‘Dukes Support Mountaineers’ fund collecting donations for Appalachian State community
Dukes Support Mountaineers, a new charitable fund opened this week by The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham, welcomes donations to support Appalachian State University’s disaster relief efforts.
The fund was started by James Madison University alumni and patrons Joe and Debbie Showker, who reside in Rockingham County.
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The university, the town of Boone, and surrounding Watauga County has been under a State of Emergency since Sept. 26. Floodwaters have ravaged many mountain communities, with many residents still isolated and experiencing power outages, challenges with communication and transportation.
Showker says beyond the desire to help folks in need, there’s a strong connection between Harrisonburg, the home of James Madison University, and Appalachian State. The Mountaineers are SunBelt Conference peers and have a storied history as former FCS rivals.
The two universities share a common footprint — a central location in the heart of the county seat, thousands of employees who reside locally, and an historic regional outreach.
“We are similar institutions with a very respectful, rich rival tradition in athletics, and we share the Blue Ridge mountains. We’re neighbors in so many ways,” Showker said. “When I saw what was happening there, I really felt compelled to try to pull something together to enable the JMU community, and anyone else who felt similarly, to show our support for what they’re going through.”
In less than 24 hours since its opening, the fund has more than $5,000 in donations, said the foundation’s executive director, Revlan Hill.
“We’re pleased to be able to provide donors who want to give with a safe and secure way to do that,” Hill said. “All of the funds will go directly into the university’s disaster relief efforts for students, faculty and staff in need in the Mountaineer community.”
The foundation is encouraging online donations at this time rather than check or cash in order so that the funds can be quickly transferred, Hill said.
Foundation staff are prepared to answer questions about other giving options to support North Carolina disaster relief efforts as well, she said.
