We believe each dream deserves a chance

In the News


FATE Foundation Founders Inspire Madison County Students for College Success

In an effort to pave the way for Madison County students to achieve their dreams of attending college, the Founding Directors of FATE Foundation, Mike and Anna Tuziw, addressed Madison Early College High School (MECHS) and Madison High School (MHS) freshmen and sophomores on September 26 and 27, emphasizing the importance of building robust resumes early on for college-bound students.

FATE Foundation (www.fate.charity) is committed to helping Madison County students attend college and the Tuziws are determined to instill the importance of building impressive resumes from an early stage. They understand scholarship committees look for well-rounded individuals who have demonstrated leadership, community service, active participation in clubs and activities, and even part-time employment.

FATE Foundation's mission goes beyond scholarships; it's about empowering dreams. "We firmly believe every Madison County student deserves a chance to pursue their dreams, starting with a strong high school foundation," says Mike Tuziw. "Starting now, whether you plan to go to college or not, building a resume filled with diverse experiences can open doors to countless opportunities.”

Anna Tuziw added, "We want to inspire these students to dream big, and we shared insights on how they could start building those dreams today.”

FATE Foundation's dedication extends beyond inspiring freshmen and sophomores; they annually conduct workshops for juniors to help them craft compelling personal statements and essays. These skills are vital not only for scholarship applications but also for gaining admission to colleges and universities.

MECHS Principal Jennifer Caldwell welcomed the Tuziws, recognizing their advocacy for student success. "Their visit is a valuable opportunity for our young minds to learn about the importance of setting goals, gaining experiences, and working towards a brighter future," said Principal Caldwell.

Mike Tuziw talks to the MECHS Sophomore class

FATE Foundation has made a significant impact in Madison County since presenting the first scholarship in 2014, with numerous students benefiting from FATE scholarships as well as its guidance. The Tuziws' talks promised to ignite motivation and drive among the students, fostering a community of dreamers who are ready to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

The students of MECHS and MHS have embarked on a journey toward their futures, equipped, in part, with the wisdom and inspiration provided by FATE Foundation. The foundation's commitment to nurturing the dreams of Madison County's youth continues to shine brightly. To learn more or to become part of the Madison County kids’ journey, visit www.fate.charity or call 828-622-7554.  


Introducing the 2023 FATE Winners!

In 2014 the FATE Scholar Award was started with a single scholarship for $500. Since then, it has continued to grow and has now awarded over $197,000 in scholarships. In 2018 they decided to expand the program. They started looking for 20 or more donors that would be willing to commit to providing a gift of $500 or more each year, calling them the FATEful 20.  This scholarship is for $2,500 - renewable for an additional three consecutive years for a total value of $10,000!

“A while back, we learned that a previous winner wasn’t able to finish college because he just didn’t have the money to continue. He had to drop out.” said Anna Tuziw, Founding Director. “That’s one of the reasons that, starting last year, all of our scholarships will be for up to four years. To give every student a chance to not only go to college but to graduate!”This year’s class was one of the most competitive and evenly matched that the Tuziw’s have seen. The scholarship process requires an interview of the finalists to help decide who the winners will be.

 “The kids quickly made it apparent that we had our work cut out for us. We laughed but we didn’t cry this year (one teared up though!), and we were enlightened and amazed at how great they all are.” said Mike Tuziw, President of FATE. “Usually, we leave the interviews with a feeling of who will win… not this year. When we finished, I looked at Anna and said “well, that didn’t help” because they all are so great! Unfortunately, we can’t award all of them.”

Last year FATE decided to start a new STEM scholar award. “STEM is very important to us and we wanted to make it our premiere award.” said Tuziw. This award is for $5,000 a year - renewable for an additional three consecutive years totaling $20,000. “In these times, our kids need to know that they have a future - their dreams can still come true”

This year FATE is awarding two FATEful 20 awards, for $2,500, the FATE Scholar Award for $3,500, and the FATE STEM Award for $5,000, and - to commemorate their 10th anniversary - an extra FATE Scholar Award for $2,500, all renewable for an additional 3 consecutive years!

