of different areas of the college were aired. According to Turlington, Foundation directors Amelia Surratt and Merrie McLamb managed the Clinton High School Beta Club and DECA students, the early College Beta Club, and SCC nursing students and staff in taking pledges while other volunteers worked diligently in other ways.

“I am so proud of the generous community that we live in and the amazing talent displayed courtesy of the fine folks at Star Telephone,” Foundation board member Steve Stefanovich said. “Our phonathon is one the most successful yet. Thank you to Star, all of the great talent, and to the folks that have invested in our community supporting the foundation.”

The phonathon worked just as it has in years past, with the exception of the location, as community members had the opportunity to call in and pledge to support the Sampson Community College Foundation with the purpose to raise money for scholarships and academic programs and to share success stories of SCC with the community, or mail in their donations. Starting in 1987, after the Foundation was established in 1986, this event was held on campus for many years before partnering with Star Telephone and its predecessors in the late 90s. In 2010, the event was filmed and aired later, but since 2011 it has been a live television event.

“The SCC Foundation phonathon brought together our community for an evening of information, entertainment and fund-raising on our campus in the Activities Center,” SCC president Dr. Paul Hutchins said. “I extend my gratitude and appreciation to Star for their continued help and assistance. I also want to acknowledge and thank our SCC Foundation board members, college trustees, volunteers and performers for all they did to support the event. The phonathon would not have been so successful without the planning and coordination provided by SCC Foundation executive director Lisa Turlington and her assistant, Brandon Wiggins.”

SCC employee Carole Phipps had a special view during the live event, and said she thoroughly enjoyed watching the enthusiasm and enjoyment of those involved from the side of the stage.

“As stage manager for the phonathon, I had the opportunity to work closely with the Foundation directors, SCC faculty, staff, and administration, as well as some extremely talented musicians, singers, and dancers,” Phipps said. “Their enthusiasm proved that all who were involved have a passion for helping students fulfill their aspiration to earn an associate’s degree.”

Turlington said the phonathon event was made possible through the help of Star Communications, in addition to the hundred of volunteers who come out the night of the event.

“The phonathon would not be possible without the overwhelming commitment of Lyman Horne and Star Communications and the entire production is orchestrated by Chris Heuer and his amazing team of Jason Miller, Craig Bell, Jonathan Tew and Andrew Johnson,” Turlington added.

SCC Foundation president Dr. Paul Viser said he too enjoyed the phonathon, and gave acknowledgement to the group from Star who assisted with the live production.

“The 2017 phonathon was especially enjoyable this year,” Viser said. “The SCC family included students, faculty, college staff, and our loyal donor base from all across the county. Gospel singers, young dancers, soloists, and Foundation scholars came together to pack full the two-hour live telecast. Everybody had a good time and left the campus that night feeling fully confident about our broad base of enthusiastic support. The technical backing of Star Communications was a sight to behold. We couldn’t have gotten off the ground without them”

Sampson Community College Foundation president Dr. Paul Viser checks on nursing students who volunteered to make phone calls during the annual phonathon.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_phone1.jpgSampson Community College Foundation president Dr. Paul Viser checks on nursing students who volunteered to make phone calls during the annual phonathon.

Sampson Community College Foundation director Hugh Caison talks with Miss SCC Hayley Stewart at the phonathon.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_phone2.jpgSampson Community College Foundation director Hugh Caison talks with Miss SCC Hayley Stewart at the phonathon.
Proceeds from foundation event to benefit students

By Kristy D. Carter

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