The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region featured stories of impact by donors and grant recipients at its Appreciation Luncheon held Thursday, November 7, 2013 at the Danville Golf Club.
Nearly 200 people attended the luncheon
Nearly 200 supporters heard from speakers representing three areas of The Community Foundation’s work – Give, Impact and Receive. Vic Millner shared how he established the Audrey Millner Fund and became a future bequest donor. Jeff Smith described his vision for the Veterinary Emergency Treatment Fund, and how it is already helping area pets and their families.
Steven Gould shared the impact of receiving a scholarship from the Community Foundation and how he has returned to the area. Special entertainment was provided by the Danville Junior String Quartet.
Debra Dodson, Executive Director, stated, “This is such a great opportunity for us to thank our many supporters. We thank them for proving that together we can truly make a difference. Through their support, this past year we have helped to save lives, given hope to college students, filled our community with music, and relieved much suffering.”
Some highlights of The Community Foundation’s impact this past year include: –
a) Receiving gifts of more than $1,025,000from hundreds of donors.
Executive Director, Debra Dodson with our speaker Vic Millner
b) Awarding 76 scholarships of $125,000.
c) Presenting grants of more than $1 million to 118 area organizations.
d) Reached more than 3,000 individual donors in our giving history.
e) Received approval for recertification for National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.
f) Hired Dahab & Associates as a new investment consultant after careful study and analysis.
Donors established 10 new funds under the Foundation’s umbrella for a total of 108 funds with total assets of $25,302,767 as of June 30, 2013. The Community Foundation has returned more than $16 million in grants and scholarships to the region since 1996.
New endowment funds began since July 1, 2012 include:
• William E. Barr Scholarship
• Boys & Girls Clubs Endowment Fund
• Disaster Relief Fund
• Susan L. Edwards Memorial Scholarship
• Juanita G. “Nita” Grant Fund
• Diane Marie Gross Scholarship
• Hokie Bird Scholarship
• Hospice Support Services Fund
• Peter and Jo Ann Howard L’Dor V’Dor Fund
• Rotary Club of Yanceyville Scholarship
Board President Lawrence McFall, Past President Androniki Fallis, and Fred Webb with J.T. Minnie Maude Charitable Trust
The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve and enrich the lives of people in our community by encouraging the generosity of donors. Donors may establish their own endowment fund to support particular areas of interest or may make unrestricted gifts to any existing fund.
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.
We are pleased to have our 2012-13 Annual Report completed. You may download a copy here or come by our office to pick one up. We are open everyday from 9-5.
Caswell County has received nearly $650,000 in grants from The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region since it began in 1996. The complete listing of Caswell County grants was shared at an October 24 luncheon for Caswell County supporters and potential donors at Caswell Pines.
Caswell County donors have also established five endowment funds under The Community Foundation umbrella, including:
– Jean Hines Vernon – Claudia Vernon Smith Fund (’03)
– Linda Rhue – Kang-A-Rhue Children’s Cancer Fund (’04)
– Gary A. and Sherry M. Carroll “Good for Youth” Fund (’07)
– Lori Daniel – Susan L. Edward Scholarship (’13)
– Rotary Club of Yanceyville Scholarship (’13)
Neal and Katherine Watlington
Six Caswell County citizens have served on The Community Foundation Board, including currently serving members Verla
Wall, Bill Woods (treasurer) and Stuart Watlington. Past Caswell County Board members include Rev. Wilson Carter, Betty Sartin, Dr. Jack Turner, and founding Board member Katherine Watlington.
“Caswell County has been a part of our core service area since The Community Foundation began,” said Debra L. Dodson, Executive Director.
Donors, organizations or businesses may start their own endowment funds for as little as $10,000 and scholarships for $25,000. Once a fund is established anyone can make designated gifts to that fund.
The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is an independent, public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of local civic leaders to gather permanent funds to support our area. The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is a public charity with total assets exceeding $25 million.