 Anna Tuziw, Joanna Cady, Nolan Little, Zoe Einheuser Mike Tuziw

l. to r. Mike Tuziw, Avery Carter, Zannah Sharp, Anna Tuziw

This year’s winners of the two FATEful 20 awards are Nolan Little, who will be attending the Colorado School of Mines where he will be majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Zannah Sharp, who will be attending East Carolina University where she will be working to become a Physical Therapist. The winner of the FATE Scholar award is Joanna Cady. Joanna will be attending UNC where she will work on her degree and possibly go on to Law School. The winner of this year’s FATE STEM award is Zoe Einheuser. Zoe will attend NC State where she will be majoring in Environmental Sciences. The winner of the FATE Scholar Award - to commemorate FATE’s 10 years of helping the kids of Madison County - is Avery Carter. Avery will be attending North Greenville University where she will major in Marketing and work towards her MBA.


FATE turns 10 years old!

This year, FATE Foundation is celebrating its 10-year anniversary providing scholarships to Madison County students. The local Madison County newspaper, “The News-Record”, wrote a front-page article showcasing FATE’s journey. Click on the link to read the article and hear former winners talk about what being a FATE scholarship winner meant to them and the positive impact FATE’s had on their lives.  


FATE Scholar Awards presented to four            Madison County seniors

Have you ever wondered what happens when great teachers collide with outstanding students with a desire to learn? You end up with future leaders and those who give their time and of themselves, not because they have to or are told to but because it’s the right thing to do.

In 2014 the FATE Scholar Award was started with a single scholarship for $500. Since then, it has continued to grow and has now awarded over $133,000 in scholarships. In 2018 they decided to expand the program. They started looking for 20 or more donors that would be willing to commit to providing a gift of $500 or more each year, calling them the FATEful 20.  This scholarship is for $2,500 - renewable for an additional three consecutive years for a total value of $10,000!

“A while back, we learned that a previous winner wasn’t able to finish college because he just didn’t have the money to continue. He had to drop out.” said Anna Tuziw, Founding Director. “That’s one of the reasons that, starting this year, all of our scholarships will be for up to four years. To give every student a chance to not only go to college but to graduate!”

This year’s class was one of the most competitive and evenly matched that the Tuziw’s have seen. The scholarship process requires an interview of the finalists to help decide who the winners will be.

 “The kids quickly made it apparent that we had our work cut out for us. We laughed but we didn’t cry this year (two teared up though!), and we were enlightened and amazed at how great they all are.” said Mike Tuziw, President of FATE. “Usually, we leave the interviews with a feeling of who will win… not this year. When we finished, I looked at Anna and said “well, that didn’t help” because they all are so great! Unfortunately, we can’t award all of them.”

l. to r. Anna Tuziw, Ashley Brown, Mike Tuziw

l. to r. Anna Tuziw, Skye FitzHugh, Lucas Barilovitz,                  Lauren Yost, Mike Tuziw

This year FATE decided to start a new STEM scholar award. “STEM is very important to us and we wanted to make it our premiere award.” said Tuziw. This award is for $3,500 a year - renewable for an additional three consecutive years totaling $14,000. “In these times, our kids need to know that they have a future - their dreams can still come true”

This year FATE is awarding two FATEful 20 awards, for $2,500, the FATE Scholar Award for $3,000, and the FATE STEM Award for $3,500, - all renewable for an additional three consecutive years! 

This year’s winners of the two FATEful 20 awards are Skye FitzHugh, who will be attending NC State where she plans to enter their Animal Health program and study to be an Equine Surgeon and Lucas Barilovits, who will be attending Duke where he will be majoring in both Physics & Neuroscience. The winner of the FATE Scholar award is Ashley Brown. Ashley will be attending East Tennessee State where she will be majoring in nursing with plans to be a pediatric nurse. The winner of this year’s FATE STEM award is Lauren Yost. Lauren plans to attend UNC - Charlotte where she will be majoring in Biology with an emphasis on Genetic Research.


FATE Helps With the Dishes

Just about everyone hates doing dishes. Mike and Anna Tuziw of FATE Foundation are no different. When they were at a recent County Commissioner’s meeting, they learned that the Laurel Community Center didn’t have a dishwasher at their senior meal site. They looked at each other and instantly knew they wanted to help. “We were surprised to learn they didn’t have one,” said Mike Tuziw, President of FATE, “We knew we had to do something about it.”

Linda Franklin who is the Nutrition Site Manager and Community Center board member, along with other volunteers serve approximately 50 hot meals, four days a week to seniors in the Laurel community. A dishwasher would help them with clean-up and also make their operations that much easier.  

