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.