Foundation Welcomes New Board

 The Shenandoah Community Foundation Welcomes New Board

January 7, 2012, Woodstock, VA – The Shenandoah Community Foundation today announced two new board members, Adele Skolits and Patsy Morehead.

Ms. Skolits serves as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance at Shentel. She is responsible for Shentel's daily financial decisions and brings many years of financial experience to the Board.

Ms. Morehead owns and manages Stover Funeral Home in Strasburg, VA with her husband Stanley. They first became associated with The Shenandoah Community Foundation after their son, Michael died of cancer in 2007.

“We wanted to do something to keep Michael’s memory alive,” says Morehead. “Elizabeth Cottrell [SCF President at the time] was so helpful to us in figuring out what to do and then in establishing the fund.”

The Moreheads created the Michael Morehead Memorial Scholarship which is awarded to a graduate of Strasburg High School each year.

“We are very pleased to welcome Adele and Patsy to our Board,” said Foundation President, Jeff Dalke. “We know their combined experience and expertise will be a great asset to us.”

Skolits and Morehead will replace outgoing board members Clint Miller and Elizabeth Cottrell, whose current terms are up.

“The Board is grateful to Elizabeth and Clint for their valuable contributions to the Foundation. They will be missed,” said Dalke.

Cottrell will be joining the Foundation’s Advisory Board and both plan to continue to be ambassadors for the Foundation to the local community.
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Foundation Hires Program Coordinator

Shenandoah Community Foundation Hires Program Coordinator
The Shenandoah Community Foundation today announced that Jeanne Russell has been hired as Program Coordinator starting in January 2012. Russell is experienced in public relations, computers, and marketing. She will be coordinating and promoting the Foundation’s grant and scholarship programs as well as providing creative input to further the organization’s missions and goals and broaden its reach in the community.

 “We are very excited to welcome Jeanne aboard,” said Foundation President Jeff Dalke. “She brings a clear commitment to community service, and we believe her unique mix of experience, creativity, and skill will accelerate our organization’s momentum. Everyone here feels her arrival is a great way to start the New Year.”

Russell is active in the community and runs a creative services company that offers writing, publishing, web-building, marketing, and design. From 2006 to 2009 she co-hosted the Just Say It! Radio Show on WSVG in Mt Jackson.  Russell worked for the Federal Government and then as a government contractor before moving to Shenandoah County in December 2002.

“I am honored to be hired by such a worthwhile organization and can’t wait to get started,” says Russell.

Since its founding in 1999, the Shenandoah Community Foundation has helped over 40 donors and donor groups establish funds to support charitable causes. During 2011, it awarded over $100,000 in grants to local nonprofits and scholarships to local students. In short, the Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter in Shenandoah County, Virginia, and surrounding areas. 
 

Legacy of Service:

William C. “Ches” and Evelyn E. Lambert

    Life-saving equipment for the Woodstock Fire Department was recently purchased with a grant from the Foundation’s William C. “Ches” and Evelyn E. Lambert Fund. This fund was established by the three children of Ches and Evelyn Lambert to honor their memory and their life long support of the community they loved.

   
    A grant for $3800.00 was used to purchase a Res-Q-Jack Strut System to stabilize vehicles in crashes or other emergency incidents. WFD Captain Phil Hottel reported on the importance of this grant: “Our personnel have been trained and the rescue Q jacks have been placed on our fire engine. They were used on an accident last week with good results.  They helped us stabilize the vehicle in quick order. After additional metal removal using other tools the patients were turned over to EMS for good care and transport to hospital.” 

 

  

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Foundation Accomplishments 2011

Over $500,000 in grants and scholarships awarded since January 2007

$109,000 in Grants Awarded in 2011:
  • $47,000 to area nonprofit organizations as part of 4th annual unrestricted grants program
  • $48,000 in scholarship grants to county youth
  • $14,000 in additional grants to nonprofits from restricted grants program

Service Improvements in 2011:
  • Upgraded website that is more attractive, informative, and user-friendly
  • New on-line donation capability for internet donors
  • New Facebook and Twitter social media accounts
  • 2010 annual report published and brochures revised

Financial Growth in 2011:
  • 6.13% net asset growth for year
  • $1.689 million total net assets at year-end
  • Three new funds established for a current total of 49 funds
  • Over $17,000, or 33%, reduction in operating expenses

New Faces in 2011:
  • Two new Board members added:  Dr. Jerry Germroth and The Honorable I. Clinton Miller
  • New Program Coordinator selected:  Jeanne Ellen Russell

Community Outreach in 2011:
  • June reception for 2011 grant recipients honoring their organizations and service
  • Hosting of 2011 Shenandoah County Fair booth
  • Presentations to civic groups and donors about how we might help to achieve their charitable goals

Shenandoah Community Foundation's 2010 Annual Report

Building a Sustainable Future

    Ten years ago, several men and women of great vision saw a story unfolding in Shenandoah County, and they wanted to change the ending. They felt a community foundation was the ideal way to accomplish that.
    "Building a Sustainable Future for the Shenandoah County area...Telling Our Community Stories...Looking for Stories that Need to be Told"

Download this presentation in its entirety.
PDF 35.3 KB Word 34 KB


Four Shining Stars Remembered

    The Shenandoah Community Foundation serves donors in many ways, both as an effective means to accomplish their charitable wishes in our community, but also as a way to honor and memorialize loved ones whom they feel should beremembered.
    It was our privilege to work with families and organizations during 2008 who wished to either establish new -- or move existing -- memorial funds to the Shenandoah Community Foundation.
    These four individuals made a difference in their time among us, and their example inspires us to make the most of our own lives. Their legacies will be perpetuated in the annual distribution of grants or scholarships in their name.

    Michael Morehead Memorial Scholarship Fund
    Colton T. Lindamood Memorial Fund
    Shenandoah County Free Clinic - Dr. Charles Miller Memorial Fund
    Brandon Kelly Dawson Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund


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