“Enriching the quality of life in the Chautauqua region.” This is a simple mission that the Community Foundation has worked to fulfill for 29 years. With each passing year and each additional dollar awarded back to the community, the Board and staff at the Community Foundation believe this mission is being fulfilled, which is something to celebrate. This is why every year in November all community foundations nationwide celebrate National Community Foundations Week. 

 

During the week of November 12 – 18, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation will join nearly 700 community foundations nationwide to celebrate local charitable giving. This week provides an opportunity to highlight the positive results community foundations provide for their respective communities. Community foundations have far-reaching benefits for anyone interested in philanthropy and provide a broad range of services to all donors. A few ways to get involved with any community foundation would be to establish a new fund, make a simple donation, serve on a committee, volunteer, or become involved with an agency the foundation supports. Community involvement is the key to all community foundations’ success and the impacts they have on their respective communities…and these are no small impacts.   

 

Nationwide, community foundations granted $3.2 billion to non-profit organizations and activities in 2006 and received $5.6 billion in gifts from charitably- minded citizens. In the Chautauqua region alone, CRCF granted over $2 million to local non-profit organizations and received over $3 million in gifts in 2006…both reasons to celebrate. The Community Foundation was created as a vehicle for Chautauqua County residents to give charitably, and they certainly have done so in an effort to build a better community.   

 

As part of CRCF’s celebration of this week, an Open House and Remote Radio Broadcast with WJTN’s Jim Roselle will be held, as in years past. The Open House and WJTN Remote Broadcast will take place on Thursday, November 15, from 9:00 AM to Noon, at the Foundation office (418 Spring Street, Jamestown). This event allows CRCF Board members and staff to thank those who have made CRCF’s charitable work in the community possible. The radio broadcast also allows CRCF to talk about new things happening in the world of charitable giving, as well as good, positive things taking place in the local community. Overall, the entire day is a celebration of people. The Community Foundation’s 29 years of success is due to an entire community of individuals that want to see the Chautauqua region grow and flourish. 

 

When you wake up tomorrow, remember that it marks the beginning of National Community Foundations Week. After doing so, pat yourself on the back because without a charitable community, there is no Community Foundation. Additionally, if you have a moment on Thursday, November 15, feel free to stop on by the Community Foundation office at 418 Spring Street, Jamestown. The Community Foundation Board and staff welcome the opportunity to share a cup of coffee and conversation with those who make CRCF’s good works possible. More importantly, we look forward to thanking you in person for all your help in “enriching the quality of life in the Chautauqua region.”