David and Jean Vernon
While the Foundation works with donors to establish funds to benefit any geographic area, our primary service area is Danville/Pittsylvania County, Virginia and Caswell County, North Carolina. Donations are also being sought to build up resources for South Boston/Halifax County, with consideration being given to other neighboring counties.
Community foundations are established to manage a collection of separate funds created by individuals and corporations – a community of donors – to enhance the quality of life in a local area. These funds are pooled and invested under the direction of a board of directors comprised of community leaders. Income from the funds is distributed in the form of grants and scholarships. The first community foundation was created in 1914 in Cleveland, Ohio. There are now more than 700 community foundations nationwide, controlling aggregate assets in excess of $25 billion.
The Community Foundation is fully tax-exempt as an organization described in Sections 501(c)(3) and 170(b)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code.
For more information, contact the Foundation office at 434-793-0884 or visit its web site www.cfdrr.org
The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is now accepting proposals for its next round of grant making in Halifax County.
Information has already been mailed to approximately 20 community non-profit organizations in Halifax County. The Foundation is accepting applications from 501(c)(3) charitable organizations serving Halifax County until October 7, 2013. The Halifax County Advisory Committee will then review the applications and recommend which organizations will be awarded.
Approximately $1,300 is available for grants this year. This total includes money from the Fund for Halifax County as well as the South Boston Medical Fund.
The Community Foundation is a public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of civic leaders to meet a variety of social, educational, cultural and other charitable needs in the Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County area, as well as Halifax County and Northern North Carolina.
Organizations interested in receiving more information should contact The Community Foundation office at 541 Loyal Street, Danville, VA 24541, (434) 793-0884 or visit www.cfdrr.org.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Danville Area recently announced the kick-off of its $2 million Community Endowment Fund Campaign, which the organization says is critical in establishing a long-term funding strategy for the Club and the 900 children it currently serves.
In 1998, Kenny Lewis Sr., Pat Daly, Sr., James Slade and other concerned community members, launched a campaign which began the start of the Boys and Girls Club in Danville, and the building of the much needed facility located at 123 Foster Street (Danville). To meet the needs of the children in Pittsylvania County, a second location was added in Chatham. Due to a generous donation made by Phil & Fran Daly, the Foster Street location was able to complete the Daly Teen Center.
“Over the past several years the Boys and Girls Club has experienced tremendous growth,” said Trina Pratt, Executive Director of the Club. “Now it’s time to aggressively plan for the future by establishing this endowment which will provide a stable foundation on which the Club can continue to give kids a safe place to learn and grow, as well as provide opportunities for them to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.”
In just a brief campaign time, the endowment has reached 10% of its goal, with $200,000 in donations and pledges already received by the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region (CFDRR). One hundred percent of donor gifts and pledges will be placed in the endowment with a percentage of the earnings from the endowment made available for operational use by the Club each year.
“We are very excited to partner with the Boys & Girls Club in securing funds for this endowment,” said Debra Dodson, Executive Director of the CFDRR. “The Community Foundation was established in 1996 with a mission of improving and enriching the lives of those living in our community primarily through the generosity of donors. What better way to support our mission and our community than enriching the lives of our youth.”
Nearly half a million dollars is needed annually (approximately $475,000 per year) to operate our two clubs,” said Steve Farrar, Treasurer of the Club. “With the help of generous donors and other supporters, our plan is to reach and exceed our $2 million campaign goal. Eventually we’d like to see this endowment support 25% of our Clubs operating expenses.”
The Boys and Girls Club strives to provide kids a safe, positive environment where they receive tools to fulfill their potential – and to have fun! Focus areas for the Club include academic success, character and leadership development, and healthy lifestyle behaviors.
“Our staff and board are committed to providing high-quality educational programs, building a sense of character and citizenship, maintaining diversity, and offering kids a safe, nurturing, and affordable environment,” said Mike Taylor, President of the Clubs Board of Directors. “Kids in our community need the Boys and Girls Club and we’re glad we can be here for them.”
