HPU Students Raise Nearly $6,000 for Dining Team Member
Abby Wood (left) and High Point University students Luke Ivey (left of center), Curt Walker (right of center) and Jack Rieckelman (right) organized a GoFundMe page and raised more than $5,900 for an Ebony Macon (center), HPU dining team member, to purchase a car.
HIGH POINT, N.C., Nov. 1, 2019 – Moved by her warm, welcoming and joyful personality, a group of High Point University students organized a fundraiser to help an HPU dining team member purchase a car.
Today, the students presented Ebony Macon, who works in HPU’s Farmers Market restaurant, with a $5,915 check.
“I was overwhelmed with joy,” said Macon. “We have conversations all the time and talk about our struggles. I had no idea that God put this in their hearts, to listen and take action to make something happen. I thank God for these students and their kindness.”
“When you appreciate someone, I believe it is important to show that appreciation,” said Curt Walker, a sophomore and one of the organizers of the fundraiser. “No matter how hard of a day I’ve had, walking into the Farmers Market and seeing Ebony will brighten my day. Ebony is the epitome of happiness, kindness and love. She doesn’t just work at Farmers Market, she makes High Point University home, and I believe that’s something amazing.”
Along with Walker, Jack Rieckelman and Luke Ivey, both HPU sophomores, and Abby Wood, Ivey’s girlfriend, organized the GoFundMe page after they learned she wanted to buy a car.
“Ebony always has the best attitude and never fails to put a smile on our faces,” said Ivey. “I’m so glad our community could give back to Ebony because that’s what it’s all about.”
“Ebony brings nothing but positivity and kindness into our lives,” said Rieckelman. “Her impact reaches well beyond Farmers Market and extends into to the HPU community as a whole. She is a perfect example of what it means to live a life full of joy.”
Wood, who often visits HPU to spend time with Ivey and their friends, enjoys going to the campus eatery to see and catch up with Macon.
“She is the type of employee that every business owner or employer would want working for them,” said Wood. “She always has a smile on her face and never fails to put a smile on others.”