HARRISONBURG, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham has opened a charitable fund to help one of James Madison University’s Sun Belt Conference foes.

The fund was started by JMU graduates and patrons Joe and Debbie Showker of Rockingham County and the donations support Appalachian State University’s disaster relief efforts.

Showker says beyond the desire to help folks in need, there’s a strong connection between Harrisonburg, the home of James Madison University, and Appalachian State. The Mountaineers are SunBelt Conference peers and have a storied history as former FCS rivals. 

According to a news release, the two universities share a common footprint — a central location in the heart of the county seat, thousands of employees who reside locally, and an historic regional outreach.  

“We are similar institutions with a very respectful, rich rival tradition in athletics, and we share the Blue Ridge mountains. We’re neighbors in so many ways,” Showker said. “When I saw what was happening there, I really felt compelled to try to pull something together to enable the JMU community, and anyone else who felt similarly, to show our support for what they’re going through.” 

In less than 24 hours since its opening, the fund has more than $5,000 in donations, according the foundation’s executive director, Revlan Hill. 

“We’re pleased to be able to provide donors who want to give with a safe and secure way to do that,” Hill said. “All of the funds will go directly into the university’s disaster relief efforts for students, faculty and staff in need in the Mountaineer community.”  

Hill added that the foundation is encouraging online donations at this time rather than check or cash in order so that the funds can be quickly transferred. Foundation staff are also prepared to answer questions about other giving options to support North Carolina disaster relief efforts as well, she said.

The university, which is in the town of Boone, has been under a State of Emergency since last Thursday after floodwaters ravaged the region, leaving many residents still isolated and experiencing power outages, challenges with communication and transportation.

To make a donation, visit tcfhr.org and look for the “Give Now” button at the top of the page.