It’s a beaut, Winston-Salem, it’s a beaut. This holiday season we’re unwrapping a few presents you won’t find under a tree or in a store. From city-themed artworks to monetary donations and historical artifacts, check out these gifts given to the Twin City through the years.
Hanes Park and RJ Reynolds land | In 1919, the Hanes and Reynolds families donated more than 70 acres of land that would end up becoming Hanes Park, RJ Reynolds High School, and Reynolds Auditorium. The land was worth about $500,000, which is the equivalent to roughly $9.5 million today. Check out the article written in the Winston-Salem Journal when the land was originally donated.
The Winston-Salem Foundation | Also in 1919, Col. Francis Henry Fries donated $1,000 to help start The Winston-Salem Foundation. In the 100+ years since, it has managed more than $600 million and helped more than 1,500 charitable organizations improve the community in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.
Winston-Salem State University | MacKenzie Scott, formerly married to Jeff Bezos, gave Winston-Salem State University $30 million in 2020. It’s the largest gift by a single person in the school’s history. With the donation, the school made long-term investments, and immediately funded more than $3 million in scholarships. WSSU also used a chunk of the money to buy two buildings on Museum Drive.
These extraordinary gifts not only add character and value to our city but also show how generosity can have a lasting impact.
Did we miss something from your holiday list? Drop us a line and let us know what Twin City gift you love the most.
