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PCC Foundation Gearing up for Annual Spring Fundraiser

The landscaping and gardens of this home on the Outdoor Living Tour have evolved over the last 23 years. The owner was looking for a way to incorporate an enclosed patio into an outdoor space and found the best solution was to transform the property's unattached garage. The owner has spent the last two seasons joyfully repurposing the garage into a peaceful "Garden and Guest House."

WINTERVILLE—A year after COVID-19 spoiled its spring fundraising plans, the Pitt Community College Foundation is putting the finishing touches on a new event to generate revenue for student scholarships and educational activities.

As the telltale signs of spring begin taking shape, PCC’s chief fundraising organization is preparing for the first-ever Down East Outdoor Living Tour & “Chair-ity” Auction on April 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s an event that essentially combines three fundraisers—outdoor living tour, plant sale and chair auction—into one.

“Spring fundraising has a tremendous impact on the PCC Foundation’s ability to provide scholarships that assist students in need and reward academic success,” PCC Events Specialist Erin Greenleaf said. “Though fundraising during the coronavirus pandemic has been challenging, we’ve taken what we’ve learned over the past year to come up with an event that will offer supporters a safe and fun way to enjoy lovely outdoor living spaces in Pitt County.”

Greenleaf says tour tickets are $30 per person and may be purchased on the PCC Foundation website. Those who register must visit Pitt’s campus the day of the fundraiser to receive a booklet with tour details, she said, adding that the booklet will serve as their admission ticket at each property.

“Each yard has something unique for guests to see,” Greenleaf said. “We have one yard that features more than 15 landscaped beds and another with a stunning, repurposed garage. We hope all of our tour participants come away with a little bit of inspiration.”

On campus, the “Chair-ity” Auction will feature a variety of unique chairs up for bidding. Designed and donated by members of the community, they will be on display outside of the PCC Greenhouse, which is located near the intersection of Eddie Smith and Spaulding streets.

“Our spring fundraiser has always included an auction component, but so many of the local businesses that donate items are hurting due to the pandemic, and we weren’t about to contribute to their burdens,” Greenleaf said. “The community’s support for our ‘Chair-ity’ auction has been overwhelming. We’ve had many talented people use their creativity to develop some amazing designs for the benefit of PCC students.”

Greenleaf says the auction will get underway April 12 on Handbid’s mobile bidding site and ends April 17 at 3 p.m. She said winning bidders will have an hour to pick up their chairs after the auction concludes, or they may call the PCC Foundation Office at (252) 493-7496 to make alternate pickup arrangements.

For the safety of those taking part in this month’s fundraiser, participants must wear masks and practice proper social distancing during all activities, on and off-campus. That includes the PCC Horticulture Technology Department’s plant sale, which will take place at the PCC Greenhouse and feature perennials, annuals, vegetables and herbs in a variety of cell packs, hanging baskets, planters and pots. A portion of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the PCC Foundation.

In the event of rain April 17, the spring fundraiser will take place April 24. For more information, contact Greenleaf at egreenleaf@email.pittcc.edu.

04/05/2021