Bennett College has received two $500,000 donations in its #StandWithBennett campaign.
This brings the all-women’s historically black college closer to its fundraising goal of $5 million to help save the school’s accreditation.Thus far, Bennett College has raised $2.7 million. The Winston-Salem-based Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation gave $500,000 and Bennett received $500,000 more from the Papa John’s Foundation.
The Papa John’s Foundation was set up in the wake of racist comments from its founder, John Schnatter. He’s no longer the company’s CEO.
Board of Trustees Chairwoman Gladys Robinson said the recent donations should encourage more people to give.
“We moved this needle forward, so we know Bennett's on a role and Bennett is going to do it,” she said. “There is no question in our minds.”
The deadline for the college to reach $5 million is February 1. The college will meet with the accrediting agency on February 18.