JACKSON – The Northampton County Cultural and Wellness Center will benefit from a grant awarded by the Southern Bank Foundation.

Last week, Meg Hall, representing the Foundation, presented a $5,000 check to board members with the Northampton Recreation and Cultural Arts Center, Inc., the fundraising entity for the Center located near Jackson.

Board President Shelby Ricks said the money will be used to purchase bleachers for the tennis courts.

“This is an exciting day,” she said. “We’re very appreciative to Southern Bank for (these funds).

The Southern Bank Foundation makes charitable gifts to support a large number and variety of charitable, non-profit organizations and their related programs in communities served by Southern Bank and Trust Company.

The Board for the  Northampton County Recreation and Cultural Arts Center is looking for community support in expanding amenities at the complex. Board members are hoping future donations will assisted them in raising money for benches for the walking track, more bleachers and a score board.

Another goal is to construct a picnic shelter to rent out for different events.

Northampton County Cultural and Wellness Center Facilities Coordinator Dr. Pudden Gorlesky and Recreation Director James Roberts said accommodating visitors and expanding the amenities at complex will add to the revenue the center takes in, therefore helping it grow.

“We’d like to work toward having more bleachers and bring in (sport) tournaments,” Roberts said.

Gorlesky said she was appreciative of the funds from The Southern Bank Foundation.

“We’re extremely grateful they saw a need and extended a generous amount,” she said. “We appreciate their partnership.”

For more information or to make a donation to the Northampton County Recreation and Cultural Arts Center, Inc. contact Roberts at 534-1303 or Ricks at 534-0789.

Donations can also be sent to Northampton County Recreation and Cultural Arts Center, PO Box 155, Jackson, NC 27845.

Founded in 1901, Southern Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern BancShares (N.C.), Inc. With its corporate Headquarters located in Mount Olive, the bank has total assets approximately $2 billion and a branch network spanning across North Carolina and Virginia. More information about the bank is available on the Internet at southernbank.com.