Bud Foster’s Lunch Pail Defense Foundation has received the 19th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy.
The organization was nominated for the award by New River Community College (NRCC).
Hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE), more than two dozen individuals, families, and organizations were honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. The awards were presented at a luncheon ceremony in Richmond on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. VCCS Chancellor Dr. David Doré served as the emcee, and Mr. Mark Hourigan, founder and CEO of Hourigan, delivered the keynote address.
“Every time our donors support a scholarship, fund a new program, or an emergency grant, they are not just giving back, they are lifting up,” said Hourigan. “They are invaluable partners whose generosity can and does make the difference between a student dropping out or staying the course and realizing their true potential.”
Doré echoed those sentiments, adding that a culture of care can have a profound impact on student performance. “When our students realize that someone cares enough to help remove the formidable obstacles standing in their way, it’s life-changing,” he said. “The things they thought impossible suddenly become doable, and their confidence soars as a result.”
This year’s class of distinguished philanthropy leaders has collectively contributed $24 million dollars to Virginia’s Community Colleges.
NRCC president Dr. Robert Brandon reacted to the Lunch Pail Defense Foundation’s continued support of NRCC and its students.
“We can’t say enough about the generosity shown by Bud Foster and the Lunch Pail Defense Foundation,” said Brandon. “Mr. Foster’s belief in the value of hard work is legendary, and it’s heartwarming to see that he places such value on the potential of community college students who are willing to work hard to achieve their goals. The lives of many students and their families will certainly be improved thanks to the Foundation’s financial support.”
Bud Foster’s Lunch Pail Defense Foundation is dedicated to fostering a brighter future and a stronger community within Virginia Tech and Virginia’s New River Valley through community involvement and scholarships. The foundation gives back by partnering with different charitable organizations that directly impact and benefit the lives of people in the New River Valley. For more information about the organization, visit: https://lunchpaildefense.org/.
