More for Thrive
Auto dealer Gary Rome donates $5,000 for Thrive Student Resource Center
Auto dealer Gary Rome presented a $5,000 donation check to the Holyoke Community College Foundation today to support the college's Thrive Student Resource Center.
The check is the result of funds raised in the foundation's annual "Together HCC: Drive to Change Lives" 24-hour fundraising campaign, which on April 23 raised a total of $164,313 for student-centered programs and scholarships.
In addition to being on the HCC Foundation board, Rome is a regular donor, vocal advocate for HCC, and a key "Together HCC" partner.
As a campaign promotion this year, Rome, owner of Gary Rome Hyundai in Holyoke and Gary Rome Kia in Enfield, Conn., pledged to double all gifts from new donors up to $5,000.During the June 18 event, Rome presented an oversized, ceremonial check to Amanda Sbriscia, vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the HCC Foundation.
"Gary has been such a catalyst for the success of our 'Together HCC' campaign," said Sbriscia. "His passion not only for the campaign, but for supporting our students, inspires others to do the same."
The Thrive Center Student Resource Center manages the college's food pantry and provides services, such as food and housing assistance, that help address students' basic needs.
"It is our pleasure today to make this contribution to such a worthwhile initiative," said Rome, who was accompanied by his two vizslas, Daisy and Wynn. "I think it's our responsibility to be a power of example and do all we can to help build a stronger community, and part of that is letting everyone know about the crown jewel we have right here, Holyoke Community College."
Rome continued: "My father told me, over and over again, 'What you put between your ears no one can ever take away,' so I want to help make sure that education is available to everyone."
Following the check presentation in the HCC Campus Center, Thrive Center Coordinator Ben Ostiguy led Rome on a tour of the center and HCC food pantry, which recently moved into larger spaces in the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development.
"I can't imagine being a student and trying to go to school without having breakfast or lunch," said Rome. "We need to make food and housing available to students so that they can thrive and excel with their education."
The "Together HCC" campaign is a partnership between Rome and HCC that began in March 2020 to build community support and raise money for students experiencing financial distress during the pandemic. Since then, the event has become an annual day of giving to raise funds for the college.
"The Thrive Center is such a critical space for our students that helps them remain on a path to earning their college degree," said Sbriscia. "Thanks to Gary's support and gifts from so many of our alumni and friends, Thrive will continue to be a life-changing resource for our students."
PHOTOS: Auto dealer Gary Rome presents a $5,000 ceremonial donation check to Amanda Sbriscia, HCC vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the HCC Foundation.
