By Jheri Hardaway
Staff Writer
RTP, NC - The newly announced grand marshal of the 81st Annual Raleigh Christmas and NC State Basketball standout, Dereck Whittenburg, and the Dereck Whittenburg Foundation recently hosted a Bourbon and Wine tasting at The Westin RDU Airport. This classy event was overflowing with tasty charcuterie boards, raffle items, and supporters who appreciate the cause. Coach Whittenburd shared, “It was just another excuse to get people together, to support our cause, which is to help juniors and seniors finish college. People like drinking wine, and people like bourbon. So we thought it was something different, our first time doing it. We usually do golf tournaments and other kinds of fundraisers.
So we wanted to be creative. And just getting people together, this is pretty cool so far.”
After years of successfully seeing students through graduation, we wanted to know what it meant to the organization to be able to see their success as students cross the stages of various area institutions. Coach smiled as he said, “Well, I was a first-generation graduate myself back in 1983. I think it's important to give back. You’re not only helping our students, but also helping the community.
So I think it's important if you're going to truly give back, you've got to be present.”
The mission of The Dereck Whittenburg Foundation is to extend the hands of financial assistance to deserving college students that find themselves facing the hindrance of finance as the barrier to their completion of college degrees. The mantra of The Foundation is "Dream. Believe. Work. Now Finish!" The Dereck Whittenburg Foundation is made up of an impressive board, including the coach’s wife, Jacqueline Whittenburg, and many other dedicated community members. We can’t wait to see what is next for this outstanding organization.
