University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Introducing the 2022 Our Turn To Play Presenting Sponsor: First Bank
04.19.2022 | Athletics News
Story written by Courtney O’Malley
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The 2022 Our Turn To Play Scholarship Dinner, a fundraising event for UNC Asheville female student-athletes, is quickly approaching and is made possible largely due to its presenting sponsor, First Bank. As we get closer to the event on April 26th, UNC Asheville wanted to sit down with First Bank Senior Vice President and Regional Executive, Rusty Edwards, to learn more about why he has chosen to support this event and our female student-athletes.
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When asked why he thinks it is important to invest in women's sports, Edwards stated, "I think that supporting women's athletics is the first step in making sure that everyone has the same opportunities to be successful. Just from an equity standpoint, taking the opportunity to support women's sports is important to both the community and the University, and is impactful in making sure everyone has equal opportunity everywhere, whether that be in a sports arena or in the business world."
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Edwards has personally been involved with Our Turn To Play for years, attending the event annually since its inception, and got First Bank connected with UNC Asheville last Spring. He has known Athletic Director Janet Cone since she arrived in Asheville, and has always been a big believer and supporter of her mission.
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On attending the event, Edwards described what he believes makes Our Turn To Play special: "I think the energy, the focus, and the enthusiasm around what the event is all about, supporting women in athletics, is what brings me back. [There are] great speakers and great momentum, people who believe in providing equal access, equal pay, and equal support. I truly think it's one of the greatest events in Asheville and in all of western North Carolina every year."
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As we wrapped up our conversation with Rusty Edwards, he made note that this year the event will be in the evening, a dinner for the first time as opposed to a luncheon, which he was incredibly excited about. There are limited tickets still available for this year's Our Turn To Play Scholarship Dinner. Please contact Betsy Blose at bblose@unca.edu or 828-251-6907 if you are interested in attending.
