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Jun
5
2013

Providing a Thorough Grounding in Western Civilization

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The Pope Foundation’s new Grantee Profile focuses on Asheville School, the South’s preeminent co-ed boarding and day school: To appreciate the good that Western civilization has brought to the world, students must first understand it. And what better way to gain understanding than to read, and study, the classics of Western culture — works ranging from Homer’s Odyssey and Iliad to the Old and New testaments to Dante’s Divine Comedy and Shakespeare’sHamlet. That principle — the conviction that students best learn about history by studying the literature, art, philosophy, and political thought of the time — is the guiding force behind the stellar humanities program at Asheville School. Nestled in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville School annually serves 275 students representing 25 states and 13 countries. The average class size is 12 students. One-hundred percent of graduates attend four-year colleges. “There isn’t a single boarding school below the Mason-Dixon line that has these basic qualities: Academically rigorous, relatively small at just under 300 students, co-ed, with a particularly strong emphasis on character development,” said Arch Montgomery, Asheville School’s headmaster. “It’s fairly easy to beat a kid up into memorizing a bunch of facts for a test,” he added. “A much more challenging issue is to teach kids in such a way that it influences the way they view life.” Read more Grantee Profiles here.
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Apr
30
2013

Rejoining the Disciplines of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

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The Pope Foundation’s new Grantee Profile focuses on the UNC-Duke Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Program, a minor at UNC-Chapel Hill and certificate at Duke University that helps students broaden their thinking : The intersection of politics, economics, and morality has never been more important than it is today. Yet many times, these three subject areas are treated as distinct, unrelated categories. The goal of the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics program at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University is to rejoin the three disciplines — and show how much they impact our daily lives. In the past, philosophy was closely related to economics, because thinkers’ view of economics was borne out of their moral convictions. But today, the disciplines increasingly diverge. That is where the UNC-Chapel Hill PPE program steps up. “Our distinctive feature is bringing together these three academic disciplines in a comprehensive and cohesive way, with a particular emphasis on the moral significance of each,” said Geoffrey Sayre-McCord, Director of the PPE program at UNC-Chapel Hill. As the only joint UNC-Duke program at the undergraduate level, PPE has distinguished itself as a valuable addition to the repertoire of learning at both schools. Read more Grantee Profiles here.
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Feb
19
2013

Pope Foundation Announces 2013 Class of Eagle Scout Scholars

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RALEIGH, N.C. FEB. 19, 2013 — The John William Pope Foundation, one of the top-giving philanthropies in North Carolina, is proud to announce the 2013 class of Pope Family Eagle Scout scholars. The scholarships, valued at $20,000 for each student, will help four young men pursue careers in the military, small business, and music industry. The mission of the Pope Family Eagle Scout Scholarship is to further the course of study for devoted Eagle Scouts who want to become leaders in the free-enterprise system. Since the first class of scholars in 2001, the Pope Foundation has invested over $1 million in these promising young men. “Helping these Eagle Scouts become the greatest leaders of tomorrow — that’s our goal,” said John Akerman, CEO of the Occoneechee Council, the scouting council that administers the scholarship. “We’re excited to see where life takes this newest class of young men.” The Pope Foundation funds two scholarships, valued at $40,000, and the Occoneechee Council funds the other two, also valued at $40,000. The Occoneechee Council is the largest scouting council in North Carolina, serving 20,000 youths and covering 12 counties. The 2013 class of scholars comprises: Michael Beley: Plans to pursue a career in mechanical engineering and own an engineering firm. Timothy Germann Jr.: Plans to pursue a career in the United States armed forces. Charles R. Smith: Plans to study business management with a minor in economics and own a financial or management company. Cameron Theobald: Plans to pursue a career in music and own a recording studio. For more information or interviews, contact Dave Riggs or David Bass at 919-861-6445 or press@jwpf.org. ABOUT THE POPE FOUNDATION The John William Pope Foundation, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, works to improve the well-being of the citizens of North Carolina and the nation through the advancement of individual freedom and personal responsibility. From its first grant in 1986 to the present, the Foundation’s giving has totaled over $100 million, primarily to charities and organizations in North Carolina. The Foundation is a private family foundation supported by the late John William Pope Sr. and his wife, Joyce W. Pope, and their children: their late son, John William Pope Jr.; Amanda Pope; and Art Pope. The Pope Foundation receives additional support from the family’s business, Variety Wholesalers Inc., which owns and operates Roses, Maxway, Super 10, and other discount stores, and has its offices and distribution centers in Raleigh and Henderson, North Carolina. ###
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Dec
13
2012

Pope Foundation Makes $810,500 in Grants to Community Charities, Schools, Churches, and the Arts

