HENDERSONVILLE - Through the incredible generosity of multiple donors, the Henderson County Education Foundation is once again in a position to provide discretionary funds to meet the day to day emergent needs of students. 

To honor National Principals Month in October, HCEF distributed a total of $23,000 in checks to support 23 schools within Henderson County Public Schools. 

The HCEF Spring Fund, which has been a beacon of support for over three decades, ensures a minimum annual allocation of $1,000 to each school principal. This funding serves as a valuable tool to leverage the principal’s capacity to more effectively respond and support students facing immediate challenges. Previously known as "The Special Fund for Children," this initiative was established by HCEF in 1989, thanks to an anonymous benefactor. 

These discretionary funds prove to be a lifeline for students and families facing sudden tragedies or grappling with extraordinary financial hardships. Principals use these resources to  provide additional support for various needs such as gas cards, school supplies, meals outside of school, graduation materials, essential medications, and clothing such as warm coats during the winter months. 

Peggy Marshall, the Executive Director of HCEF, emphasized the crucial role principals play in responding to the specific needs that students encounter during the school year. Marshall expressed gratitude to the donors who make it possible for the foundation to empower principals to support the most vulnerable school families. 

The 2023 Super Spring Fund sponsors are AdventHealth, Champion Comfort Experts, and Only Hope WNC, and the Spring Fund sponsors are Alessi Insurance Services, Blue Ridge Orthodontics, Champion Credit Union, Eagle Self Storage, UNC Health Pardee, Rosemary and Rick Johnston, Curt and Sue Marker, and Kiki and Vaughan Matthews.

HCEF would also like to announce the dates for the annual Food for Thought Campaign. Dine at any participating Henderson County restaurant between January 12 and 28, 2024, and donate $5 to enter a draw for a $50 restaurant gift card. Visiting three or more restaurants during the campaign could win you extra prizes. All proceeds will support the annual Spring Fund and directly benefit students in Henderson County Public Schools. For the last six years, our restaurant community has faithfully and generously supported the annual Food for Thought Campaign to support local public education. If you're a restaurant interested in partnering, please contact HCEF at Info@HCEFNCorg.