Foundation News Newsletter Fall/Winter 2020
The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region
cfrrr.org 540.373.9292
Community Means Everybody Starting in June with the Board of Governor’s Statement for Racial Justice, The Community Foundation launched a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative. This new work will be comprehensive and includes a new dedicated board committee, a designated fund, collaboration with regional nonprofits and leaders and much more. We are taking action to ensure we mobilize people, ideas and investments for a thriving, equitable and connected region. By advancing philanthropy, The Community Foundation advocates for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River region. We truly serve this mission when we work to ensure that everybody has access to the things that make our region exceptional. Creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive community is essential to preserving and growing the quality of life in our region. Infusing our work with these principles will help us fulfill our mission and achieve our vision. Opportunities, power and resources should be equitably accessible to everyone – especially communities of color, and particularly Black and under-resourced communities.
By advancing philanthropy, The Community Foundation advocates for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River region
Ray Slaughter
Michele Mansouri
The establishment of a fund to promote diversity and racial justice is a reaffirmation of The Community Foundation’s commitment to improve the lives of every citizen in the Rappahannock region and to remove any biases within the foundation. Although racism and racial injustice will not be eliminated in my lifetime, this fund could potentially provide the resources to significantly reduce the negative effect of racism and over time change the hearts and minds of the people who do not understand or appreciate the value of diversity or the negative impact of racism.
Our Community Foundation Statement on Racial Justice is clear. Now is the time to listen, to learn and to act so we can ensure The Community Foundation is a positive force for diversity, equity and inclusion in our region. These issues are important to me personally and I’m honored to help lead the foundation while we launch the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative and new fund.
Ray Slaughter, Board Member
When we reflect back on 2020, this initiative will serve as a bright light, reminding us of the strength and hope that lies within our community during even our darkest times. Michele Mansouri, Board President
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Foundation News
A New Fund. A Clear Statement.
Fall/Winter 2020 The Community Foundation approach is simple–build a better community by making philanthropy easy.
The Community Foundation approach is simple–build a better community by making philanthropy easy. The foundation manages 170 named funds on behalf of our area’s most generous people, each with its own designated purpose and impact. Now there is a new fund for people who feel passionate about work to advance racial equity in our region. The new fund will be guided – and named – by a council of advisors. Each council member will represent and, through lived experiences, understand the needs and assets of our regional communities of color. We envision grants from this fund helping area nonprofits address issues common to Black communities and other people of color, and helping break down barriers to access and opportunity.
La Bravia Jenkins
Andy Withers
The Community Foundation is committed to expanding our ability to make a difference by learning, listening and taking action together with other people from every part of our community. We are proud to establish this new fund, which stands for unity.
By launching a clear statement on racial equity and inclusion and by establishing a fund dedicated to supporting initiatives devoted to achieving racial justice, The Community Foundation is sending a strong message: it is time to face racism head on.
As a lifelong resident of Fredericksburg, I believe there is no greater cause than making this a community where everyone can live and raise their family feeling they’ll be judged only by their character and have ample opportunities to succeed.
We are grateful to donor Mary Jane O’Neill for her establishing leadership gift. All are welcome to support this effort!
Of course it is easy to condemn violence and overt hatred due to race, but The Community Foundation has come to the realization that more subtle, insidious forms of racism are the drivers of a system that routinely excludes Black people and other minorities from so much that is good in this region and our country.
I am confident that The Community Foundation‘s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative and this new fund will provide the passion, constructive deliberation, and funding needed to support this cause.
I am anxious to see how our concerted effort can change the norms to which we have become so accustomed. With the engagement of our partners throughout the region, we are dedicated to becoming a steady force in chipping away centuries of discrimination, exclusion and intolerance. It won’t be easy. Join us in this struggle! Mary Jane O’Neill
La Bravia Jenkins, Board Member
I am proud to be a part of The Community Foundation. I’m proud to be a part of this community, and my hope is for everyone that lives in the Fredericksburg region to feel this way. Andy Withers, Board Member
Foundation News
Fall/Winter 2020
Community Leadership That Cares
The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region announces three local leaders have joined its Board of Governors for the 2021 fiscal year. All Board changes took effect July 1, 2020.
Harry Dickinson, Founding Board Member
Paul Giambra, New Board Member
Ben Maxwell, Returning Board Member
The Community Foundation’s new board members for the 2021 fiscal year are: Harry Dickinson, PhD, CPA, Current Consultant and Retired Partner with Bishop, Farmer & Co., LLC; Paul Giambra, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quarles Petroleum, Inc. and Ben Maxwell, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones.
