November 2019 E-Newsletter

Community Foundation Celebrates Giving

DANVILLE, VA – The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region celebrated continued growth, and highlighted recent accomplishments at its Appreciation Luncheon, held Thursday, November 7, 2019 at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve and enrich the lives of people in our community by encouraging the generosity of donors; by receiving, managing and distributing important resources; and by meeting a variety of charitable purposes in our community.  

Kathy Milam, Executive Director, welcomed the 154 donors in attendance stating:  “Today, we honor steadfast donors, who over the past 23 years have established the Community Foundation as a strong philanthropic organization of tremendous benefit to our region. Through the important tradition of giving, we are building a foundation for future generations!  Our capacity to give significant scholarships and grants, positively affecting numerous students and nonprofit organizations, is a direct result of your loyal support.  The Community Foundation is very grateful to its more than 5,000 donors.” Donors may establish their own endowment fund to support particular areas of interest or may make unrestricted gifts to any existing fund.

Angeles Atkinson, Community Foundation Board President, acknowledged with gratitude, luncheon sponsors, Foundation Board Members, and staff.  Treasurer, Richard Jones, reported that thanks to strong donor support, The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region’s assets total $37,597,500 as of June 30, 2019.

The Foundation’s community impact highlights for Fiscal Year 2019 include:   

a)         Receiving gifts totaling $893,160 from 640 donors

b)         Awarding scholarships of more than $218,440 to 100 students

c)         Awarding 194 grants totaling $1,106,094 to area organizations

d)         Convening a quarterly Funders Forum for regional funders

e)         Hosting continuing education for area professional advisors

f)          Receiving the 6,470th brick engraving order for the Veterans’ Memorial

g)         Receiving 180 gifts for animal welfare and in memory of beloved pets

h)         Establishing 13 new funds during the period July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019.

  • Robert R. Blackwell and Virginia M. Blackwell Scholarship Fund
  • Torrey and Shelley Blackwell Fund
  • Caswell Family Medical Center Endowment Fund
  • Danville Pittsylvania Academy of Medicine Alliance Scholarship Fund
  • Debra L. Dodson Fund
  • Samuel Manning Farmer Scholarship Fund
  • Goodyear Education Open/5K Fund
  • George A. Grekos Scholarship Fund
  • Lady Bug Fund
  • Carol and Charley Majors Fund
  • G. Brooks Powell, Jr. Police Community Engagement Fund
  • Riverview Rotary Endowment Fund
  • Larry N. Whitt Agricultural Enterprise & Educational Fund

Past scholarship recipient, Melinda Espinoza, spoke with gratitude about the impact of the Roy L. and Mary G. Doss Scholarship Fund on her ability to attend and graduate from the University of Virginia.  Donor, Eddie Herndon, described the purpose of the Morotock Arts & Cultural Fund, encouraging donor support for this fund, which makes annual grants to several regional arts related organizations.  Evelyn Riley, Executive Director of the Dan River Nonprofit Network, gave a presentation that increased awareness of the work of the Nonprofit Network and the benefits of nonprofits working collaboratively. 

For more information, contact the Community Foundation at 541 Loyal Street, Danville, VA 24541, (434) 793-0884 or visit their web site www.cfdrr.org.