RCCF awards over $52,000 in local grants
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| Representatives from 20 local organizations received grants totaling over $52,000 at River Counties Community Foundation’s awards ceremony recently held at RW-C. |
The River Counties Community Foundation (RCCF) recently awarded its annual competitive grants during a reception at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury in Irvington.
RCCF chair J.B. “Jay” Wallin welcomed those present. He recognized RCCF Advisory Board members in attendance and highlighted the accomplishments of the foundation during the past year. “Despite our troubled economy, RCCF’s assets increased in 2009 to a record $5.3 million, and more than $423,000 was distributed,” said Wallin.
Other accomplishments of RCCF mentioned by Wallin included creation of the Safety Net Fund, which distributed $83,000 to those in need of basic human services, and the establishment of three new donor funds.
In making the presentation, Grants Committee chairman Mary Elizabeth Hoinkes noted RCCF’s ability in 2010 to increase the amount of grant money awarded from last year. Letters of intent were received from 44 worthy organizations and 20 selected grant recipients received $52,228. The recipients were:
Partners for Lancaster County Schools Foundation—$5,000 to help with the engineering and design phase of Mercer Place, a project to provide affordable rental housing for local teachers, and health care, law enforcement, municipal and county employees. Accepting the award for Partners were Brownie Watkins and Bill Warren.
Connect Rappahannock—$5,000 to support web-based resources for non-profit business and government organizations serving citizens in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. Cindy Balderson received the award on behalf of Connect Rappahannock.
Middlesex County Family YMCA—$4,000 for “Interactive Learning Centers” designed to stimulate creativity and imaginative thinking in children and particularly adolescents. Cean Cawthorn and Rosabeth Ward Kissman accepted the grant award for the YMCA.
The Family Maternity Center of the Northern Neck—$3,040 to provide training for staff, rescue workers and volunteers in neonatal resuscitation and newborn emergencies. Accepting the grant for the Maternity Center was Shirley Dodson-McAdoo.
The Arc of the Virginia Peninsula’s Lewis B. Puller Center—$3,000 to help provide work opportunities for persons with disabilities. Sara Sager accepted the award on behalf of the Puller Center.
Alzheimer’s Association—$3,000 for the Respite Assistance Program to enable primary caregivers to take some time off. Accepting the grant for the Alzheimer’s Association were Ellie Galloway and Ben Garrett.
The Haven Shelter and Services—$2,880 to help with the development and presentation of a Child Assault Prevention Program for Lancaster County Primary School students. Ellen Yackel accepted the award on behalf of The Haven.
Middlesex County Public Library—$2,800 for the summer reading program. Accepting the grant for Middlesex Library were Sherry Inabinet and Connie Harris.
Hands Across Middlesex—$2,500 to be used to upgrade three bathrooms to handicap status. Accepting for Hands Across Middlesex was Frances Lowe.
Middlesex Habitat for Humanity—$2,500 to help fund a “Habitat for Youth” project where teens required to perform community service build storage sheds. Mary Sychtez received the grant award for Middlesex Habitat.
Saif Water Wells—$2,500 to help provide wells or restore water for low income families. Accepting the grant award for Saif Water was Gayl Fowler.
Rappahannock General Hospital Foundation—$2,108 to support the Le Silverman Voice Treatment by sending a physical therapist to a training and certification workshop. Jimmie Carter accepted the award on behalf of the foundation.
Callao Volunteer Rescue Squad—$2,000 toward the purchase of new radios to meet the emergency needs of upper Northumberland County.
Bay Aging—$2,000 to assist in the provision of shelf stable meals for the frail and elderly. Accepting the grant award for Bay Aging were Jean Duggan and Kathy Vesley-Massey.
Northumberland Chapter of the American Red Cross—$2,000 to help fund instructor training in health and safety, disaster assistance and child care safety. Chris Mills and Shirley Grant received the award for the Northumberland Chapter.
River Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross—$2,000 to assist victims of house fires and other disasters in Lancaster and Middlesex counties. Julie Dudley accepted the award for the River Counties Chapter.
Northern Neck Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)—$1,500 for recruitment advertising and training manuals for volunteers who represent abused and neglected children in court. Representing CASA were Karen Sciacchitano and Betty Wirth.
Mid-County Volunteer Rescue Squad—$1,500 for Continuous Positive Air Pressure machines to help patients breathe without installing a breathing tube.
Rappahannock Foundation for the Arts—$1,400 to help bring four live theater productions to Lancaster County students. Accepting the award for the Arts Foundation were Nancy Chilton and Anne Davis.
Christchurch School—$1,000 to provide curriculum training in environmental and science education for local public middle and high school teachers. Accepting the award on behalf of Christchurch School was Patty Rimbey.
RCCF component funds that contributed toward these community grants include the Catherine B. Chilton Endowment Fund, Charles Winfield Paul Fund, Robert S. and Martha S. Scheu Fund, William and Sally Spotswood Fund, the Dewey and Vivian Stallard Charitable Fund, and the River Counties Youth Fund. Also supporting the grants is the Frances R. Parker Fund of The Community Foundation serving Richmond and Central Virginia.
For more information about River Counties Community Foundation, call Margaret Nost, affiliate director, at 438-9414 or visit http://www.rivercountiescf.org.