“It’s just been a little over a month since you learned that the Shelton Laurel Nutrition Site needed a dishwasher. I’m amazed that you guys were able to do this so quickly!” Said Connie Harris, Director of Madison County DSS.

l. to r. Anna Tuziw, Linda Franklin, Keith Ray, Mike Tuziw

On the morning of May 9, FATE Foundation delivered a brand new Bosch dishwasher to the Laurel Community Center. Keith Ray - President of the Laurel Community Center Board - and Linda Franklin were on hand to take delivery and were extremely grateful for FATE’s donation. Keith said, “This dishwasher was much needed and Laurel really appreciates FATE for the donation. It’s high quality and we know we’ll love it!” The dishwasher is being installed by volunteers, including a great carpenter who will build the cabinet and countertop for it. “I’m all for helping anyone get out of doing the dishes” said Tuziw.


        FATE Foundation holds workshops to help seniors stand out from pack 

How can Madison County students set themselves apart from every other scholarship applicant? That was the question posed to students on September 28 at a workshop conducted by Mike & Anna Tuziw, founders of the FATE Foundation.

Focused on helping students write great personal statements and essays, the workshop was open to juniors and seniors at Madison High School. A key question posed to the 26 students in attendance was “Why is it so important to write a great personal statement anyway?”

Students learned that, often, it’s not the student with the highest grades or most extracurricular activities, but rather the applicant who does the best job of presenting him or herself on their application that wins the scholarship. The Tuziw’s explained how, if a student can write the most compelling essay and/or provide the best insight into who they are in their personal statement, that can set them apart from other applicants.

“We want every student in Madison County to have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams” said Mike Tuziw, President of FATE Foundation, “and that starts with scholarships”.

A similar workshop was held for Madison Early College on October 8th with 17 students in attendance. FATE Foundation has progressively grown in the amounts and number of scholarships they award each year and last year awarded 5 scholarships with plans to do similar this year. Applications for this years awards will be available from the high school counselors in late November. To learn more about FATE Foundation, or to donate, go to www.fate.charity.



Health department employees honored with gifts

North Carolinians are returning to their pre pandemic habits as COVID-19 continues to fade, a Madison County foundation wanted to honor the tireless work turned in by county health department employees, who spent countless hours to ensure the utmost health and safety of local residents.

Mike & Anna Tuziw's FATE Foundation honored the employees with custom designed gift baskets containing beeswax-scented candles and handcrafted soaps.

"We had 43 baskets in one car," Mike Tuziw said.  "Anna had them on the floor under her feet.  We had some on the floor behind my seat, so we had the back seats all the way down.  We had the car packed all the way through."  The Tuziw's said the gift baskets were a token of the appreciation the county holds for its health department and its employees, who have devoted so much of their time and energy to the county's residents throughout the past 16 months.

"Of all the departments in the county, the health department was most affected by the pandemic, without a doubt," Mike Tuziw said.  "For 16 months, these women and men have been working 60 to 70-plus hours a week.  They've been working seven days a week, missing times with their family.  All that to try make sure Madison County was as safe as it could be."

"We wanted these ladies to know the community cares about them," Mike Tuziw said.  "The community is willing to show them that we appreciate the sacrifices they have been making.  With all they are doing, they need to pamper themselves and take care of themselves."

Some health department employees knew the Tuziw's were coming to visit, but they did not know what they would be bringing with them.  "I was very surprised," said Kathy Price, administrative officer with the health department.  "It was extremely thoughtful for them to do.  I can't stress enough how thankful we are for the community coming together.  We're a small health department.  We don't have a lot of nurses here."

The Tuziw's saw firsthand how the employees' unwavering positivity won over the sometimes emotional and frazzled local residents.  Anna Tuziw volunteered a number of times at the health department during it's drive-thru vaccine clinics.  "People would come in, and they weren't the nicest with the things they would say," she said.  "The employees smiled and said, 'We're sorry you feel like that.  Can we make it better?'  These are good people.  We felt we had to do something."



2021 FATE Scholar winners!

What does a future Physicians Assistant, Entrepreneur, and Trauma Surgeon all have in common beside years of college ahead of them? They are all winners of one of this years FATE Scholarships. A few of them even managed to graduate High School with an Associates Degree from ABTech in just four years.   “We have future leaders and humanitarians who give of their time and of themselves, not because of any requirement or because they were told to,” said Mike Tuziw, President of FATE Foundation, “but because they realize - it’s the right thing to do!”  

