McGradys donate $100,000 to COVID-19 relief fund

A newly created emergency response fund to assist Henderson County nonprofits responding to the coronavirus crisis received a $100,000 gift this week from Chuck and Jean McGrady, Mike McGrady, and Kathy McGrady.

The United Way of Henderson County and Community Foundation of Henderson County created the Henderson County COVID-19 Response Fund to rapidly deploy resources to front line human services organizations that are assisting vulnerable populations during the coronavirus crisis.

The McGrady family’s gift will help local nonprofits that are seeing a surge in requests for crisis services such as food, shelter, rent and utility assistance, and basic supplies. It is also intended to spur other contributions to the Fund from local citizens who are concerned about how the crisis is impacting low-income individuals and families in Henderson County.

“My family has deep roots in this community,” said Chuck McGrady, a state representative and former county commissioner. “Our philanthropy expresses our love for Henderson County and its people. During this unprecedented crisis, we want to be able to assist those who are going to be most impacted, and we hope that those Henderson County residents who have the ability to give and give generously will join us. United Way of Henderson County and Community Foundation of Henderson County are two trusted institutions that give us confidence our contribution will be used in the best way possible.”

Denise Cumbee Long, executive director of United Way of Henderson County, said: “We are profoundly grateful for this generous gift from the McGrady family. Their community spirit and concern for those in need have been evident throughout the years, and now they are stepping up once again in this time of crisis. I hope their leadership will inspire others to also contribute to the COVID-19 Response Fund so that we can do even more together.”

Community Foundation President McCray Benson agreed.

“The leadership of the McGrady family is a hallmark of how the people of this community respond in times of need,” he said. “In addition to this being a remarkable financial gift, it is also empowering the spirit that makes this community one of the best places to be, especially in challenging times. We are deeply grateful.”

With the McGrady family gift and a match of $50,000 from the Community Foundation, the Henderson County COVID-19 Response Fund is now nearing $200,000. Long and Benson say the need is great, however, and more donations are needed.

Applications from local nonprofits seeking assistance are being received on a rolling basis. Funding decisions are made by a committee of local leaders representing Henderson County government, the Chamber, Henderson County public schools, NAACP, Henderson County Health Department and Department of Social Services, the local faith community, the Latinx community and health care providers. A first round of grant decisions will be announced next week.

Donations to the Henderson County COVID-19 Response Fund can be made here or by mailing a check to CFHC, 401 N. Main St., Ste. 300, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Nonprofits interested in applying to the fund can access the application at www.cfhcforever.org or www.liveunitedhc.org.



