The Sampson Community College Foundation’s annual phonathon proved successful yet again and raised $17,000 this year 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,” phonathon coordinator 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 Jeff Nethercutt and all the folks at Star who pitch in to make the live television event possible.”
For the second year in a row, the phonathon was held on the campus of SCC.
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, Alta Starling and Jonelle Strickland served as hostesses for the volunteers, Nicole Jordan and Summer Parrott handled the administrative duties, Laura Carroway coordinated the green room and Brandon Wiggins, Leslie Bautista and Dan Grubb worked to prepare for the event.
“I am so proud of the generous community that we live in and the amazing talent displayed courtesy of the fine folks at Star Communications,” 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.
Of the $17,000 total raised this year, $7,000 of that was committed in advance as a response to handwritten notes from the Foundation directors. This year’s highlight, Turlington shared, was former Star CEO Lyman Horne calling in with a challenge for new president Dr. Bill Starling. Horne’s challenge earned the college an extra $500 towards its goal.
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. Last year, due to damage from Hurricane Matthew, the event was moved from the Star offices to the college campus.
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 Jeff Nethercutt and Star Communications and the entire production is orchestrated by Chris Heuer and his amazing team of Jason Miller and Craig Bell,” 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.
“We on the SCC Foundation are still catching our breath after last week’s Sampson Showcase and phonathon,” Viser shared. “This is particularly true of director Lisa Turlington who spent weeks planning for the event. Also, during the two-hour taping, it was Lisa who kept over 100 people in order and on time. Of course, nothing would have happened without Star Communications. The technical audiovisual set-up and live operation were a huge challenge, totaling over 90 hours of expert work that was essentially donated by Star. The event was a satisfying success. SCC faculty, staff, students, and Foundation members joined forces in a pep rally atmosphere. Our mission of engaging the public was certainly accomplished.”