In 2014 the FATE Scholar Award, FATE standing for Future Achievements Through Education, was started with a single scholarship of $500. Since then, it has continued to grow and has now awarded over $87,000 in Scholar Awards. In 2018 they decided to expand the program. They started looking for 20 or more individuals and/or organizations that would be willing to commit to providing a gift of $500 or more each year, calling them the FATEful 20.  This award is for $2,500 - renewable for an additional 3 consecutive years for a total value of $10,000! “In these times, our kids need to know that they still have a future - their dreams can still come true” said Anna Tuziw, Founding Director.  

This year they are awarding two FATEful 20 awards of $2,500 a year for 4 years, totaling $10,000 each. The winners are Alexis Malone - a future trauma surgeon and Ava Clark, who plans to enter the medical field.

           l. to r. Anna Tuziw, Ava Clark, Sydney Helmling,                Alexis Malone,  Mike Tuziw.

l. to r. Emma Gentry, Anna Tuziw, Gannon Kooles, Mike Tuziw

In 2021, FATE is awarding its first ever FATE STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Award for $5,000 to Emma Gentry. Emma is studying Biology with plans to become a Physicians Assistant and come back home to Madison County.  

The winners of this years FATE Scholar Awards for $2,500 each are Gannon Kooles and Sydney Helmling. This year FATE is awarding a total of $30,000 in scholarships.


Due to the corona virus, no graduation pictures are available

2020 FATE winners announced

What does a future Physicians Assistant, Filmmaker, Pediatric Nurse, Computer Science major and Forester all have in common beside years of college ahead of them? They are all winners of this years FATE Scholar Award for $2000 each. A few of them even managed to graduate High School, along with an Associates Degree from ABTech in just four years. This years winners are, Gracie Sprinkle, Sky Dexter, Haley Ray, Lauren Gardner, and Cameron Waldroup. “We have future leaders and humanitarians who give of their time and of themselves, not because of any requirement or because they were told to,” said Mike Tuziw, President of FATE Foundation, “but because they realize... it’s the right thing to do!”  

In 2014 the FATE Scholar Award, FATE standing for Future Achievements Through Education, was started with a single scholarship of $500.  Since then, it has continued to grow and has now awarded over $57,000 in Scholar Awards. In 2018 they decided to expand the program. They started looking for 20 or more individuals and/or organizations that would be willing to commit to providing a gift of $500 each year, calling them the FATEful 20. Last year they awarded the first ever FATEful 20 award! This new award is for $2500 - renewable for an additional 3 consecutive years for a total value of $10,000! “In these times, our kids need to know that they still have a future - their dreams can still come true” said Anna Tuziw, Founding Director.
This years winner of the FATEful 20 award of $2500 a year for 4 years, totaling $10,000 is Molly Fisher, a future research psychologist.


FATE on the Radio

For many Madison County kids, finding a job to help their families is more realistic than attending college. FATE Foundation’s goal is to help them imagine a different future and to give them the tools and support they need to make it a reality.

Mike and Anna Tuziw, Founding Directors of FATE Foundation, a Madison County based 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to advancing educational opportunities and enhancing the quality of life in WNC, were guests on the Matt Mittan show on Biz Radio Asheville, Tuesday, September 3.

“Fifty dollars can help a college student afford her calculus book for the semester and a gift as large as $2000 can help pay tuition for a semester. 

For as little as $10 a month, you can make a difference. We have such great kids in Madison County. They just need some extra help to be able to attend college,” Mike Tuziw, President of FATE Foundation, told listeners.

When Matt asked, “How can our listeners help the students,” the Tuziw’s thanked current donors for their generosity but emphasized that there are so many more kids that need help. “Helping four kids is good, but there are so many more kids that need help. We set an aggressive goal for this school year to expand the FATEful 20 scholarship to include additional students and to grow the FATE Scholar Award to reach more kids. To reach that goal, we need your help.”

Tuziw left listeners with one final thought: “Money can buy happiness, when it’s used to help other people.”


2019 FATE Scholar winners announced

What do three future doctors - one a pediatrician, another a forensic pathologist and the other studying neuroscience - all have in common beside years of college and medical school ahead of them? They are all winners of this years FATE Scholar Award for $2500 each. One of them, Ayrriana Kemp, even managed to graduate High School, along with an Associates Degree from ABTech in just three years. This years other winners are Brianna Cassidy and Jenna Barilovits. “We have future leaders and humanitarians who give of their time and of themselves, not because of any requirement or because they were told to,” said Mike Tuziw, President of FATE Foundation, “but because they realize… it’s the right thing to do!” 