RALEIGH, N.C. DEC. 13, 2012 — The John William Pope Foundation has announced its December cycle of grants — $810,500 in giving to community charities, schools, churches, and the arts. “We’re privileged to continue supporting these organizations that help so many in our community,” said Art Pope, President and Chairman of the Pope Foundation. “In these difficult times in North Carolina, families continue to struggle. These humanitarian organizations provide a helping hand for those in need.” With the 2012 cycle of grants, the Pope Foundation added four new charities to its grantee list: SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals: Provides housing, healing, and hope to families with an adult patient being treated for a critical illness or injury at UNC Hospitals or its affiliated clinics. The Green Chair Project: Accepts gently used furniture and household items and re-sells them at a significant markdown to the working poor. Families benefit, and so does the environment because furniture that otherwise might end up in a landfill is reused. Helping Horse Therapeutic Riding Program: Provides horseback riding lessons for special-needs children. Therapeutic horseback riding has proven physical, mental, and psychological benefits for individuals with disabilities. Miracle League of the Triangle: Offers an opportunity for special-needs children to play baseball. For more information, interviews, or details on the application process, contact Dave Riggs or David Bass at 919-861-6445 or press@jwpf.org. ABOUT THE POPE FOUNDATION The John William Pope Foundation, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, works to improve the well-being of the citizens of North Carolina and the nation through the advancement of individual freedom and personal responsibility. From its first grant in 1986 to the present, the Foundation’s giving has totaled over $100 million, primarily to charities and organizations in North Carolina. The Foundation is a private family foundation supported by the late John William Pope Sr. and his wife, Joyce W. Pope, and their children: their late son, John William Pope Jr.; Amanda Pope; and Art Pope. The Pope Foundation receives additional support from the family’s business, Variety Wholesalers Inc., which owns and operates Roses, Maxway, Super 10, and other discount stores, and has its offices and distribution centers in Raleigh and Henderson, North Carolina. DECEMBER GRANTEES: $10,000 — Alliance Medical Ministry $10,000 — Barium Springs Home for Children $10,000 — Blessed Sacrament School $5,000 — Capitol Commission $25,000 — Carolina Ballet $5,000 — Disabilities Education Support Center $5,000 — Food Bank of Central and Eastern N.C. $25,000 — Full Gospel Tabernacle $5,000 — Godwin Presbyterian Church $5,000 — Green Chair Project $10,000 — H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library $10,000 — Habitat for Humanity of Wake County $5,000 — Helping Horse $5,000 — Henderson YMCA $5,000 — Hope Reins $10,000 — Hospice of Wake County Foundation $5,000 — Interfaith Food Shuttle $3,000 — Lifeline Outreach $5,000 — Miracle League of the Triangle $10,000 — N.C. Opera $25,000 — N.C. Symphony $25,000 — N.C. Theatre $5,000 — N.C. Youth Legislative Assembly Administration $2,500 — Neuse Christian Academy $50,000 — Occoneechee Boy Scouts Council $5,000 — Performance Edge $25,000 — Prevent Child Abuse N.C. $25,000 — Raleigh Charter High School $25,000 — Raleigh Fine Arts Society $5,000 — Raleigh Rescue Mission $25,000 — Ravenscroft School $5,000 — Safe Haven for Cats $5,000 — Salvation Army of Wake County $25,000 — SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals $5,000 — Shepherd’s Table $25,000 — StepUp Ministry $225,000 — The Asheville School $10,000 — United Way of Vance County $10,000 — Upper Room Christian Academy $5,000 — Vance County Historical Society $25,000 — Virginia Episcopal School $50,000 — White Memorial Presbyterian Church $30,000 — YMCA of the Triangle
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Oct
2
2012

John William Pope Foundation Launches New Website

The John William Pope Foundation, one of the top-giving philanthropies in North Carolina, has launched a redesigned websiteto more effectively communicate with fellow donors, the public, and the media. “Our expanded online presence serves as an important step in continuing my father’s legacy of generosity and goodwill,” said Art Pope, President and Chairman of the Pope Foundation. “Our goal is to underscore the vital work being done by our grantees.” The website describes the Pope Foundation’s four areas of philanthropic investment — public policy groups, educational institutions, humanitarian efforts, and the arts — that amounts to over $10 million in giving each year. It also tells John William Pope’s remarkable story — from his humble beginning working in his father’s five-and-dime store during the Great Depression to becoming head of a retail chain serving 300 communities across the southeast and employing thousands. Six grantees — including StepUp Ministry, Carolina Ballet, and the Boy Scouts of America — are highlighted on the new website, with more to follow in the coming weeks. The website also spotlights high-achieving individuals who have been assisted by Pope Foundation-supported grantees. “The generosity of the Pope family has benefited North Carolina and the entire nation for over 25 years,” said Dave Riggs, Vice President for Programs and Operations at the Pope Foundation. “Because of their kindness, thousands of lives have improved from over $100 million in giving. This website is another step in furthering that heritage.” For more information, interviews, or details on the application process, contact Dave Riggs or David Bass at 919-861-6449 or press@jwpf.org. ABOUT THE POPE FOUNDATION The John William Pope Foundation, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, works to improve the well-being of the citizens of North Carolina and the nation through the advancement of individual freedom and personal responsibility. From its first grant in 1986 to the present, the Foundation’s giving has totaled over $100 million, primarily to charities and organizations in North Carolina. The Foundation is a private family foundation supported by the late John William Pope Sr. and his wife, Joyce W. Pope, and their children: their late son, John William Pope Jr.; Amanda Pope; and Art Pope. The Pope Foundation receives additional support from the family’s business, Variety Wholesalers Inc., which owns and operates Roses, Maxway, Super 10, and other discount stores, and has its offices and distribution centers in Raleigh and Henderson, North Carolina.
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