by Emily Tomlinson
with Comments Off on Foundation Welcomes New Board Members
The Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is pleased to welcome five new members as of July 1. The new members, who will serve for three years, are Jeff Bond of Danville, owner of Solex Architecture; Anne Foster of Danville, retired school counselor; Paul Fox of Providence, NC, retired dean of arts and sciences and business as well as a former professor of chemistry at Danville Community College; Lisa Francisco of South Boston, attorney and co-owner of Factory Street Brewing; and Debra Hairston of Danville, manager with the Urban Redevelopment Authority in Durham.
“Every year, we are fortunate that citizens of the Dan River Region join our board of directors to contribute their time and skills to ensure the continued success of the organization,” said Vince Kania, Jr., this year’s president of the board. “Working together with our staff, donors, and beneficiaries, we continue to build upon the legacy of stewardship that started nearly 30 years ago.”
In addition to welcoming new board members, four members renewed their terms for another three years. These members include Tiffany Hairston, Jennifer Hiltwine, Lisa Johnson-Knight and Kunal Patel, secretary.
The remaining 2025-2026 board members are Steve Bass, past-president; Richard Dixon, vice president; Sheila Williamson-Branch, treasurer; Daniel Angell, Kerri Burchett, Helm Dobbins, Elizabeth Hurt, Danielle Montague, Cathy Pulliam, William Riddle, Nina Beth Thornton, Jerry Williams, Jr. and Becky Yeatts.
by Emily Tomlinson
with Comments Off on Fund Education: Field of Interest
The Foundation makes it easy for donors to support what they are passionate about in the Dan River Region and beyond. Donors may choose to create a Field of Interest fund, which awards grants targeted to a particular cause or purpose. This type of fund is targeted to your selected focus area, such as the arts, the environment or health and wellness. Or, if you prefer, you can target a more specific interest, such as children with cancer as well as a specific geographic area, such as a county.
A Field of Interest fund is a uniquely personal giving option that brings you right to the heart of an issue that moves you. By establishing a Field of Interest fund with The Foundation you can be assured of having an impact on that issue forever.
Currently, the Community Foundation has 27 Field of Interest funds. Examples of these types of funds are: The Arts & Cultural Fund – grants to promote the arts and culture of the arts in the Dan River Region
The W. Earl and Elise M.G. Allen Fund – grants to benefit the town of Chatham and Pittsylvania County
The Jack W. Hall Memorial Fund – grants provide medication and other necessary assistance to people suffering from chronic kidney and renal diseases and disorders
If you are interested in learning more about starting a Field of Interest fund don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff at 434-793-0884 or email info@cfdrr.org for more information. If you wish to make a gift to one that has already been established, please visit our website and then click Giving, Funds and Our Funds to learn about each area of interest.
Dexter Miller created the Gideon Miller Cancer Fund (pictured above is Gideon) in memory of his brother in 2011. The fund benefits organizations that assist cancer patients and their families in Danville, Pittsylvania and Halifax counties.
by Emily Tomlinson
with Comments Off on Foundation Remembers First Board President
Over the course of its 29 years, the Community Foundation has had many outstanding citizens of the Dan River Region serve as our Board President. Our first president, Fred Leggett, Jr., who served in the role from 1996-2000, passed away July 5.
“Fred Leggett was instrumental in the establishment of The Foundation,” said Executive Director Daniel Hayes. “His guidance, leadership and unwavering support in those early years helped lay the groundwork for the impact The Foundation had, and continues to have, throughout the Dan River Region.”
During his tenure as president, The Foundation’s component funds grew to 15 funds and assets totaled almost $9.5 million. In addition, because of the overwhelming support of new funders, a part-time executive director was hired in 1996, followed by a full-time executive director in 1999.
The Foundation was established in September 1996 by a steering committee of civic leaders, which included Leggett, who wanted to meet a variety of social, educational, cultural and public needs in the Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County area, as well as other localities lying within the greater Danville area. In addition, Belk-Leggett Co., Inc., and the Womack Foundation provided the initial administrative funding.
The board and staff of The Foundation are grateful to Leggett for his generosity in sharing his time and talent with us for so many years and extend its deepest condolences to the Leggett family.
