Cashiers, N.C., a place known for vacation homes and tourists in addition to its beautiful mountain views, isn’t usually associated with the word “disadvantaged.”
But one-third of the children in southern Jackson County live below the poverty level and more than 50 percent of its students are at risk of not graduating from high school and need some support.
The recent United Community Bank Mountain Challenge is expected to raise more than $200,000 for Mountain Youth Charities. United Community Bank has one location in Greenville.
An exhibition match between retired tennis superstars Andy Roddick, who has a home in Cashiers, and Jim Courier highlighted the event. (Roddick won the match 6-4, 6-4.)
The event was an ideal fit for United Community Bank, said Lynn Harton, the bank’s chief operating officer. The bank has the No. 1 market share in Jackson County and is trying to build its brand and presence in Greenville and in the Atlanta area, places from which the event can draw spectators.
“Part of our whole strategy is supporting local communities,” he said. “The real winners are the children.”
Harton said United Community Bank is looking for locations to put additional branches in Greenville and hopes to be able to make an announcement before the end of the year.
