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Generous Donation Establishes Endowment for Wake Tech's Food Pantry
2024-12-17
During this time of giving, Wake Tech has received a remarkable donation that will play a crucial role in supporting students facing food insecurity. Dr. Lavanya Nagaraj, a board-certified dermatologist from Blue Ridge Dermatology, and Sharat Nagaraj, a member of the Wake Tech Board of Trustees and the founder of Raleigh technology firm Celito, have established the Nagaraj Family Nest Endowment with the Wake Tech Foundation. This endowment will serve as a permanent and recurring source of funds for The Nest, Wake Tech's food pantry, which is used to purchase bulk food items.

Empowering Students with a Generous Gift

How the Donation Will Make a Difference

The donation from the Nagaraj family is truly remarkable. It will provide a stable source of funds that will ensure The Nest can continue to serve students in need. By purchasing bulk food items, the pantry will be able to offer a greater variety of food options to students. This will not only help to alleviate food insecurity but also improve the overall well-being of students.

Moreover, the establishment of the endowment is a testament to the Nagarajs' dedication to Wake Tech and its students. Their kindness and generosity will have a lasting impact on the lives of many students, helping them to stay focused on their educational and career goals. The Nest is an integral part of Wake Tech's Care Center, which provides a wide range of guidance and resources to students. With the additional support from the endowment, the Care Center will be able to offer even more assistance to students.

The Importance of The Nest at Wake Tech

The Nest plays a vital role in alleviating food insecurity at Wake Tech. It offers free, accessible food pantries across the college, providing students with monthly shopping opportunities. In addition to food, The Nest also offers nutrition education and connections to community-based resources. This holistic approach helps students to not only address their immediate food needs but also gain the knowledge and support they need to make healthy choices and succeed in their studies.

Online and in-person ordering options allow students to build custom orders based on their personal preferences and dietary needs. This level of flexibility ensures that every student can access the food they need. On average, The Nest serves about 1,000 students each year, demonstrating the significant need for such a service at the college. The support from the Nagaraj Family Nest Endowment will help to expand and enhance the services offered by The Nest, making it an even more valuable resource for students.

How to Support The Nest

Wake Tech gladly accepts donations of non-perishable goods for The Nest. These donations will directly contribute to helping students in need. Monetary donations can also be made to the Wake Tech Foundation. By selecting "Other" under Fund Designation and noting "The Nest" in the provided blank, donors can ensure that their contributions go directly to supporting the food pantry. Every donation, whether it is a monetary gift or a donation of non-perishable goods, makes a difference in the lives of students at Wake Tech.

The Nagaraj Family Nest Endowment is a shining example of the power of community support. It shows that by working together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those in need. The donation will not only help to alleviate food insecurity but also inspire others to get involved and support Wake Tech's students. With the continued support of donors like the Nagarajs, The Nest will be able to continue its important work for years to come.

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