The Board of Governors elected Michele Mansouri, Executive Director and Vice President of Access Eye, to serve as foundation Board President. Kirstin Snead will serve as Secretary and Dan Hansen returns to his role as Treasurer.
The foundation is grateful for the service of these long-term members who rotated off The Community Foundation Board of Governors in June:
Harry Dickinson is a founding board member of the foundation who is returning for a new term of service. Ben Maxwell, also a returning board member, will serve as President-Elect for the 2021 fiscal year.
Stu Ashton completed his term as president and continues to serve on several foundation committees. The foundation is grateful for his guidance, passion and commitment in his role as president over the past year, especially in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and the related community and financial uncertainty that came with it.
Stu Ashton, Past President
Margaret Hardy
Chris Franklin
Jamie Scully
Cathy Wack
Ben Wafle
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Margaret Hardy, Sands Anderson, PC; Chris Franklin, Parrish Snead Franklin Simpson, PLC; Maria Franklin, Senior Vice President, Retired, Atlantic Union Bank; Jamie Scully, Cushman & Wakefield – Thalhimer; Cathy Wack, Wack General Contractor and Ben Wafle, Retired, Heritage Wealth Advisors.
Maria Franklin
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Foundation News
Fall/Winter 2020
The Community Foundation’s nonprofit mission is to make charitable giving and community impact easy. The foundation works directly with donors. Generous people rely
on our experience navigating legal, financial and tax challenges in order to do the most good. We love working with attorneys, accountants, planners and advisors to find
win/win opportunities for their clients and our community.
Dan Bender, CPA/PFS, CFP, Partner, PBMares, LLP
Jon Osler, Attorney & Counselor at Law, Carrell Blanton Ferris & Associates, PLC
Melinda May, MT, CPA, Owner, Featherstone, LLC
“The Community Foundation has been an invaluable resource to me as a tax and financial advisor. There are many examples of client needs met in a cost effective way with minimal administration hassle through donor advised funds, gifts of appreciated stock and qualified IRA distributions. The Community Foundation makes it easy and effortless to accomplish tax advantaged philanthropic goals.”
“Often my charitably-inclined clients wish to benefit the region, but have a difficult time choosing which of the many local philanthropic organizations to support. Thankfully, The Community Foundation provides the perfect vehicle for their charitable contributions. When I counsel clients on charitable giving, I can assure them that a gift to The Community Foundation is an investment in the future of our community. “
“In a trusted advisor role, I recommend to clients that they contribute to The Community Foundation for several reasons. Foremost, their contribution is an investment in our shared community. Whether it’s a general donation or money earmarked for a special cause close to their heart, they know that the stewardship of the funds will be top notch by The Community Foundation team. In addition, creating an endowment sets up a legacy gift that will keep on giving in perpetuity.”
Jon Osler
Melinda May
Your Specialist in Charitable Giving
Dan Bender
Contact us at 540.373.9292.
The Community Relief Fund Thank You to Each Generous Donor The Community Foundation stands with everyone in our region affected by the coronavirus pandemic: people who are ill, people who are grieving, people facing economic uncertainty and profound disruptions to our way of life.
We are grateful to every individual, business and organization rising to the challenge and meeting our community’s needs at this difficult time.
Your gifts today are actively shaping our community’s future. Thank you for responding to the critical needs of our community and giving generously to the Community Relief Fund.
Foundation News
Fall/Winter 2020
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Thanking our Community Relief Fund Donors The Community Foundation understands that the effects of the pandemic are farreaching; that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. You can still support nonprofits responding to the pandemic. Consider making your own gift today through the Community Relief Fund. Visit cfrrr.org to click and give.
Or mail a contribution to: PO Box 208, Fredericksburg, VA 22404.
