The Charlie Foundation’s $350,000 gift to Piedmont Technical College will benefit Saluda County students

A $350,000 gift establishing The Charlie Foundation Endowment for Student Success at Piedmont Technical College (PTC) was announced Tuesday during an event at the college’s Saluda County Campus.

“The Charlie Foundation Endowment for Student Success will fund the remaining tuition expenses for Saluda County graduating seniors after federal and state aid has been applied,” said PTC Associate Vice President for Advancement Jacki G. Berkshire.  

“Realizing that there are other necessary costs to an education that can become barriers, The Charlie Foundation will also help with expenses such as books, scrubs, tools and laptops,” Berkshire said. “Thanks to their incredible generosity, funding for Saluda County students will be locked in for generations to come.”

The Charlie Foundation honors the legacy of Don Hancock, whose lifelong dedication to serving his country and his community remains an inspiration to others. Hancock was a two-term chairman of Saluda County Council. Shortly before his death in 2017, he also was appointed as chairman of the Upper Savannah Council of Governments.  

“Don Hancock was not only a man of great character and a servant leader; he was a big thinker and a big dreamer too,” Berkshire said. “His dream was simple, powerful and profound. He wanted every single graduating senior in Saluda County who has the drive to go to college to get the opportunity for a Piedmont Technical College education, and he did not want finances to be the barrier.”

The Charlie Foundation is overseen by Hancock’s sisters, Charlyn Staubes and Ann Coker.

“These two ladies are kind, incredibly witty, passionate, and a fun fact: they are lovers of Brussels sprouts,” Berkshire said.  

In recognition of the foundation’s gift, the lobby of the new Saluda Center for Manufacturing Excellence will be named in honor of Hancock. Construction began last year on the $14.3 million facility, which is about 75% complete. Those attending Tuesday’s event were able to tour the building that will become a regional hub for advanced manufacturing education and workforce training.

Speaking at Tuesday’s event, PTC President Dr. Hope E. Rivers said the Saluda Center for Manufacturing Excellence is “near and dear to my heart” because it will put students in the rural area on equal footing with those in larger counties and larger communities.

“It is an incredible opportunity these students will have,” Rivers said.

Recalling the college’s humble beginnings in Saluda County, PTC Area Commission Chairman Dr. Dennis Lambries said the new facility “is a great addition” to the county campus that currently serves approximately 300 county residents annually.

“Together, we’re building a stronger Saluda County,” said Lambries, who represents Saluda County on the Area Commission.