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Tuxedo Park to add pickleball courts

The Community Foundation of Henderson County presented grants to the Green River Community Association and the Council on Aging at the open ceremony of the North Carolina Apple Festival last week. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

By Lightning Reports, Published: September 7, 2022

The Community Foundation of Henderson County, a nonprofit providing lasting resources for innovative charitable solutions, awarded $65,000 to two area organizations as part of its special 40th Anniversary Grants program, including a grant that will result in new pickleball courts at Tuxedo Park.

The awards were presented to Council on Aging of Henderson County and the Green River Community Association during the opening ceremony of the North Carolina Apple Festival last Friday. The Community Foundation was the Presenting Sponsor of the 76th Apple Festival.

“Serving Henderson County for 40 years has been Community Foundation’s privilege,” Foundation President & CEO McCray V. Benson said. “Showing our appreciation in the form of these grants and sponsorships is a meaningful way to honor the commitment of donors, volunteers, grantees, and the community.”

The foundation ordered a grant of $25,000 to Council on Aging of Henderson County for its Hub and Spoke Program at the Age-Friendly Center in Laurel Park. The Age-Friendly Center acts as a one-stop service area where elder patients can be referred to and immediately see representatives who can help them with their needs. Healthcare is changing rapidly and dramatically, and with an onsite support services coordinator, seniors visiting the center will be able to easily access resources and care regarding new wellness, outpatient treatment, integrated care facilities, and collaborative approaches to healing.

“We recognized that our elder population had many questions about navigating the aging process, but not every resource was accessible," said Melissa Witmeier, executive director of Council on Aging. "Assistance can be time-intensive and emotional for the client, and Council on Aging's social workers understand the nature of the client and are patient and indulgent. Our trained and seasoned support service coordinators are here to assist our aging adults as they navigate this new season of life.”

The other 40th anniversary grant was awarded to Green River Community Association. Serving the citizens of the Green River, Tuxedo and Zirconia areas, the community association provides opportunities for residents to come together for fun, fellowship and the betterment of their rural communities. Green River Community Association was awarded $40,000 to complete phase three of Tuxedo Park which includes the building of a state-of-the-art multi-purpose ball court. This court will be able to transform to offer a variety of sports including, basketball, pickleball, four square and more.

“Green River Community Association is so appreciative for the support from Community Foundation of Henderson County to complete one of the last phases of the Tuxedo Park,” said Terry Maybin, Green River Community Association president. “The multipurpose court will be an investment in our rural community’s health and well-being. Residents see that Tuxedo is once again, and will be for the future, a place to gather and play.”

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Community Foundation of Henderson County. To date, the organization has paid out more than $80 million in grants and annuities. Nonprofits submitted grant applications in February 2022 and a volunteer committee of eight community members carefully and thoughtfully reviewed 57 applications choosing nine grantees for the 40th Anniversary awards. Community Foundation of Henderson County has already awarded $157,100 as part of the Anniversary awards and will be presenting the remaining awards at Art on Main and Farm City Day. More information can be viewed on the Foundation’s website: cfhcforever.org/about/40th-anniversary.