Class of 1976 Donates $3,750 to East Rowan

Alumni from East Rowan High School's Class of 1976 marked their 50th reunion with a donation to their alma mater.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Philanthropy

Class of 1976 Donates $3,750 to East Rowan

The East Rowan High School Class of 1976 held its 50th reunion at the Salisbury Elks Lodge on September 26, welcoming 146 guests, including 86 classmates. The reunion committee also donated $3,750 to East Rowan High School.

Why it matters

The donation will support students in need, including wrestling participants, and help fund a new athletic building at the school. The reunion committee also established the "C.C. Club," short for "Classmates Care," to support classmates when needs arise.

The reunion drew 146 guests, including 86 classmates, marking 50 years since the class graduated. The reunion committee donated $3,750 to East Rowan High School, and the full class size and fund administration details were not reported.

The players

East Rowan High School

A public high school in Salisbury, North Carolina, that received the reunion committee's donation for student support and athletic facilities.

Salisbury Elks Lodge

The local Elks Lodge in Salisbury, North Carolina, that hosted the Class of 1976's 50th reunion.

The details

Former teachers from Erwin Junior High and East Rowan attended the reunion, which included tailgating and a shared seating section at the East Rowan homecoming game. Attendance costs were kept affordable through contributions from classmates, and the twelve-member reunion committee organized the event.

1976: The class graduated in the high school gymnasium due to a rainy forecast.
September 26: The class held its 50th reunion at the Salisbury Elks Lodge.

Philanthropy Context

Alumni-funded donations to North Carolina public high schools have increasingly supported athletic facilities and student needs. The Class of 1976's gift to East Rowan High School follows this pattern of graduating classes directing reunion funds back to their alma mater.

Alumni from East Rowan High School's Class of 1976 pooled contributions to fund both their reunion and a donation to the school. The new C.C. Club gives classmates a formal way to request help when needs arise.

The takeaway

Reunion committees can turn a milestone anniversary into lasting support for their alma mater and for classmates. Organizing affordable attendance through shared contributions made the event accessible to a large group.