University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: MILES MCQUINN
Williams Partners With Verizon & ForgiveCo To Announce Additional $5 Million In Debt Relief A Year After Helene
October 6, 2025 | General
CHAPEL HILL, NC – One year after Hurricane Helene's devastation, Verizon announced it is erasing an additional $5 million in consumer debt for thousands of North Carolinians still rebuilding their lives. This second round of relief, which Verizon is implementing through a partnership with ForgiveCo, brings the company's total debt relief for the region to $15 million.
To bring widespread attention to the ongoing recovery needs of the community, Verizon, a Proud Partner of the University of North Carolina, teamed up with Hall of Fame Coach Roy Williams to make the announcement during the UNC-Clemson football game at Kenan Stadium Saturday.
This announcement follows Verizon's initial commitment in January 2025, where the company and ForgiveCo cleared $10 million in debt for 6,500 families across Western North Carolina. This new effort underscores Verizon's sustained promise to stand with the community, providing critical financial relief long after the initial storm response.
"When we first announced our support in January, we made a promise that we would continue to stand with Western North Carolina through its recovery. We are still here, and we are fulfilling that promise," said Verizon Atlantic South Market President, Leigh Anne Lanier. "The path to rebuilding is a marathon, not a sprint. We hope that by lifting this financial burden, we can provide families with the breathing room they need to move forward and continue building a resilient future."
"Recovery in western North Carolina is a team sport, and I am grateful to Verizon and Coach Williams for their continued commitment," said Governor Josh Stein. "This relief will help more western North Carolinians get back on their feet after Helene."
For Coach Williams, a Western North Carolina native who personally called families to announce the initial debt relief, this second wave of support represents a true commitment to his neighbors and friends.
"A year ago, I saw firsthand how Hurricane Helene devastated such a large portion of our state. People lost everything, and the path to recovery felt impossible. Verizon's initial help was a blessing, but this second round of support demonstrates a level of commitment that is equally commendable. It gives people a new sense of hope and the chance to rebuild their lives and communities," Williams said. "I'm proud to be a part of this effort, and I want to thank Verizon for showing what it truly means to stand by neighbors in their time of need."
The debt relief will be implemented by ForgiveCo, which purchases and abolishes applicable debt for those in need. The process is automatic, with recipients selected at random and notified that their debt has been cleared—no strings attached, and no action required.
"Verizon's unwavering commitment to Western North Carolina has been remarkable. By extending their support to $15 million in debt relief, they are proving that true recovery means standing with families long after the storm has passed," said Craig Antico, CEO of ForgiveCo. "ForgiveCo is honored to help deliver this impact, and we are proud to stand with Verizon for the people of North Carolina."
Verizon's commitment to the state extends beyond disaster recovery and includes a strategic partnership with the University of North Carolina, focused on fostering innovation for students and the community.
Tar Heel Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield – the media and technology company powering college sports – is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for UNC Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Tar Heels.
HERE media partners will find photo and video assets. You are welcome to use these assets for your coverage.
—
About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024. Verizon's world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at
verizon.com/stores.
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VERIZON'S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.
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About Coach Roy Williams
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007, Roy Williams was a college head coach for 33 seasons, retiring in 2021 with the third-most wins (903) by a Division I head coach and sixth-highest winning percentage (.774) all-time. He won 418 games at Kansas from 1988-2003 and 485 games at UNC from 2003-21 and remains the only coach to win 400 games at two schools. The Asheville native and 1972 UNC graduate is also enshrined in the NABC College Basketball, North Carolina Sports and Kansas Sports Halls of Fame. Williams is the only head coach to win three national championships (2005, 2009, 2017) at his alma mater and one of six to win three or more titles. He is second in NCAA Tournament history in wins (79), games (106) and No. 1 seeds (13); third in appearances (30), winning percentage (.745), Final Four wins (9) and championship game appearances (6); and fourth in titles (3) and Final Fours (9).
