David R. Hayworth, a well-known community philanthropist and business leader, has committed $1 million to support bringing the Say Yes to Education initiative to Guilford County. The Hayworth family company, Hayworth Furniture Industries, was led by both David and his brother, Charles Hayworth, and was once High Point’s largest employer. David has long been committed to generously supporting organizations and initiatives that have touched the lives of many in the High Point community. His mother was not only the first woman to serve as the president of a furniture business, but she did so very successfully during the challenges of the Great Depression. David attributes his commitment to philanthropy to his mother’s unwavering example of compassion and generosity.
“My mother was a remarkable woman who took over and successfully ran our family company when my father died months before I was born,” shared Hayworth. “She was a person of great empathy and compassion for those who struggled. She taught me that sharing one’s blessings is indeed the highest calling, and I have tried to make that a hallmark of my life.”
David’s philanthropic contributions in the High Point community have been enormous. His family’s long-term commitments to High Point University have included service on the Board of Trustees on the part of both David and his brother Charles, who served as chairman. Charles and his wife Pauline underwrote the building of the state of the art Hayworth Fine Arts Building, which has become one of the most recognized landmarks on campus. The historical campus Chapel has been the recipient of the family’s generosity as they have, over the years, provided many cosmetic improvements, including a new steeple topped with a beautifully custom made Gaelic cross. The David R. Hayworth College of Arts and Sciences and the most recent establishment of the beautiful David R. Hayworth Park, a favorite campus location for students and faculty, are further demonstrations of David’s commitment to the university. Finally, David donated the Hayworth family home to High Point University, commemorated with a bronze plaque that sits to the right of the home’s front entrance.
“No one should be surprised at David Hayworth’s continued generous giving spirit,” stated Dr. Nido Qubein, president, High Point University. “He has been there supporting all the good initiatives and organizations that make High Point a better place for all of us. We are so blessed to have this man in our community.”
Another key element of David’s philanthropy has been his long-term support of the United Way of Greater High Point and particularly his advocacy for the ground breaking “Success by Six” program which focuses on early childhood intervention. David has helped champion this critically important program to give children from all economic and cultural backgrounds in High Point an equal chance for success in their early years of schooling. He is one of the founding members of the United Way’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society, considered one of the most successful in the nation. He played pivotal roles in both the establishment of the High Point Museum and served as Chairman of the NC Shakespeare Festival. He has been recognized by Family Service of the Piedmont for his investment in a youth endowment that provides funds for children who are in need. In 2003 the organization bestowed to David its highest award, the Love of Family Award. He generously funded an endowment for cancer research at Duke University and has been made a member of the James B. Duke Society. David was awarded the state’s highest recognition, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, for a lifetime of generosity and leadership that has positively impacted the state of North Carolina.
“David has used philanthropy as a means to share his blessings with the community he loves,” shared Betty Quick, a director of the David R. Hayworth Foundation. “What I admire most about David is the joy he takes in giving and the manner in which he views it as a sacred responsibility to give back to the town where his family ran their businesses and raised generations of their family.”
Perhaps one of David’s most enduring gifts to the community was the establishment of the David R. Hayworth “Commitment to Youth” Donor Advised Fund at the High Point Community Foundation. Not only was this one of the largest established at the Foundation, it was made in the early days of the Foundation, inspiring others to do likewise. David’s Donor Advised Fund has supported programs and initiatives that have enhanced the quality of life for children of all ages in our community. One project included the rehabilitation of a swimming facility that has since served young people in the south side of town who otherwise would not have a pool. He has provided support for Youth Unlimited, a local, regional and state resource for treating at-risk children in a safe, therapeutic environment. For this gift and many others, David was awarded the Foundation’s highest recognition, the Philanthropist of the Year in 2005 for his vision, leadership and generosity.
“David is and has been a true champion and advocate for young people in our community,” stated Paul Lessard, president, HPCF. “He has one of the biggest hearts in High Point and has consistently given to important causes over many years, which speaks volumes about his commitment and love for High Point. This gift to Say Yes will continue to build his legacy for helping young people achieve their fullest God-given potential. I am so proud and so grateful for his continued support of our community.”
