Total Wine & More's David Trone to receive Furman University's Carl F. Kohrt Distinguished Alumni Award

BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Furman University will present Total Wine & More founder and co-owner David Trone, Furman University Class of 1977, with its Carl F. Kohrt Distinguished Alumni Award at a ceremony during Furman's Bell Tower Ball on Saturday, February 25, 2017.  The Bell Tower Ball is an evening of excellence celebrating the generosity, service, leadership, and accomplishments of members of the Furman community.  The event will be attended by more than 600 people, and includes a reception, seated dinner with program, and live music and entertainment.

"The Kohrt Award is presented to an alumnus in recognition of significant professional or personal accomplishments and in gratitude for continued loyalty to Furman University," said Furman University's president Dr. Elizabeth Davis.  "David Trone embodies these characteristics, and the Furman University community is proud of his success and his extraordinary commitment to education."

An active and involved alumnus of Furman and supporter of the Greenville community David and his wife, gave Furman a $5 million grant to build a student center, named in June and David's honor, and establish the women's and men's lacrosse teams.  David and June provided the initial $500,000 to the Riley Foundation's endowment to help disadvantaged students in South Carolina.  Committed to providing employment opportunities for Furman alumni, David served as a member of the university's Board of Trustees from 2010-2016.

"David Trone's commitment to diversity and social change is unmatched. His generosity has been crucial in helping our Diversity Leaders Initiative to implement 160 projects across the state that break down racial and class barriers and create opportunities for underserved communities," commented Richard W. "Dick" Riley, former Governor of South Carolina and former U.S. Secretary of Education.  "David has always said success comes with an obligation to give back, and he lives up to that every day."

In the wider Greenville and Upstate communities David, through Total Wine & More's philanthropic efforts, has for many years supported the good works of over 300 local non-profits including Children's Hospital of Greenville, Hawkins Foundation, Cancer Society of Greenville County, TreesGreenville and the Greenville Chamber of Commerce.

"I'd like to thank the university for the honor and recognition, as my experience here played a big role in preparing me for a successful career in business and in life," said David Trone.  "Through the Furman Advantage, Furman continues to prove that it's a private university with a very public mission.  The Riley Institute exemplifies that in the work they do to make the quality of life better in South Carolina and beyond.  June and I are very proud to support such an effort and expand Furman's impact."

David joins a list of notable past recipients of the award including include Brad Faxon '83 and Betsy King '77 (professional golfers), Charles Townes '35 (Nobel Prize winning scientist), Alex Stubb '93 (former Prime Minister of Finland), Richard W. "Dick" Riley '54 (former Governor of South Carolina and former US Secretary of Education), Keith Lockhart '81 (conductor of the Boston Pops), and Mike McConnell '66 (former Director of National Intelligence under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama). 

About Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More is America's largest America's largest independent retailer of fine wine, beer and spirits with more than 150 stores in 20 states throughout the country.  A four-time national retailer of the year award winner, the company's vast selection of products, combined with low everyday prices and expertly trained wine associates, provides a unique shopping experience for the customer.  Since opening its first store in 1991, Total Wine & More has been committed to being the premier wine, beer and spirits retailer in every community that it serves.  For more information about Total Wine & More please visit http://www.totalwine.com.

Contact:
Edward Cooper, Total Wine & More
(301) 219-6648 (mobile)       
[email protected] 

SOURCE Total Wine & More