SANFORD-- Newly installed Central Carolina Community College Foundation and Development Director Emily Hare wants to expand the endowments and enhance the mission of her office.

"I want to do everything I can to positively impact students' lives," Hare said. "Whether it is providing needed financial assistance or just making students aware of the many services we provide. That is what we are all here for."

As Foundation and Development director, Hare manages the Foundation's endowments, scholarship program, grants program, alumni relations, donor stewardship, and special Foundation events.

Her responsibilities also include overseeing the annual fund drive and helping to supply funds for faculty and staff development opportunities that will keep members on the cutting edge of academia. Hare, who has set her total Foundation endowment goal at $5 million, said she is tremendously grateful to the donors.

"We greatly value the community support," she said. "We want donors to realize that they are making a difference in the lives of our students and, in turn, the quality of life in Lee, Harnett and Chatham counties."

One of the students aided by the Foundation and Development Office is Stevie Messer. A candidate for an Associate in Applied Science in Industrial Systems Technology/Bio-maintenance degree, Messer has received two scholarships toward his education.

"The Foundation and Development Office means a lot to me," Messer said. "I'm not getting federal assistance to go to school. Whatever scholarship money I get is great because I have to earn the rest of the money myself."

When Messer graduates in three more semesters, he will be qualified in several industrial fields including hydraulics, electrical, industrial controls and heating and air conditioning.

The CCCC Foundation was organized in 1988 to ensure that the college would continue to excel and build on its history of innovative curriculum development and community service. The Foundation is a separate, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that receives, holds and disperses funds for the benefit of CCCC. It has a total endowment of $3 million and dispersed approximately $170,000 in scholarship funds alone during the 2011-2012 academic year.

The CCCC Foundation also supports the strategic plans of the college by providing additional resources to advance its academic mission. Through services and events, it enhances the college's image within the community, broadens its base of support and provides it with a measure of excellence through its support of varied educational and student service program offerings.

There are numerous ways in which the community can participate in the mission of the Foundation and Development Office at CCCC, Hare said. The office hosts several major events during the year, including a Scholarship Luncheon, Christmas Tree Lighting, Rabbit Run 5K race, Furniture Auction, and Golf Classic. Coming up shortly are the Rabbit Run 5K, "Sweet Celebration" and Furniture Auction.

The Rabbit Run 5K, on April 13 in Chatham County, is an exciting course that takes runners through downtown Pittsboro. Funds will be used for Chatham County student scholarships, the Student Emergency Fund and other needs. "Sweet Celebration," created to recognize the generosity of donors, will be held on May 1 in Lee County.

The Central Carolina Community College Foundation Furniture Auction, on June 1 in Harnett County, will feature approximately 100 pieces of handcrafted wood and metal work. Proceeds from the auction help provide scholarships for Harnett County students through an endowed scholarship fund. The proceeds also pay for materials used for the items made by students in the college's carpentry and welding classes at Harnett Correctional Institution.

Two new endowments have also been established in the Foundation and Development Office, Hare said. Pittsboro Area Health Initiatives (PAHI) awards scholarships to Chatham County residents who are enrolled in medical service programs provided by the college's Continuing Education Division. The Allyn Moore Staton Endowment is awarded to students who are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree transfer programs, with Lee County residents having priority.

"This is an exciting time to be associated with the Foundation and Development Office at CCCC," said Hare. "We are constantly increasing our effectiveness and discovering new opportunities to serve students and the community."

For information on establishing scholarships or endowments, contact CCCC Foundation and Development Director Emily Hare, 919-718-7230 or ehare@cccc.edu.

To apply for a scholarship, contact the CCCC Financial Aid Office, 919-718-7229. Scholarship application deadline is May 1.