Latest Winner is Pitt County Nonprofit
Students at the Building Hope Community Life Center receive instruction and encouragement from adult role models.
GREENVILLE – The Rye Foundation has named the recipient of the annual Bryan Award, and the winner is Pitt County’s faith-based Building Hope Community Life Center.
Warren Steen, the President of the Rye Foundation, said the Bryan Award is the highest honor given by the foundation and includes a charitable grant of $25,000 to expand and enhance programming. He said the award is named for Goldsboro businessman and philanthropist Ray Bryan, who died in 2016 at the age of 84.
Atlas Kelly, the executive director of Building Hope, described the organization as “a Jeremiah 29:11 ministry.” which helps children and youth to discover and develop their God-given talents. The Center offers after-school programs, summer camps, and a Service Saturday, where participants give back to the community in hands-on activities such as painting and raking leaves.
Rye board member Ingram Hedgpeth traveled to Greenville for a recent site tour at Building Hope and came away impressed. “It was uplifting to learn that their mission places an emphasis on academic achievement and spiritual development,” he said. “This is exactly the kind of project we are looking to support.”
Steen expressed his appreciation to Sid Bradsher of Heart for Eastern North Carolina, whose phone call started the process that led to the big announcement. “I want to thank Sid for his role in connecting the Rye Foundation with Building Hope,” he stated.
The $25,000 award will be used to:
- Launch a new program for young entrepreneurs.
- Sponsor summer camp field trips to colleges and area businesses.
- Increase technology at the Center.
Building Hope is the sixth winner of the Bryan Award, and a total of $150,000 has now been distributed to help children’s charities fulfill their mission.