Note: An Endowment is a permanent fund, kept separate from the Club’s operating fund, consisting of cash, securities, and/or property, which is invested in a diversified manner to produce income. A Club can only use a portion of the fund as directed by the policies and procedures governing the endowment fund and without invading the principal.
About The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Danville Area
Established in 1998, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Danville Area serves over 900 children each year in the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County. The Club has locations at 123 Foster Street in Danville and 115 South Main Street in Chatham, Virginia. Donations and pledges may be made at the Club, the Community Foundation and online here. All checks should be made payable to the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region, c/o Boys & Girls Clubs Endowment Fund, 541 Loyal Street, Danville, VA 24541. For more information on the Boys and Girls Clubs, visit their www.bgcdanville.org or call 434.792.3449.
Make plans to attend the September 25 Estate and Charitable Gift Planning Institute at the RCATT center in Danville. The event will be hosted by The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region and co-sponsored by the Danville Bar Association and the Piedmont Chapter of the Virginia Society of CPAs.
In this national webinar broadcast, participants will learn from nationally-recognized speakers Ann Burns and Kathryn Miree as they share new strategies, practical solutions and opportunities for planning following the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.
Do not miss:
- Current case law updates
- Drafting estate plans in light of recent tax law changes
- Strategies to address charitable estate goals without using traditional charitable vehicles
- Simple ideas to maximize lifetime and estate charitable gifts
- Ethical considerations in charitable and estate planning
- Why estate planning is more important than ever
Advance registration through August 31 is $30; registrations after August 31 are $40. To register online, go to http://bit.ly/11cjm6u or mail your check made payable to The Community Foundation, 541 Loyal Street, Danville, VA 24541 with a note for Estate Planning Seminar.
The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is an independent, public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of local civic leaders to gather permanent funds to support our area. The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is a public charity with total assets exceeding $25 million.
For more information on the webinar broadcast or The Community Foundation, contact the Foundation office at 434-793-0884 or visit its web site www.cfdrr.org
Area donors have generously established four new endowed scholarships recently with The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region.
The Diane Marie Gross Scholarship was opened by Inara Aster Dodson in memory of her daughter Diane Marie Gross, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident at the young age of 16. The scholarships will be given to deserving Danville area students attending Washington & Lee University or the College of William and Mary.
The William E. Barr Scholarship was started by Lamar Barr, in memory of her son, William E. Barr, who graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in 1987. The scholarships will be given to Danville-Pittsylvania graduates attending Hampden-Sydney College.
The Rotary Club of Yanceyville Scholarship Fund has been created upon the dissolution of the Rotary Club of Yanceyville. The Club was pleased to find a way to continue their legacy of providing scholarships to Bartlett Yancey High School graduates.
The Hokie Bird Scholarship was established by Pat and Cathy Daly to benefit Danville-Pittsylvania County High School graduates attending Virginia Tech.
Other people who wish to support a new or existing Community Foundation scholarship can make donations to The Community Foundation, with the specific scholarship designated, 541 Loyal Street, Danville, VA 24541. Scholarship applications will be available by February 1, 2014 at the high schools and the foundation’s web site www.cfdrr.org.
The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is an independent, public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of local civic leaders to gather permanent funds to support our area. The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is a public charity with total assets exceeding $25 million.
While the Foundation works with donors to establish funds to benefit any geographic area, our primary service area is Danville/Pittsylvania County, Virginia and Caswell County, North Carolina. Donations are also being sought to build up resources for South Boston/Halifax County, with consideration being given to other neighboring counties.
Community foundations are established to manage a collection of separate funds created by individuals and corporations – a community of donors – to enhance the quality of life in a local area. These funds are pooled and invested under the direction of a board of directors comprised of community leaders. Income from the funds is distributed in the form of grants and scholarships. The first community foundation was created in 1914 in Cleveland, Ohio. There are now more than 700 community foundations nationwide, controlling aggregate assets in excess of $25 billion.
