Ross, Williams support Purple Pantry
For Drs. Dennis Ross and Billy Williams, the initial reaction to learning ECU students experience food insecurity was surprise. The second was to fund efforts to change it.
On Feb. 15, the two friends and local dental care providers cut the ribbon at the reopening and naming of the Williams-Ross Purple Pantry at ECU’s Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement.
“Dr. Ross as well as his entire family have had a significant impact on East Carolina University and really every facet of the university from academics, athletics, professional programs and student life,” said Greg Abeyounis, senior associate vice chancellor of university advancement. “This is yet another example of him being a wonderful philanthropist and helping so many places throughout eastern North Carolina.”
Through the donation of real estate, Ross provided funds for the pantry. His gift not only provides support for an important cause, but also is an opportunity to honor a dear friend who has made an indelible mark on his life and spotlight Billy Williams as a great person, friend and humanitarian, Abeyounis said.
The mission of the Williams-Ross Purple Pantry is to decrease food insecurity among students at ECU and increase access to other personal care items. It’s a cause Ross and Williams are committed to supporting with their time and financial gifts.
Williams said after visiting the pantry and learning more about the need at ECU, he is excited to be part of the solution to help solve the food insecurity concerns.
Ross said his faith and finding purpose were central to getting on board to fight food insecurity at ECU. He believes being blessed requires him to do for others.
Ross said his goal would be to have Pitt County be the first county in the United States to not have anybody hungry. “It’s fixable, right now. You just have to help; you have to jump on board,” Ross said.
Since 2020, the pantry has been overseen by the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement. Alex Dennis, CLCE senior assistant director, said there has been a drastic increase in pantry use in the past year.
The pantry had 612 shoppers (students who access the pantry) in fall 2022 and 1,393 in fall 2023. Pantry volunteers have distributed 470 meals to more than 150 students on campus.