In 2014 the FATE Scholar Award, FATE standing for Future Achievements Through Education, was started with a single scholarship of $500. Since then, it has continued to grow and last year awarded four scholarships totaling $8,000.   Two years ago they decided to expand the program. They started looking for 20 or more individuals and/or organizations that would be willing to commit to providing a gift of $500 each year, calling them the FATEful 20.  With these gifts, they would provide a $2500 renewable scholarship to one student in order to help that student in not only their first year but to also help in their second, third and fourth years. 

This year they awarded the first ever FATEful 20 award! This new award is for $2500 - renewable for an additional 3 consecutive years for a total value of $10,000! “This year we are awarding a total of $17,500 in scholarships and we don’t intend to stop there,” said Anna Tuziw, Founding Director.   This years winner of the first ever FATEful 20 award of $2500 a year for 4 years, totaling $10,000 is Megan Powell. 

To learn more about FATE Foundation or to find out how you can help support next years winners, check out their website www.fate.charity.

 l. to r. Anna Tuziw, Ayrriana Kemp, Mike Tuziw.

                l. to r. Megan Powell, Jenna Barilovits, Anna Tuziw,                   Brianna Cassidy, Mike Tuziw


Making a lasting impression

How can Madison County students set themselves apart from every other scholarship applicant? That was the question posed to students on January 9 at a workshop conducted by Mike and Anna Tuziw, founders of the FATE Foundation.

Focused on helping students write great personal statements and essays, the workshop was open to juniors and seniors at Madison Early College. A key question posed to the 26 students in attendance was, “Why is it so important to write a great personal statement and essay anyway?”  

Students learned that, often, it’s not the student with the highest grades or most extracurricular activities, but rather the applicant who does the best job of presenting him or herself on their application that wins the scholarship.  

The Tuziw’s explained how, if a student can write the most compelling essay and/or provide the best insight into who he or she is in their personal statement, that can set them apart from other applicants.


Spring Creek food pantry gets new mini-split unit

Hunger has no boundaries and affects people from all walks of life.  Those who live in rural areas often face hunger at higher rates, in part because of the unique challenges living remotely presents.  Because food is a perishable product, it is important to store it at the appropriate temperature for an appropriate time.  Proper food storage helps maintain food quality by retaining flavor, color, texture, and nutrients while reducing the chance of contracting a food-borne illness.

The Spring Creek food pantry has always been able to store food in ways that maintain quality and preserve freshness and flavor, but it hasn’t been without challenges.  Until recently, they have been operating with limited heating and cooling.  Though the minimal heat and fans help, the FATE Foundation recognized that there was a need for a better solution.  Working with the Walmart Community Grant Program and the French Broad EMC Mini-Split Heat Pump program, FATE Foundation provided funding to purchase and install a mini-split system for the Spring Creek food pantry.

“Storing food safely is essential” said Mike Tuziw, President of FATE Foundation. “We needed to find a solution, not just for the food safety, but also for the comfort of our volunteers that help and our families that shop at the pantry. And as demand continues to rise, food banks are trying to feed more people with less food. It’s not just handing out a box here or there anymore.”


FATE Scholar Awards presented to four
Madison County seniors

In 2014 Duke University formed Duke Kunshan University in China. 2018 is the first year they accept undergraduate students. This year they received 3,143 applications for only 225 positions. “Of these, they only expect to accept around 50 from outside of China - and we have one! Here!, at Madison HS”. Said Mike Tuziw, president of FATE Foundation, at this years Senior Celebration & Awards ceremony. “Another student has been accepted to NC State’s prestigious Poole College of Business Management and plans to show major corporations how to be profitable while still being environmentally sound. We have a sports star among us who will show her compassion and caring while being an Anesthesiologist.  We have future leaders and humanitarians who give of their time and of themselves, not because of any requirement or because they were told to but because they realize… it’s the right thing to do!  Take a look around. We are surrounded by greatness!”

 

            Back row l. to r. Anna Tuziw, Raven Newsom, Hannah Jennings,       Mike Tuziw.   Front row l. to r. Mary Bishop, Hong Pham

In 2014 the FATE Scholar Award was started with a single scholarship of $500. Representing over 20 individuals and businesses from Madison County and around the country, it has continued to grow in size and this year awarded four scholarships totaling $8,000. 

This year’s winners of the FATE Scholar Award and a check for $2000 each are: Mary Bishop, Hong Pham, Hannah Jennings, Raven Newsom.


An exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the IRC.

 EIN 82-2528013