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About Learfield
Learfield is the media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield's presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors' Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
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About ForgiveCo:
ForgiveCo provides business advisory services to corporations for acquisition, administration, and cancellation of consumer debt, alongside advisory services in branding, goodwill creation, and bulk debt management – "Transforming debt into goodwill™."; They amplify a brand's equity by erasing billions of dollars of debt for millions of people, activating community and hope in individuals. To learn more, please visit: forgiveco.com
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To bring widespread attention to the ongoing recovery needs of the community, Verizon, a Proud Partner of the University of North Carolina, teamed up with Hall of Fame Coach Roy Williams to make the announcement during the UNC-Clemson football game at Kenan Stadium Saturday.
This announcement follows Verizon's initial commitment in January 2025, where the company and ForgiveCo cleared $10 million in debt for 6,500 families across Western North Carolina. This new effort underscores Verizon's sustained promise to stand with the community, providing critical financial relief long after the initial storm response.
"When we first announced our support in January, we made a promise that we would continue to stand with Western North Carolina through its recovery. We are still here, and we are fulfilling that promise," said Verizon Atlantic South Market President, Leigh Anne Lanier. "The path to rebuilding is a marathon, not a sprint. We hope that by lifting this financial burden, we can provide families with the breathing room they need to move forward and continue building a resilient future."
"Recovery in western North Carolina is a team sport, and I am grateful to Verizon and Coach Williams for their continued commitment," said Governor Josh Stein. "This relief will help more western North Carolinians get back on their feet after Helene."
For Coach Williams, a Western North Carolina native who personally called families to announce the initial debt relief, this second wave of support represents a true commitment to his neighbors and friends.
"A year ago, I saw firsthand how Hurricane Helene devastated such a large portion of our state. People lost everything, and the path to recovery felt impossible. Verizon's initial help was a blessing, but this second round of support demonstrates a level of commitment that is equally commendable. It gives people a new sense of hope and the chance to rebuild their lives and communities," Williams said. "I'm proud to be a part of this effort, and I want to thank Verizon for showing what it truly means to stand by neighbors in their time of need."
The debt relief will be implemented by ForgiveCo, which purchases and abolishes applicable debt for those in need. The process is automatic, with recipients selected at random and notified that their debt has been cleared—no strings attached, and no action required.
"Verizon's unwavering commitment to Western North Carolina has been remarkable. By extending their support to $15 million in debt relief, they are proving that true recovery means standing with families long after the storm has passed," said Craig Antico, CEO of ForgiveCo. "ForgiveCo is honored to help deliver this impact, and we are proud to stand with Verizon for the people of North Carolina."
Verizon's commitment to the state extends beyond disaster recovery and includes a strategic partnership with the University of North Carolina, focused on fostering innovation for students and the community.
Tar Heel Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield – the media and technology company powering college sports – is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for UNC Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Tar Heels.
HERE media partners will find photo and video assets. You are welcome to use these assets for your coverage.
—
About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024. Verizon's world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at
verizon.com/stores.
Â
VERIZON'S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.
Â
About Coach Roy Williams
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007, Roy Williams was a college head coach for 33 seasons, retiring in 2021 with the third-most wins (903) by a Division I head coach and sixth-highest winning percentage (.774) all-time. He won 418 games at Kansas from 1988-2003 and 485 games at UNC from 2003-21 and remains the only coach to win 400 games at two schools. The Asheville native and 1972 UNC graduate is also enshrined in the NABC College Basketball, North Carolina Sports and Kansas Sports Halls of Fame. Williams is the only head coach to win three national championships (2005, 2009, 2017) at his alma mater and one of six to win three or more titles. He is second in NCAA Tournament history in wins (79), games (106) and No. 1 seeds (13); third in appearances (30), winning percentage (.745), Final Four wins (9) and championship game appearances (6); and fourth in titles (3) and Final Fours (9).
Â
About Learfield
Learfield is the media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield's presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors' Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
Â
About ForgiveCo:
ForgiveCo provides business advisory services to corporations for acquisition, administration, and cancellation of consumer debt, alongside advisory services in branding, goodwill creation, and bulk debt management – "Transforming debt into goodwill™."; They amplify a brand's equity by erasing billions of dollars of debt for millions of people, activating community and hope in individuals. To learn more, please visit: forgiveco.com
Â
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