The Community Foundation is fully tax-exempt as an organization described in Sections 501(c)(3) and 170(b)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code.
For more information on the new scholarships or The Community Foundation, contact the Foundation office at 434-793-0884 or visit its web site www.cfdrr.org
The Rotary Club of Yanceyville Scholarship Fund has been endowed with The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region. The Scholarship will provide post-secondary educational scholarships to graduates of Bartlett Yancey High School.
Unfortunately, the scholarship was established upon the dissolution of the Rotary Club of Yanceyville. “We are deeply saddened that the remaining members found it necessary to dissolve the Club after 76 years”, said Barbara Scott, secretary of the Rotary Club of Yanceyville. “However, we are thrilled to have The Community Foundation continue the legacy of providing scholarships to graduates of Bartlett Yancey High School.”
“We are excited to accept this scholarship on behalf of the Rotary Club of Yanceyville,” said Debra L. Dodson, executive director of The Community Foundation. “What an honor it will be to continue the club’s good name and good work in the community.
Other people who wish to support Bartlett Yancey High School scholarships can make donations to the Rotary Club of Yanceyville Scholarship Fund. Checks should be made to The Community Foundation, c/o the Rotary Club of Yanceyville Scholarship, 541 Loyal Street, Danville, VA 24541. Applications for the scholarship will be available by February 1, 2014 at the high school and the foundation’s web site https://www.cfdrr.org
THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
ACCEPTING GRANT PROPOSALS
Deadline July 9, 2013
Danville, VA – June 6, 2013 — The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is now accepting proposals for its next round of grant making. The Community Foundation has awarded approximately $16 million in grants since it began in 1996.
Information has already been mailed to approximately 150 community non-profit organizations in Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Caswell County. The Foundation is accepting Preliminary Request applications from 501(c)(3) charitable organizations until July 9, 2013. The Preliminary Request applications should include a brief overview of the proposed project. The Foundation’s Distribution Committee will then select which organizations to ask to submit full grant applications.
Approximately $600,000 is available for grants this year. This total includes a generous gift from the Danville Regional Foundation to benefit the residents of Caswell County, Pittsylvania County and the city of Danville.
The Community Foundation is a public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of civic leaders to meet a variety of social, educational, cultural and other charitable needs in the Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County area, as well as Southern Virginia and Northern North Carolina.
Organizations interested in receiving more information should contact The Community Foundation office at 541 Loyal Street, Danville, VA 24541, (434) 793-0884 or visit https://www.cfdrr.org
Danville, VA- The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region has awarded 77 scholarships totaling more than $149,000 to area students. Presentations from 30 different scholarship funds within The Community Foundation were made at a scholarship reception held May 5, 2013 at The Community Center at Chatham.
The Bennett-Bushnell-Jones-Kaufman Scholarship was established from four individual scholarships to benefit outstanding nursing students at Danville Regional Medical Center School of Health Professions. These scholarships were transferred to The Community Foundation in 2008 by the Piedmont Health Foundation. Recipients will be announced May 17th.
The James W. Bryant, Sr. and James T. Collie Scholarship was established with The Community Foundation in 2005 by a retired school teacher. The scholarship is for Pittsylvania County Public Schools graduates, with a preference for those pursuing education or nursing. Three scholarships of $1,600 each were awarded to high school seniors Brittnie Cooke (Liberty University), Keona Guy (Dan River High School) and Lexus Khan (Tunstall High School).
The Bernard C. Calvert Scholarship was established in 2004 by the Brosville Council #51 of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. The scholarship is restricted to Tunstall High School graduates, preferably students who attended either Brosville or Stony Mill Schools. Nicole Miller (Tunstall High School) is receiving $1,400.
The John Watson Daniel Scholarship was established by the JWD Retirement Club in 1997. A scholarship in the amount of $600 was presented to Caroline Gilliam (George Washington High School).
