Our Mission
For more than 20 years, the Mitchell County Development Foundation has supported the people, businesses, and community organizations of Mitchell County, NC.
Today, our work is 100% focused on helping our communities rebuild after Hurricane Helene. Our effort brings together a vibrant cross-section of our community focused on supporting all of Mitchell County. This includes community leaders, education leaders, and business leaders focused on three goals:
GOAL ONE:
Establish Trusted Donation Hub Supporting County-Wide Efforts
The Mitchell County Development Foundation has always worked to unify and support the people, businesses, and institutions of Mitchell County. That’s why we include leadership from the broadest range of stakeholders across the county: from Spruce Pine to Bakersville to Buladean and beyond.
GOAL TWO:
Recruit Funding To Recover + Rebuild For The Long Term
While we may be in the news today, we know that, unfortunately, public attention will soon move on to other causes. Our focus, however, is to catalyze many small $20-$50 gifts as well as a number of large-scale matching grants from leading corporations and foundations to support longterm rebuilding efforts that will take years to complete. We are not new to supporting efforts in Mitchell County and we aren’t going anywhere.
GOAL THREE:
Distribute Funds To Schools, Civic Organizations and Businesses Needing It Most
This journey will not be easy, but life in these mountains often is not. Over the past days we’ve been inspired to see community members—many who have lost a great deal themselves—bring their heads, their tenacity, and their chainsaws to support First Responders. Our next challenge will be distribute 100% of funds received to Mitchell County schools, civic organizations, businesses and other groups needing it most as we undertake the long journey to rebuild.
OUR BOARD
Sandy Buchanan — Interim Co-Executive Director, Mitchell Co. Chamber of Commerce
Dr. John Boyd — President, Mayland Community College
Darlene Butler — Town Manager, Town of Spruce Pine
Chad Calhoun — Superintendent, Mitchell County Schools
Allen Cook — County Manager, Mitchell County Government
Lee Ellis (Treasurer) — Regional Vice President, eBen Employee Benefits
Chris Gentry — Plant Manager, The Quartz Corporation
Jeff Gouge (President) — Owner, Gouge Oil Company
Phillip Hise — Mayor, Town of Spruce Pine
Keith Holtsclaw — Former 20 year CEO, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital
Harley Masters — County Commissioner, Mitchell County Government
Van Phillips — Vice President, Great Meadows, Inc.
Sharon Runion Rowland — Community Member
Chuck Vines (Vice President) — Mayor, Town of Bakersville