FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Media Contact: Helene Carter
Hcarter@paine.edu – (803) 664.0080
Paine College, Augusta, GA – Paine.edu

Leeder Furniture, LLC Pledges Support to Paine College in the Wake of Hurricane Helene Aftermath

Augusta Georgia, November 13, 2024 – In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene that made landfall on September 27, 2024, in the Augusta-Richmond County and Georgia communities, Leeder Furniture, LLC, a leading provider of commercial furniture for college campuses, is stepping up to support Paine College. The company has announced a commitment in the amount of $35,687 to Paine for furniture that will be installed in a Residential Hall that was scheduled for a makeover.

However, renovations were halted due to the hurricane and installation of furniture was placed on hold. "We understand that this hurricane has caused immense hardship for Paine College and the Augusta, Georgia community alike and we want to do our part in helping to restore a sense of normalcy at the institution," said Thomas Dewane, President of Leeder Furniture. This is our way of standing with Paine College and communities that have supported Leeder over the years.

Leeder has long been a trusted partner to colleges and universities across the country, specializing in durable, functional, and stylish furniture designed specifically for student dormitories and campus life buildings. Leeder also provides made-to-order furniture for shelters and overnight camps. "This donation comes at a critical time for Paine College as we work tirelessly to repair, renovate, and mitigate damages caused by the hurricane. "We are incredibly grateful for Leeder's generous donation and look forward to a long and productive partnership," said Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones, President of Paine College.

"This donation will ease the financial burden of recovering from the destruction caused by the hurricane with estimated costs in damages at $4 million," said LeRoy Summers, VP of Administrative and Fiscal Affairs.

The Hurricane Relief Fund for Paine carries an immediate goal of $750,000 that will help to cover costs related to replacement of commercial appliances (water heaters, boilers), roof repairs, fallen ceiling tiles, mitigation of moisture in classrooms, dormitories and offices. FEMA nor the College's insurance coverage will cover 100% of related costs.

For more information about Leeder's donation and the Hurricane Helene Relief initiative, please visit Paine's website at www.paine.edu, or contact Helene Carter, VP of Institutional Advancement at (803) 664.0080, or email hcarter@paine.edu.

For more information about this historic milestone, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at (706) 821.8323, or via email: hcarter@paine.edu.

About Paine College

Paine College, founded in 1882, is a private, four-year HBCU that is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Paine offers a liberal arts education and is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). Paine has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and community service.

About Leeder Furniture LLC

Located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Leeder Furniture, LLC is a leading manufacturer and distributor of commercial furniture designed for higher education campuses specializing in dormitory and student housing solutions. Leeder also design and produce furniture for shelters and overnight camps. With a commitment to quality, sustainability, and community, Leeder works closely with colleges and universities to provide durable, functional, and affordable furniture for student living environments. For more information, visit leederfurniture.com.

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