Gifts of $100,000 or Greater The Sunshine Lady Foundation
The Hugh and Marian McCabe Charitable Fund The Repp Family Fund Marcia and Charlie Russell Helen and Stephen Sanders Sharon and Joseph Schmidt The Nicky Seay Charitable Fund St. George’s Episcopal Church Easter Offering Margaret and Jonathan Stevens Nancy and Woody Van Valkenburgh Jeannine and Keith Wampler The Dietmar and Mary Lou Weselin Charitable Fund Barbara and J.M.H. Willis Janet Wishner Anonymous
Gifts of $40,000 or up to $99,999 The Community Fund of The Community Foundation Fredericksburg Savings Charitable Foundation Michele Mansouri / Access Eye sPower Gifts of $20,000 or up to $39,999 Dynovis / Chris and Brad Repp The Honeywell Charitable Fund Kaeser Compressors Rennie and Richmond McDaniel The Micron Opportunity Fund of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Anonymous Gifts of $10,000 or up to $19,999 The Gemini 3 Group, Inc. The Robert Cullen O’Neill Memorial Fund Gifts of $5,000 or up to $9,999 The Ron and Cathy Davis Family Fund The Hansen Family Fund The Hilldrup Move-Up Fund Virginia Green Lawn Care The Youngblood Family Endowment Fund Anonymous Gifts of $1,000 or up to $4,999 Mindy and Stuart Ashton Joanne and Sean Barden Gwen Beck BP Foundation Sue and Marty Bridi The Cohen Family The Female Charity School Endowment Fund Rhonda Cary Fried Tina and Gary Gemmill Laura and James Hall The Hicks Family Fund Bill Hoffmann Casey and Stephen Hu Karen-Marie and Jack Hyland Kiwanis Club of Fredericksburg Jess Kujala and Jamie Scully
Donors highlighted in blue gave through the donor advised fund they established at The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region.
Other Generous Gifts Carolyne Ashton Alison and Allen Bareford Sarah and Marty Bass Mary Ann and Stephen Batsche Anne Beals Helen and Larry Biever Meg and Dave Bohmke Susanna and William Botts Jo Ann and James Brown Georgia Sutton Buchanan Daniel Buckman Iretha Bumbrey Kathryn Burchell Alice Cobey and Chris Glover Claire Cole Curcio and Selby McCash Theresa Conologue The William and Barbara Cooper Memorial Fund Leslye Ann and Bruce Cushing Rebecca Danello Doris and Harry Dickinson Beth and Terry Dorn Kathleen and Donald Edwards Jeanette and Ed Episcopo Beth and Steve Flanagan Darlene Flemer Sharon Foley Mary Carter Frackelton Fredericksburg Area Running Club Ruby Gallant Robert Gates Diane Graber
Donor Advised Funds provide a simple, powerful and very personal approach to giving. They offer flexibility as the issues and causes you care about evolve. Learn more at cfrrr.org or contact: Teri McNally or Emma Miller-Richards at 540.373.9292. Katherine and William Green Anne and Howard Hanchey Rebecca Hanmer Donna Hart Keri and Dave Hills Jordan and Chris Hinkebein Kevin Hopun Doris and David Johnson Cindy and Howard Korn Joey Lambert Virginia and Richard Lewis Susan Lovegrove C. Edward Mack Marie MacPhail Melissa and Wayland Marks Jean and Eugene Mayausky Teri McNally Fred Messing Maura Monahan Mary Namey Alma Nichols Gene O’Brien Caroline Parr Alice Parvin Judith Rivlin Letha and Arthur Robinson Barbara and Tom Segar Karla Snellings Nancy Snyder Mary Jane and John Solomon St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Terry and Grady Stout Angie and Eric Sullivan Doreen Svendsgaard Ingrid and Mark Thomas Michelle Thomas David Thrall Imogene Treble Nancy Turnage Leigh Anne Van Doren Jennifer and Brian Vaughan The Vittoria Family Endowment Fund Cecelia Wade Laura and Tim Weber Carol and Martin Westphal Rosalind Whitescarver Alma and Billy Withers Joan Yarus Adele Young Quincey and Joshua Young Cherie Zadlo and Rick Pullen Anonymous
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Foundation News
Fall/Winter 2020
The Community Relief Fund Donor Spotlights
Michele and Doc Mansouri
Rennie and Richmond McDaniel
Susan and Dan Hansen
Michele Mansouri / Access Eye
Rennie and Richmond McDaniel
The Hansen Family Fund
“We started this year on a high note. February marked 40 years that Access Eye has been serving the eyecare needs of this region. Then disaster struck and we all began the arduous process of coping with COVID-19. We turned from celebration plans to devoting our efforts and resources to protect our patients and our community.
“We wanted to be able to quickly help those in need in the Fredericksburg community and we felt that the Community Relief Fund was the most efficient and effective way to do this.”
“We were both very fortunate to have incredible parents and grandparents that taught us the importance of supporting our communities with both our time and finances. We recognize that our community has been an integral part of our personal success.
