our mission is to:
Empower.
The Cory Holt Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 organization. Our mission is ‘dedicated to changing communities and uplifting the youth through Education, Recreation and Outreach. We aim to have each youth we serve be inspired, educated and empowered through the programs and events we create and expose them to’.
About Me
"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention."
- Oscar Wilde
Cory Holt, originally from Lexington, NC, is a proud graduate of Lexington Senior High School. After high school, Cory attended Hargrave Military Academy before continuing his education at Virginia Tech University. At Virginia Tech, he distinguished himself as a four-year letterman on the football team, contributing to three ACC Championship victories. Cory earned his Bachelor of Science in Apparel Housing Resource Management and later completed a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Human Resources Management.
Now residing in Kernersville, Cory is a Director and HR Business Partner at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, where he oversees HR strategies for Davie Medical Center, High Point Medical Center, Emergency Medicine, and other services. Outside of work, Cory is deeply committed to community service and youth mentorship. He serves on the board of the Charles and Julia England Foundation and has previously been a board member of Hospice of Davidson County. An alum of Leadership Winston-Salem, Cory is passionate about fostering youth development and community engagement.
Driven by his own positive experiences and a desire to give back, Cory founded a non-profit organization dedicated to education, recreation, and outreach. He is also an active member of Elevation Church in Winston-Salem, where he supports the eKidz service and participates in various outreach initiatives. Cory enjoys spending time with his daughter, Cailyn, and remains dedicated to making a meaningful impact in his community.
Inspiration
Cory is very passionate about the youth and giving back to his community. He was fortunate growing up, to have his father to look up to as a male role model. As a kid, Cory was exposed to numerous opportunities that led him to having a successful career. Throughout his journey, he has seen the negative impact of those who did not have a positive role model, which drove him to start this foundation.
Cory is a proud father of his daughter, Cailyn. When they are not being adventurous, you can find them spending time at church, having father/daughter dates, or reading books.
Our Impact
The ‘Stay Lame’ Entrepreneur Scholarship
The ‘Stay Lame’ Entrepreneur Scholarship is given in memory of Antwan King. Cory and Antwan both graduated from Lexington Senior High School. Antwan went on to become CEO of 2 Deep Global Magazine and Stay Lame clothing apparel. He was passionate about many things, but none more important than his dedication to having a positive impact on the youth. ‘Stay Lame’ was Antwan’s way of telling people it’s okay to be YOU or “different”. The Cory Holt Foundation will be awarding this $1,000 scholarship to one Lexington Senior High School senior annually to honor Antwan’s ‘Stay Lame’ vision.
All applicants can pick up applications at the Lexington Senior High School front office or contact Cory Holt directly at thecholtfoundation@gmail.com.
Foundation Partnership
In March 2020, The Josh Bush Foundation and The Cory Holt Foundation joined forces to help raise money for each high school in the Davidson County district. The initial goal was to raise $10,000- distributing funds evenly between Lexington, Thomasville, North Davidson, South Davidson, East Davidson, West Davidson, Central Davidson, Oak Grove and Ledford High Schools. The two foundations jumpstarted the fundraising process by each donating $2,500. Combining this initial investment with the support from community contributions, Cory and Josh were able to deliver just over $1,000 to each high school. This financial support is put towards the school’s “emergency funds”, offering help to students who are in need.