Witcher makes two large donations

The High Point Enterprise, N.C.
·2 min read

Apr. 30—HIGH POINT — The Art Gallery at Congdon Yards has received its largest donation ever, a $500,000 gift from local businessman and philanthropist Doug Witcher.

And on Tuesday, Pennybyrn announced that Witcher, through the Douglas S. Witcher Family Foundation, had committed a $1 million gift, propelling Pennybyrn to exceed the fundraising goal of $3 million for the final phase of its "Beyond the Horizon" capital campaign.

The TAG donation is earmarked for advancing educational programming.

"TAG is an invaluable asset to our community, providing a platform for artistic expression and cultural enrichment," said Witcher, who founded the Smart Choice Agents Program in 1994. "I am honored to support their mission and contribute to enhancing educational initiatives that will inspire creativity and learning for generations to come."

The donation will enable TAG to expand its educational outreach, according to Jeff Horney, executive director of TAG. Through workshops, lectures and community initiatives, TAG remains committed to fostering creativity, dialogue and lifelong learning, Horney said.

The donation to Pennybrn was made in honor of Witcher's parents, Melvin and Ruth Witcher, and will be commemorated by naming Pennybyrn's new adult day center the Melvin and Ruth Witcher Adult Day Center, Pennybyn said in its announcement.

Doug Witcher said the adult day center "will offer caregivers and family members peace of mind knowing they may leave their loved ones temporarily and they will be well cared for."

"The welcoming and supportive environment will benefit the person served and give caregivers time to take care of themselves, be with friends, or run errands, which will be a gift for them," he said.

The adult day center will feature wrap-around services, including meals, events, activities, salon services and access to on-site health care and rehab therapies. Construction began in late April, and the center is slated to open later this year, said Rich Newman, president and CEO of Pennybyrn.

Pennybyrn also announced the completion of the renovation of its skilled nursing McEwen House to offer a more supportive and engaging environment tailored to residents with memory-related conditions.

"These achievements were made possible by the collective effort of our generous donors, including Doug Witcher, whose support has been instrumental in realizing our vision," the announcement said.