We share a deep commitment and devotion to helping those affected by the pandemic crisis in our region. That’s why we committed $40,000 to The Community Foundation’s Community Relief Fund. It’s a powerful way to mark our 40th anniversary, and we trust The Community Foundation’s expertise to make the best use of the gift we’re honored to provide.”
Ron and Cathy Davis The Ron and Cathy Davis Family Fund “Nonprofits in our area are suffering from reduced donations and at the same time the need for their services are rising. We feel that contributing to the Community Relief Fund is a great way to support them during this difficult time.”
Having spent our entire professional careers in risk management and prevention, we understand not only the importance of good planning but the importance of supporting the good plan. The Community Foundation has always been proactive. Developing the Community Relief Fund in anticipation of a disaster is just one example of the Foundation’s good planning not good luck. The Community Relief Fund is a good plan and we recognize the urgency needed to support the Fund.”
Foundation News
Fall/Winter 2020
The Community Relief Fund Donor Spotlights
The Honeywells
Kaeser Compressors Staff Kaeser Compressors
The Gemini 3 Group, Inc.
The Honeywell Charitable Fund
“Kaeser Compressors is grateful for the work of The Community Foundation and, during these times, the Community Relief Fund in particular. We trust The Community Foundation to identify and support local organizations that make a direct, positive impact on the lives of so many people in our area.”
“The Gemini 3 Group’s donation in support of the Community Relief Fund connects us to the communities in which we live and work. The Community Foundation is assessing local needs and working with the nonprofit community and other donors to direct funding where it can help the most during this challenging time. It is Gemini 3 Group’s hope that our donation will help to make our entire community stronger and more resilient.”
When the Honeywell’s won the Virginia Lottery Power Ball prize they suddenly had a chance to do something they’d dreamed of – help people in the community who might otherwise “fall through the cracks.” Over the years, grants from the Honeywell Charitable Fund of The Community Foundation have helped all kinds of meaningful charities, but especially food distribution programs for people who are hungry. They asked the foundation to use their pandemic response gift through the Community Relief Fund to help those who need it most.
Gemini 3 Group
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Foundation News
Fall/Winter 2020
Ring in the Holidays 2020: Answering the Call
Will you answer the call? Please consider giving to support our community and The Community Foundation at this critical time. Learn more at cfrrr.org or call Executive Director Teri McNally at 540 373-9292.
This year is different.
Platinum Donors Atlantic Union Bank Edward Jones Investments / Ben Maxwell Stacy and Andrew Horne Kaeser Compressors Wack General Contractor
The Community Foundation’s Ring in the Holidays party is one of our region’s most special occasions – gathering local leaders and celebrating the power of generosity – but it’s not what we need most right now. Although it was necessary to cancel this year’s event and we can’t gather together in person, we ask that you stand with The Community Foundation in the spirit of giving. The need for leadership and generosity is greater now than it has ever been. Many people think of Ring in the Holidays as the season opener of holiday parties and “the event” not to be missed. More than that, it is essential to the foundation’s mission and enables us to work as advocates for our region. The money you contribute through Ring in the Holidays drives The Community Foundation’s impact in the region throughout the year. • Thanks to you, our Community Relief Fund is distributing more than $570,000 in coronavirus pandemic rapid response and recovery grants to area nonprofits. • Your support helped us establish a new fund that will make grants to advance racial justice work and help ensure a safe and equitable community for people of color in our region. • With your help, we manage 41 scholarship funds from application, to citizen review to award and student celebration. Local students received $150,074 brightening a tumultuous 2020 graduation. • And because of you, we are able to steward a total of 170 named charitable funds on behalf of our generous community and efficiently and effectively distribute $2.35 million in grants to nonprofits meeting regional needs.
These individuals, families and businesses have already answered the call to support the mission and work of The Community Foundation in the year ahead. Thank you! When your community needs you, you are there. Lead Donors sPower Mary Jane O’Neill Access Eye / Arash and Michele Mansouri Cooper Financial Group / Douglas Cooper and Joshua Cooper The Gemini 3 Group Nicky Seay Charitable Fund
Silver Donors The Keddie Group of Davenport & Company LLC Kelsey T. Williams Waterloo Farm Answering the Call Donors as of 9-2-20. Visit cfrrr.org to stand with The Community Foundation in the spirit of giving.
Mary Jane O’Neill
Will you answer the call? Please consider giving to support our community and The Community Foundation at this critical time. © 2020 The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region
The Nicky Seay Charitable Fund