The Danville Academic Boosters Club Scholarship is awarded to the top five scholastic students in Danville Public School system. The following students are receiving scholarships – Daniel Reddy (Galileo Magnet High School), Dondre Marable (Galileo Magnet High School), Katherine Campbell (GWHS), John Robinson III (GWHS) and Erica Dixon (Galileo Magnet High School).
The Danville Regional Medical Center Auxiliary/Volunteers Scholarship was established in 2007 for Danville Regional Medical Center employees, volunteers and their immediate families, who are studying a medical field. Nine scholarships of $2,300 each were awarded to Chloe Clarridge (Chatham High School), Melissa Corbin (Danville Community College), Pamela Cornell (Liberty University), Peyton Gill (Tunstall High School), Morgan Oakes (James Madison University), Ashlee Pickrel (Chatham High School), Brianna Ryan (James Madison University), Thaingoc Tran (Averett University) and Brittney Venable (Dan River High School).
The Roy L. and Mary G. Doss Scholarship was established in 2010 to benefit graduating seniors of Danville or Pittsylvania County. The following students received $5,500 each – Sierra Franklin (GWHS), Ram Leandro Madejas (GWHS) and John Robinson III (GWHS). 2011 scholarships were renewed for Calvin Bagby (St. John’s University), Joshua Estabrook (Liberty University), Claire Francisco (Liberty University), Latasha Jennings (University of Virginia), Kristen Light (Toccoa Falls College), Nathan Unger (University of Georgia) and Christopher Waters (University of Virginia). Each received $5,500.
The Susan L. Edwards Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Susan L. Edwards in 2012. The scholarship is awarded to students pursuing the field of radiologic technology. Susan Norton (Danville Regional Medical Center Radiologic Program) received $1,025.
One student received the John R. and Betty B. Eggleston Scholarship, established in memory of Dr. and Mrs. Eggleston in 2002. The scholarship was presented to Kaitlin Robertson (University of NC at Pembroke) in the amount of $650.
The Margaret Spruce Floyd Scholarship was established in memory of Mrs. Floyd and transferred to The Community Foundation in 2003. The scholarship is awarded to female high school students from Pittsylvania County. Brianna Hess (James Madison University) received $1,550.
The Gantsoudes Scholarship was established with The Community Foundation in 2008. The scholarship benefits George Washington High School students attending college in Virginia or North Carolina. De’anna Forbes (GWHS) received $1,550.
The Roy G. and Joan F. Gignac Scholarship was created in 2000 to benefit area students who may attend the Illinois Institute of Technology or pursue technical disciplines. Scholarships were awarded to Phillip Dumont (Virginia Tech), Cody Finch (Averett Univeristy), Ryan Ross (Virginia Tech) and Garnall Travis (GWHS). Each received $2,800.
The John B. Grubb Scholarship was established in 2007 in memory of Mr. Grubb to benefit Danville and Pittsylvania County Public School graduates. Ling Guo (Virginia Tech) received $625.
The GW Class of 1957 Scholarship was established in 2007 with The Community Foundation. The Class of 1957 created the scholarship for their 50th High School Reunion to benefit George Washington High School students. Shontell White (GWHS) received $1,475.
The Ray M. Harris Scholarship was created in memory of Mr. Harris and transferred to The Community Foundation in 2004. The scholarship gives primary consideration to Pittsylvania County high school graduates. Two Ray M. Harris scholarships were awarded this year. Victoria Cox (Virginia Tech) and Victoria Gentry (Liberty University) each received $2,150.
The Stuart Harris Drama Scholarship recognizes outstanding drama students in the Danville Public Schools. Angel Moore (Galileo Magnet High School) received $1,250.
The John L. Hurt, Jr. Scholarship supports students from Gretna High School, with a preference for students who have attended the John L. Hurt, Jr. Elementary School. Amanda Mayhew (Lynchburg College) received $1,625.
