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Updated: Oct 30th, 2008 - 16:05:26
Local News
Following on the heels of Marion Community Foundation’s 10th birthday celebration in May, fiscal year 2007-2008 ended in June with great news for the local philanthropic organization. Marion Community Foundation has completed its most successful year to date, having received $1.3 million in contributions, announces President Brad Bebout.
“This is not money for selfish purposes,” emphasizes Bebout, “It is creating endowments that last forever and give back to the community.” The $1.3 million represents 193 gifts, eight of which total $1 million and 21 new funds.
“I am so proud of the Marion community and the depth and breadth of the generosity of its people,” says Bebout. “Marion Community Foundation’s mission is ‘to enhance the quality of life for the greater Marion area through fostering philanthropy consistent with community values by providing a vehicle for planned giving through acceptance, management and distribution of endowed funds in accordance with the wishes of our donors.’ This level of giving truly exemplifies what we are trying to do here for the good of the Marion area.”
The 21 new funds bring to 87 the total number of funds under the stewardship of Marion Community Foundation. This total includes 30 scholarship funds, as well as numerous donor advised, designated, field of interest and endowed funds. The portfolio of funds at Marion Community Foundation supports local organizations and projects, including the arts, education, the environment, economic development and healthcare, among others.
“In the philanthropic realm, planned giving options abound, paving the way for a wide variety of ways to match donors with their philanthropic goals and desires,” says Bebout. “I am pleased to say that at Marion Community Foundation, many of these options exist and are exercised.” Local donors have chosen to support community needs, according to Bebout, through gifts of money, stock, real estate, annuities and insurance policies, among others.
“The local board of trustees here at Marion Community Foundation includes professionals in business, finance, law, and other professions that make them, along with their in depth knowledge of the Marion area and its needs, keenly capable of accepting and putting to good use donations in many forms,” he says.
The local board of trustees currently includes: Pam Hall, Dr. Henry Heinzmann, Phyllis Butterworth, Tom Johnston, Anne Davy, Ron Cramer, Jeff Nutter, Rex Parrott, Lenora Mayes, Dr. Scott Yancey, Sue Jacob, Violet Griffith, Larry Geissler, and Ted Graham. Additional, new trustees will soon be announced.
“$1.3 million in contributions is a lot of money doing a lot of good for communities and needs throughout Marion County. I am so proud of the Marion community for their generosity and vision,” says Bebout.
Marion Community Foundation is located at 504 S. State Street, inside the historic Stengel True Museum. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Staff can be reached by calling 387-9704. Additional information is available online at marioncommunityfoundation.org.
© Copyright 2008 by Marion.Net
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