Lynchburg doctor and wife donate $1M to Centra and Beacon of Hope
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Centra and Lynchburg Beacon of Hope are the recipients of a major donation from a local doctor and his wife: a million dollars.
Local philanthropists Dr. George Hurt and his wife Cinda are passionate about healthcare, education and giving back to their community. That's the backbone behind the donation, spread out in two half-million-dollar donations between Centra and Lynchburg Beacon of Hope.
“I am a firm believer that if you love our community and have the capability, you ought to give back to it in any way you can,” said Dr. Hurt. “Cinda and I are honored to invest in the young people of Lynchburg and in our nurses. We cannot think of a better way to leave a lasting mark on this community.”
SEE ALSO: Man who pleaded guilty in Appomattox murder, abduction and arson case sentenced
The gift at Central will support nursing education and development through the Virginia Henderson Institute of Clinical Excellence, which honors Cinda's aunt Avenel Henderson. A renowned nurse educator from Bedford County, Henderson is considered the foremost nurse of the 20th Century by the American Nurses Association.
“We are truly grateful for their generosity,” said Dena Todd, Centra Vice President of Clinical Excellence. “Their gift will help us continue to invest in our nurses and develop educational programs which support evidence-based care for patients and families.”
The $500K going to Lynchburg Beacon of Hope will support scholarships for thousands of Lynchburg City Schools graduates for the upcoming decade.
“The hope is to create a model of educational access for Lynchburg’s young people in perpetuity,” said Laura Hamilton, executive director of Beacon of Hope. “Through the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Hurt, Beacon of Hope will expand its student support and success initiatives.”
Centra and Beacon of Hope are already partners in their "Stay Close, Go Far" program, which matches local students with local organizations for summer internships.
