Donor Stories

Triangle Community Foundation is the leading expert on local philanthropy, giving trends, and critical issues. We strive to be clear and informative about the work we do to enhance life in the Triangle, and we pride ourselves on being a trusted resource for media and other community partners.

Stories: Donor Stories

Family Legacy Meets Social Justice

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Rebecca Balter’s story began long before she was born. Balter comes from a long line of entrepreneurs; her family built a successful bank in Dresden, Germany at the turn of the 20th century. In fact, the family believed so much…
Stories: Donor Stories

A Part of His Character

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College is not a reality that many living in poverty consider “a given” or a definite part of their future. Ridden with financial burdens, the everyday struggle to secure shelter and food are the constant priority. In fact, only 47…
Stories: Donor Stories

Giving Back & Looking Forward: An Interview with Pat Nathan

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Why do you believe in the importance of giving back? I find my greatest fulfillment in working with others towards a common goal. To operate at my fullest capacity, I need to share a variety of assets including life experiences,…
Stories: Donor Stories

Donor Awards Hard Work with Opportunity

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When Daniel Flores arrived in Chapel Hill from El Salvador four years ago at age 14 to join his mother, who had left him with his grandmother and aunt six years earlier so she could find a job in the…
Stories: Donor Stories

Ron Strom: Passionate Philanthropist

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The following is an interview with Ron Strom (R), Foundation fundholder, conducted by Meg Buckingham (M), senior marketing & communications officer for the Foundation. M: Ron, tell me a little about your passion, and how you connect it to your …
Stories: Donor Stories

A Family Rooted in Philanthropy: Mary and Dale Carey

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The following is an interview with Mary (MC) & Dale (DC) Carey, Foundation Fundholders, conducted by Meg Buckingham (M), senior marketing & communications officer for the Foundation. M: Mary & Dale, tell me a little about your passion, and how …
Stories: Donor Stories

A Different Way to Give: NGAAP

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The following is an interview with Michelle (MSM) Serrano-Mills & Linsey (LM) Mills, Foundation fundholders with NGAAP, conducted by Meg Buckingham (M), senior marketing & communications officer for the Foundation. M: Michelle and Linsey, can you tell me a little …
Stories: Donor Stories

An Interview with Jerry VanSant

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What fuels your passion (for the environment)? I have no professional background in the environment, rather, my experience lies in the evaluation of nonprofits and the nonprofit sector. I have always cared about the outdoors, even as a young child,…
Stories: Donor Stories

Family Philanthropy: It’s All About the Values

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An Interview with Chuck Recorr Why do you give back? There is a real gap in America today. I live in a society where important things aren’t being addressed, and because of that, the fabric of the community is disintegrating.…
Stories: Donor Stories

Bob Johnston, The Innovator

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Giving with a big heart As a child growing up in Houston, Tex., Bob Johnston learned the importance of going beyond one’s means to help people in need. His father, a firefighter and then a long-time employee of the U.S.…