Thanks to the generosity of several donors, the Henderson County Education Foundation will again be able to provide much-needed discretionary funds to students in need.

On Tuesday, HCEF presented checks totaling $23,000 to principals, supporting 23 Henderson County Public Schools.

The HCEF Spring Fund allocates a minimum of $1,000 annually to every school principal to meet day-to-day emergencies and other needs of the district’s most vulnerable children. Formerly called “The Special Fund for Children,” the fund was first established by HCEF in 1989 by an anonymous donor.

To help students and families facing a sudden tragedy or struggling with extraordinary financial challenges, principals utilize the discretionary funds to provide a little extra support for everything from gas cards and school clothes to graduation materials and necessary medications.

“Along with our teachers, our principals are the eyes and ears at our schools, and as such, they have a distinct opportunity to respond to some of the particular needs that students may face during the school year,” said Summer Stipe, HCEF Executive Director. “That is why we are so thankful for our donors who make it possible for the Foundation to get this money into the hands of our most vulnerable school families through the involvement of our principals,” she added.

The 2021 Super Spring Fund sponsors are AdventHealth, Champion Comfort Experts and Spring Fund sponsors are Blue Ridge Orthodontics, Champion Credit Union, Chick-fil-A, Hendersonville Community Co-op, NC Printing, and Eagle Self Storage.