SANFORD - Something was missing in the gymnasium at Central Carolina Community College's Lee County Campus: bleachers!

Now, thanks to the backing of a group of generous donors, bleachers seating 420 have been added. They were officially dedicated during half-time at the Nov. 10 Cougars basketball game against Wake Technical Community College.

The bleachers are in the school's colors, royal blue and white, marked prominently with "CCCC" in white.

"We have a great basketball program," said Mike Hendley, CCCC Foundation board member and bleacher campaign chairperson, "We saw that there was a need and, thanks to our donors, we were able to make them a reality. They are a great addition to the gym, CCCC and to our local community. This gym is not just used by the basketball team. It is also used by the community and the bleachers give it a little something more!"

The CCCC Foundation's campaign to raise more than $40,000 for the bleachers was appropriately titled the "Have a Seat!" campaign. Funds were raised from a variety of community donors with the lead gift coming from Sanford resident Oscar Keller.

The "Have a Seat!" donors were first recognized in a reception held in the Golden Courtyard on the Lee County Campus prior to the Nov. 10 game. At half-time, they officially dedicated the bleachers. Recognition banners and a plaque were unveiled in their honor.

"We are extremely pleased with our bleachers," said Mike Neal, CCCC Athletic Director. "They were needed and our community stepped up. Thank you to our donors, the CCCC Foundation and everyone involved that helped make these become a reality."

For more information on the CCCC Foundation, contact Emily Hare, Associate Director at ehare@cccc.edu or (919) 718-7230.