BACCF Receives Gift From Missy Harrill to Support Watauga County Childcare Centers
BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION RECEIVES $50,000 GIFT FROM FOSCOE COMPANIES OWNER MISSY HARRILL TO SUPPORT WATAUGA COUNTY CHILDCARE CENTERS
Gift will fuel a $62,500 allocation from Early Childcare and Development Fund to local childcare centers
BOONE, NC –The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced today that Missy Harrill,
owner of Foscoe Companies, has made a generous $50,000 contribution to the Early Childcare and
Development Fund. This significant donation is being paired with other funds provided by the foundation,
totaling $62,500, which will be distributed across all licensed childcare centers in Watauga County. This effort will provide critical budget stabilization and support during a continued period of economic instability and
following the recent Federal government shutdown.
Harrill's gift has been allocated directly to each individual licensed childcare center in Watauga County, with a heightened emphasis on supporting family childcare center homes. This investment arrives at a crucial time
when early childhood education providers face mounting financial pressures that threaten their ability to serve families throughout the region.
Grants are allocated to each childcare business based on the number of children served, with the stipulation that funding be spent on stabilizing the business and/or assisting the families they serve. In addition to licensed childcare operations, this allocation also provides funding to those programs operating licensed Pre-K classrooms and afterschool programs throughout Watauga County.
"I was stunned to learn that the childcare centers in our area serve the families of over 700 local businesses. Without this precious resource, our local economy takes a dramatic hit,” said Harrill. “It is with this fragile dynamic in mind that I chose to make a donation to help stabilize what is arguably one of the most important industries in the Boone area and across the state of North Carolina.”
"Through the kindness of individuals and community-minded local businesses, the Boone Area Chamber of
Commerce Foundation has seen numerous donors engage and support the entire childcare industry in Watauga County over the last year," said David Jackson, President and CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. "Missy's personal commitment to safe, strong, and stable childcare benefits our entire community, and we know she will inspire many others to examine how they can support this critical and vulnerable industry and the population they serve."
The Early Childcare and Development Fund was established to ensure the sustainability and growth of quality childcare options in Watauga County. Access to reliable, affordable childcare is essential for working families and serves as a cornerstone of economic development in the region. By working to stabilize childcare center budgets, Harrill's contribution helps maintain the infrastructure that enables parents to participate in the workforce while ensuring children receive quality early education and care.
Family childcare center homes, which often operate on tighter margins than larger facilities, will particularly
benefit from this allocation. These smaller providers play a vital role in the local childcare ecosystem, offering personalized care in home-based settings that many families prefer.
There is no question the childcare financial crisis is affecting local childcare centers and families more and
more each day,” said Halee Hartley, Owner of Kid Cove. “Childcare businesses are finding themselves in
positions of financial insecurity now that our state driven stabilization grants have ended. While local and
statewide advocacy leaders have proposed multiple state budget additions to increase our subsidy rate floor and funding for childcare, the industry does not expect a "yes" or any funding before summer of 2026. Missy
Harrells gift to The BACC Early Care Fund has allowed a very timely and needed "gift" to stabilize our local
childcare industry. I believe I speak for every provider in this county of the gratefulness we feel for this gift and the security it brings us right as we approach Christmas.”
“I’ve had the privilege of delivering many of these checks to our childcare center directors and I’m learning that the needs and budget constraints are present for all of them and they vary widely,” said Ethan Dodson,
Director of Development for the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “Whether its food costs,
bills, or tuition payment delays, our childcare providers need all the support they can get to continue providing safe and effective childcare.”
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation continues to work with community partners and donors to strengthen the early childcare sector in Watauga County. Those interested in supporting this critical initiative can contact the Foundation to learn more about giving opportunities.
About the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation: The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce
Foundation supports initiatives that strengthen the economic vitality and quality of life in Watauga County.
Through strategic philanthropy and community partnerships, the Foundation addresses critical needs in
workforce development, education, and economic infrastructure.