LILLINGTON — Building furniture to help build the future of Central Carolina Community College students from Harnett County was the underlying theme of the 11th Annual CCCC Foundation Furniture Auction held June 4 at the college’s Harnett County Campus. 

The 2011 auction was the largest in the event’s 11-year history. With a strong showing of support from the community, the auction raised more than $25,000. The proceeds will be used by the Foundation to fund an endowment that provides scholarship monies for Harnett County students who attend CCCC.

“We are very grateful for the support our community has shown towards the Furniture Auction,” said Diane Glover, Foundation executive director. “With their support, we are enabling Harnett County students to receive an outstanding education at CCCC and help them achieve their educational and career goals.”  

Inmates at Harnett Correctional Institution who are enrolled in CCCC carpentry and welding classes there made all the furniture and other items in the auction. The classes train the inmates in marketable skills so they can return to society as contributing members. The annual auction provides an opportunity for them to give back to society even while completing their sentences.

“This year’s auction was one of the best we have ever had,” said Bill Tyson, CCCC Harnett Provost. “The HCI students truly demonstrated how much they have learned through the carpentry and welding programs by producing some outstanding pieces. The community responded well and together we will be able to make a difference in the lives of CCCC students in Harnett County.”

The CCCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with, but independent of, the college. It receives donations of money and equipment on behalf of CCCC and uses them to promote the educational mission of the college and assist students through scholarships and grants.

For more information on the CCCC Foundation or the Furniture Auction, contact Glover at (919) 718-7231 or dglover@cccc.edu.