HENDERSONVILLE – Pauline Corn has been raising funds for over 65 years, when her goal was the purchase of the first fire truck for Blue Ridge Fire Department. She’s been on fire, fundraising ever since.

At Carolina Village, May is known as scholarship season. Ms. Corn has ensured that this tradition has continued, soliciting funds each May, her birthday month. This year, to date, she raised $30,050 for the Carolina Village Scholarship Fund with help from her family, friends, neighbors, and associates. The fund benefits Village employees and their dependents.

"I'm not shy about asking for money for things I believe in," said Ms. Corn, "and I really believe in the scholarship fund. I've seen a lot of good come from it. I had somebody help me through scholarships and I believe in passing that along. I want to thank each person for their support.”

For her many visionary efforts, including her tireless fundraising for the Carolina Village

scholarship fund among many others, Ms. Corn was awarded the Carolina Village Board’s

Guiding Light award in 2021.

In July, the scholarship committee awarded $28,800 in scholarships to 7 Village employees or

their dependents:

1) Cheryl Plott, Medical Center Dining Services, to study at Blue Ridge Community College

(BRCC)

2) Lillian Pierson, Independent Living Support, to study Medical Sonography at A-B Tech

3) Ayman Kassem, son of Ginger Horvath, Dining Services, to study Computer Science at UNC-

Charlotte

4) Andrew Renegar, son of Jon Renegar, Director of Operations, to study at BRCC

5) Makenna Cermak, daughter of Ashley Cermak, Independent Living Support, to study Human Services at A-B Tech

6) Arely Perez, daughter of Elia Perez, Dining Services, to study Architecture at UNC-Charlotte

7) Ashley Rich, daughter of Maria Rich, Director of Dining Services, to study English at Gardner- Webb University

Since it began in 2002, the fund has awarded 214 scholarships to employees and dependents,

totaling more than $514,800.

“Through the scholarship program, tuition assistance program, flexible scheduling, benefits for part-time positions, and more, we do everything we can to make it possible for team members to advance their careers and education,” said Kevin Parries, Executive Director. “I’m very proud of how well the Village and the residents support our employees.”