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Monday, 17 September 2018 11:02

Donation gives HCC Foundation $20,000 to start Patriot Fund

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When Steve Felton talks about the impact of community colleges on the lives of students, one cannot help but be inspired.

It is because of this passion that the Halifax Community College Foundation has started the Patriot Fund.

“A client came to me with a strong desire to help the students at Halifax Community College,” Felton said. “This person has a strong love and affection for the HCC community and they wanted to give back.”

Armed with that knowledge, and the financial promise of nearly $20,000, Felton approached Allen Purser, the executive director of the HCCF, with a plan. “I asked Allen what the HCC mascot was,” Felton said. “He told me it was the Patriots, and I told him to start the Patriot Fund.”

The money is designated specifically to help students who are “down and out,” according to Felton. Rather than allowing financial difficulties to get in the way, the donor wanted to be sure students could focus on academics and improving their life.

“The goal is for the Patriot Fund to serve as a step up for our students, giving them the chance to accomplish great things,” Felton said. “Once they have achieved greater success, our hope is that they then pay it forward. We all remember those moments of profound struggle, and the people who helped us along the way. We want that loyalty to stay right here in the community.”

Purser echoes the sentiments of Felton, recognizing the positive impact of local support. “It’s great that we have community members that want to help students during an emergency. The Patriot Fund allows them the chance to overcome the temporary hardships, remain students and chase their dreams.”

The true hope that Felton and the donor have is that the HCC community, including the faculty, staff and students, will discover just how great of an impact can happen when they come together. In fact, he thinks the outcomes will surprise everyone.

For Felton, students cannot be seen as just a number; they must be seen as people and the future of the Roanoke Valley.

“I’ll never forget one student that I encountered during my tenure on another local board,” Felton said. “This student’s mobile home caught on fire, and all he wanted out of it was his cap and gown. I didn’t understand at first because it seemed like it was such a small thing. When I asked why it mattered so much, I was told that it represented his ticket out of the gangs. Education changes everything, and we have to remember that.”

As part of his, and the donor’s commitment to the students at HCC, Felton has issued a challenge to his fellow citizens.

He challenges every person who hears the story of the Patriot Fund to pledge $12 or $1 per month to the fund.

“The donor and I hope this fund raises so much money and changes so many lives that it gives hope to everybody,” Felton said.

To become a part of the Patriot Fund list of donors, residents can contact Allen Purser at 252-536-5479 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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