The Herman C. Kelly Scholarship is a temporary fund established in memory of Herman Kelly. The scholarship is awarded to students attending Chatham High School and will be paid out in full this year. Cassie Roark (Chatham High School) received $2,150.
The Robert and Bernice Milam Scholarship was transferred to the foundation in 2010 from Third Avenue Congregational Christian Church to benefit its active members. The following students each received $1,250 – Allison Case (Danville Regional Medical Center Radiologic Program), Kelsey Case (Danville Community College), Stuart Davis (Greensboro College), Carrie Hartgrove (University of Virginia), Tyler High (Tunstall High School), and Dustin Marshall (University of Virginia).
Three scholarships totaling $4,200 were awarded from the Onnie H. & Bertie W. Milloway Scholarship to assist area students who attend Averett University. Scholarships were presented to current Averett students Dennis Bouse II, Margaret Burnette and Jasmine Reid.
The Patrick H. Musick Scholarship was established to provide funding for deserving Averett University students who have a tennis-playing background. Kelsey Harris (Averett University) was awarded $675.
The Arnold B. Porter & Elizabeth J. Porter Scholarship was established in 2006 for students who are members of Fairview United Methodist Church. Two students, Kaitlyn Ferrell (Averett University) and Kevin Ferrell (Averett University), received $1,250 each.
Two students received scholarships for $1,375 each from the Irene L. Pritchett Scholarship, created years ago to benefit area black students. The Pritchett scholarship was transferred to The Community Foundation in 2001. Jazmine Willard (Longwood University) and Dondre Marable (Galileo Magnet High School) were the recipients.
The Alger Pugh Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Alger Pugh, GW High School football coach, after his death in 1984. The scholarship was then transferred to The Community Foundation and is given to deserving GW athletes. Two students were awarded scholarships of $1,400 each – Matthew Riddle (Virginia Tech) and Ali Stephens-Pickeral (Yale University).
Five Gretna High School seniors were awarded $1,300 each from the Richard Ramsey Scholarship. The Scholarship was created in memory of Mr. Ramsey, a Gretna High School teacher, many years ago and transferred to The Community Foundation in 2010. This scholarship was created to benefit Gretna High School students. The recipients are Mary Hammock, Keri Holt, Deonna Jennings, Rebecca Owens, and Andrea Vennable.
A scholarship in the amount of $2,025 was given from the Riddle-Francis Scholarship, which was created in 2005 by a former teacher to benefit Pittsylvania County students, with a preference for Tunstall and Dan River students. The scholarship was awarded to Erin Gusler (Dan River High School).
The Percy and Velna Scearce Scholarship was created in 2001 to benefit area students. Lindsey Roberts (Liberty University) received $1,250.
The Spiros Skenderis Memorial Scholarship was created by the Danville Bar Association in memory of Judge Spiros Skenderis. Judge Skenderis served as a compassionate judge of the Danville Juvenile and Domestic Relations District for 19 years. A $1,650 scholarship was awarded to Sarah Doss (Galileo Magnet High School).
The Eileen and Joseph Stendig Scholarship was created in 2005 to benefit area students. Audrey Savage (College of Charleston) was awarded $1,775.
The Louise P. Surles Scholarship supports area students who attend the University of Virginia. Keri Holt (Gretna High School) was awarded $2,325.
The Florence P. Wagner and Jennie Lee Wagner Scholarship was established in 2008 to provide scholarships to Pittsylvania County high school graduates. Rachel Brown (College of William and Mary) was awarded $1,175.
The Andy Warren Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of GW High School assistant football coach and is given to deserving GW athletes. William Browning (GWHS) and Ashley Riddle (Radford University) received $1,200 each.
The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is a fully tax-exempt organization. Individuals or businesses may establish their own endowment or scholarship fund or may contribute any amount to existing funds. For more information, contact Debra L. Dodson at 541 Loyal Street, Danville, VA, 24541, (434) 793-0884, visit their web site https://www.cfdrr.org or follow them on Facebook.
