NEWS

[Visit our complete photo album from the event]

Friends of the Davidson Cornelius Child Development Center gathered last week for a fundraising breakfast to celebrate the facility’s fifty-year anniversary. Anna Washington, the center’s executive director, thanked attendees and reminded them of the vital role the center has played in the community since it opened in 1969.

It was the first racially and socio-economically integrated child care program in the area, and has provided safe, affordable care for more than 2,000 children (age toddler to pre-kindergarten) since it opened.

In addition to celebrating the anniversary, board chair Andrew O’Geen announced the good news that the center has once again been granted a five-star rating from the state—the highest designation possible.

Washington and O’Geen credited the center’s success in part to its dedicated staff. They specifically thanked 26-year teacher Jeri Holland, 25-year teacher Terry Little, and the center’s chef, Betsy Verhey, who serves children nutritious, tasty meals every day.

Another speaker at the gathering was Ruby Houston, who directed the center early in its history. She was accompanied by her mother, Bernice Houston, who was a dedicated supporter as the center grew to a valued community asset.

O’Geen concluded the gathering with a call to support the center in its next fifty years. The center has developed plans for a $1 million expansion of classroom and playground space. That expansion will also allow the center to increase the number of children it serves. Washington noted that there are currently 40 children on the waiting list for admission.

The funding appeal is also aimed at increasing scholarships for those children whose parents can’t afford to pay full tuition. Washington noted that last year the center supported children’s families with $160,000 in scholarships, and they have a goal of $195,000 this year.