The Foundation of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute held its Annual Fund Drive kickoff luncheon on Tuesday, March 24 at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir.
Campaign volunteers, Board members and college leadership gathered for the event, marking the official start of fundraising efforts for the Foundation’s Annual Fund Campaign. Peg Broyhill, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, offered opening remarks and welcomed those gathered for the event. Broyhill also announced the goal for this year’s campaign as $475,000, the highest to date for the Annual Fund Drive. “When this community comes together to support CCC&TI and its students, we create opportunities that truly change lives,” she said. “’Rising Together’ is not just a fundraising theme, it’s a reflection of how CCC&TI works. Together, we create opportunities that stay local and impact that lasts.”
Broyhill also announced that the chair for this year’s Fund Drive is alumnus, Foundation Board Secretary and CCC&TI Small Business Center Director, Carmela Tomlinson. “My connection to CCC&TI is both professional and deeply personal. I began my own educational journey here as a student. Like so many of our students, I was balancing responsibilities, working toward a better future, and relying on education as the bridge to get me there. And now, life has come full circle in a beautiful way—my own son Cole is currently in his second year here at CCC&TI, enrolled in the two-year business program. Watching him walk these same paths, pursue his education, and build his future has reminded me in the most personal way what this institution truly does. CCC&TI doesn’t just educate students—it strengthens families and transforms generations. That is why this college matters so deeply,” said Tomlinson. “When you give to the Foundation of CCC&TI, you are not just giving to a fund. You are investing in people. You are investing in a promise of opportunity, resilience and hope. You are saying to a student, ‘We believe in you—and we are willing to help you RISE.’”
Foundation Vice-Chair Deborah Murray also offered remarks at the beginning of the program. “Welcome to the 43rd Annual Fund Drive Campaign Kickoff. You are the driving force behind something that has changed thousands of lives,” she said. “For that first campaign, leadership set a modest goal of $40,000. And that was when something remarkable was born in this community. It wasn’t just about raising money. It was about what’s possible when a community comes together under the right kind of leadership and with the right kind of purpose. Year after year, you have carried that purpose forward and behind every single dollar is a story… So you aren’t just raising funds… you are opening doors, you are strengthening our work force, and
you’re ensuring that opportunity exists right here in our community for the people who live here. This is our legacy.”
CCC&TI President Dr. Mark Poarch also gave brief remarks during the event, thanking those in attendance for the work they do through the Foundation to support students and help them reach their goals. “I want to also extend my thanks to all of you for being here and to your commitment to the 2026 Annual Fund Drive,” said Poarch. “Great things are happening at CCC&TI thanks to you and so many others in our community who love and invest in this college. So, let’s approach this year’s campaign the Caldwell Way…seeking excellence on behalf of our students and community.”
Foundation Executive Director Marla Christie recognized CCC&TI’s faculty and staff members, who kicked off their portion of the campaign in February. To date, the internal campaign has raised a record high of more than $37,000 toward the Annual Fund Drive goal and those efforts will continue in the coming weeks.
Chair Broyhill recognized Foundation staff members, college leaders and the Fund Drive Team Captains for the 2026 campaign which are Peg Broyhill, Barbara Freiman, Deborah Murray, Dr. Mark Poarch and Joan McGee.
Board priorities for this year’s campaign include funding for scholarships, the Dream Award Program, student aid, academic support and athletics.
For more information on the Foundation of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, or to make a gift to the Annual Fund Drive, visit www.cccti.edu/donate or contact the Foundation Office at 828-726-2260.