Our Mission
The Earl and Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation invests in organizations within the greater High Point area and beyond that promote improved quality of life by reducing barriers to opportunity.
*The Earl and Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation is a private foundation, funded by the family, and fully independent of Old Dominion Freight Line.
Our Focus
Our History
1934
Lillian Congdon manages to save $1,700 from working at the phone company. She and her husband, Earl Sr., use it to buy a single truck and launch Old Dominion Freight Line.
1950
Upon Earl Sr.'s untimely death, Lillian steps in to become president and appoints Earl as general manager. His brother Jack also joins the company after graduation.
1962
Old Dominion moves its corporate headquarters to High Point, and Earl Congdon becomes president of the company.
1991
Old Dominion goes public, selling 2 million shares of stock at $12.50 per share.
1993
Lillian Congdon Crowder passes away, leaving her legacy in a company that provided a living to 3,000 employees and their families.
1997
David Congdon is named president and COO of Old Dominion, and Earl serves as chair of the board.
2010
The heart of Old Dominion, John Yowell, executive vice president and COO, unexpectedly passes away. He was Audrey Congdon’s husband and father to Seth and Megan.
2015
Earl and Kitty Congdon, with their three children, personally found and fund the Earl and Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation.
2018
David Congdon steps down as CEO and is appointed executive chairman of the board.
2023
Old Dominion has over 23,000 employees and 11,000 trucks.
Our History
Generosity is what binds us.
"All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the Lord your God." - Deuteronomy 16:17
Old Dominion Freight Line’s philosophy of “helping the world keep promises” has guided it to become one of the world’s leading freight companies, now with over 23,000 employees.
While the foundation is fully independent of the company, the success of the company has ensured the ability of the foundation to carry out its mission. It is with deep gratitude that we find ourselves reciting what a beloved family member, John Yowell, prayed before every meal shared around the family dinner table: “And help us to help others.”
This is our prayer.
It is our promise.
It is our work.
"Compassion is taking action. It’s not being satisfied with the status quo."
Carl Vierling, Greater High Point Food Alliance
Executive Director
"When you’re helped out,
it inspires you to help others."
EMILY CAROTHERS, Earl and Kitty Congdon Old Dominion Freight Line Scholarship Recipient
"We’re creating our own ecosystem that is poised to turn our home into the “high point” of our state once more."
Rachel Collins, Business High Point
CEO
"All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the Lord your God."
Deuteronomy 16:17
"Our board is deeply involved in High Point. Their commitment to the city is evident in their desire for the foundation to form real partnerships with our grant recipients, so that we can support them to grow their impact."
Rev. Dr. Joe Blosser,
Chief Impact Officer