Community FoundationAwardsAnnual Grants
The Community Foundation for Rockbridge, Bath and Alleghany held its annual reception recently at the Virginia Horse Center Appomattox Mezzanine. The event was attended by over 200 guests, which included community leaders, not-for-profit leaders, donor and philanthropic minded citizens.
In her opening speech, Lori Turner, executive director, said “Tonight we are celebrating philanthropy - your philanthropy individually and our foundation’s philanthropy collectively. Through your generosity we can improve the quality of life and Rockbridge, Bath and Allegany counties, not only today, but far into the future. We hope tonight’s reception will give you a sense of the accomplishments made possible by our donors who believe in on mission.”
The Community Foundation for Rockbridge, Bath, and Allegany has grown to nearly $10 million, managing over 85 endowment funds. The annual reception highlighted how the Foundation was able to distribute over $328,000 to 90 area nonprofit organizations from these endowments.
“We’ve came a long way from giving out a few hundred dollars to three organizations in David Cox’s living room,” said Turner. “I look around this tonight and can’t help but feel blessed for my 14-year journey at the Community Foundation that has brought us into this room.”
“It is such an honor to be here with all of you tonight,” said Steve Grist, chairman of the board of directors. “We are proud to have the privilege of supporting the communities we serve through thoughtful philanthropy. The work that we do together is built on deep history and is dedicated to a brighter future. Together we are creating stories that will be a lasting legacy.”
Grist also recognized outgoing board member Warren “Buddy” Bryan, who served not only on the Community Foundation for Rockbridge, Bath and Alleghany board but also the original Rockbridge Area Community Foundation board. “Buddy was an incredible asset and key player in our success,” said Grist. “We are so thankful for her service.”
Agencies who received annual grants included Alleghany Highlands Christmas Mothers, Alleghany Highlands Community Services, Alleghany Highlands Trail Club, Alleghany Highlands YMCA, ARC of Rockbridge, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Boxerwood Education Foundation, Boys Home of Virginia, Bridge to Hope food pantry, Brownsburg Museum, Buena Vista Drug Court, Buena Vista Police Department Foundation, CARE Rockbridge, CarePortal for Fosters, Carilion Foundation, CASA for Children, Concerned Citizens of Glasgow, Connections Plus Healthcare, Covington Area Special Olympics, English Speaking Union - Lexington Branch, Feed the Need Foundation, First Baptist Church Lexington, Friends of Chessie Trail, Grace Episcopal Church Fowler Fund and Half Halt Equine.
Other agencies included Helping Other People Excel (HOPE), Historic Lexington Foundation, Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding Center, Hull’s Drive-In - Hull’s Angels, Irma Thompson Educators of Color Fund, Kitty Care, Lexington City Schools, Lexington Police Foundation, Lexington Sunrise Rotary Club, Lexington Woman’s Club, Lime Kiln, Main Street Buena Vista Events, Main Street Lexington, MGCC Workforce Center, Mission Next Door, Nature Camp Foundation, Project Horizon, Rockbridge Animal Alliance, Rockbridge Conservation, Rockbridge Area Habitat for Humanity, Rockbridge Area Health Center, Rockbridge Area Relief Association, Rockbridge SPCA, Rockbridge Area Transportation System, Rockbridge Christmas Baskets, Rockbridge County Public Schools, Rockbridge Historical Society, Rockbridge Recovery, Rockbridge Regional Library -Youth Literacy, Samuel’s Supper, St John’s Episcopal Church, St. Luke’s Outreach - Bath County, Talking Book Center, The Community Table for Rockbridge, United Way of Rockbridge, Valley Area Stretcher Transport, Valley Program for Aging Services, Virginia Horse Center, Washington and Lee Campus Kitchen and Yellow Brick Road Learning Center.
Also awarded this year were scholarships from the Community Foundation totaling nearly $30,000, which included the Mont Shenandoah Spirit scholarship, Edward F. Turner Memorial Scholarship, Charles L. Lauck Memorial Scholarship, Eric Charles Bowyer Scholarship, Lexington High School Alumni Scholarship, Jacqueline Corbin Pleasants Democratic Scholarship, George C Marshall Chapter of MOAA Scholarship, Blair Family Scholarship, Pastor Fred of the Bethesda McElwee Church Scholarship, Jaclyn’s Hope Scholarship, Stonewall Jackson Hospital Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship and the Covington Women’s Club for GFWC Scholarship.
“We have grown from $800,000 to over $9.7 million,” said Greg Madsen, vice chairman of the board of directors. “Our prudent investment policies are aimed at preserving the funds while still allowing impactful payouts each year. I am honored to serve on this board and look forward to becoming chairman in 2025” The Community Foundation for Rockbridge Bath and Allegany grants help not-for-profits to sustain and expand their valued work in the community.
“Being a good community partner is a critical component of the community foundation. We are honored to be a vehicle for important and impactful projects, which make a difference in the lives of so many,” said Turner. “We are leaders in community projects which address the critical needs of the areas we serve.
The Community Foundation is currently managing three active projects which include the Harry & Eliza Walker Entrepreneurship Program, which has granted over $220,000 to support the start-up of over 30 Black owned businesses; the Hope House project, which is the firstever sober living home in the region, and supporting Rockbridge Recovery, which has brought in over 20 in-kind and monetary partners and secured Opioid Abatement Authority funding in cooperation with local leaders; and the Hull’s Angels renovation project which included the Buddy Derrick Stage, bathroom renovations and expansion of the patio area to offer an additional revenue stream and a place for the community to host a series of events.
Joanne Robblee, donor adviser of the Robblee Family Fund, was selected as the donor adviser speaker for this year’s event. She said, “I ask that you share information about the Foundation with your friends, family and colleagues. Please urge them to get involved and join our growing Foundation family. Because of your generosity with your time, talent and treasure, you have made a huge difference in the community since 2001. Because of your enthusiasm and caring, you are making a significant difference in the community today. And, more importantly, because of your commitment and vision you will continue to do so in the future.”
More information about the Community Foundation can be found at its website, https://cfrba. org, or by calling or emailing Turner at [email protected] or (540) 463-0943.
AT LEFT, Woody Salder stands as he is recognized by Executive Director Lori Turner for being the founder of the Community Foundation in 2001. ABOVE, board member Christy Harris congratulates an ARC of Rockbridge representative on their grant award, one of the many grant recipients recognized at the annual reception.
