Now is the time of year to reflect on everything that has happened over the course of the past 363 days. For the Community Foundation, this reflection brings about wonderful memories of yearly events, exiting initiatives, and celebration of great people; and this was no different in 2007. 

 

The very essence of the Community Foundation is people. The CRCF Board and staff had the pleasure of celebrating three very special people in 2007. In June, Eleanor Esch of Cassadaga was awarded the Axel W. Carlson Award, given annually to an “unsung hero” in the community. Eleanor has proven to be more than an unsung hero to the Cassadaga Food Pantry, which she helped establish many years ago and continues to operate today under her volunteer leadership. 

 

Two other special individuals that CRCF celebrated were Vivian and Lula Taylor, who received the John D. Hamilton Community Service Award this past September. Vivian and Lula have given over 50 years of their lives to dedication and leadership in Chautauqua County, and CRCF is honored to have presented the couple with this award. Eleanor Esch and Vivian and Lula Taylor were three reasons that 2007 was a great year. 

 

The Foundation also continued in a trend of growth in 2007. Scholarship awards totaled over $750,000 given to area students for educational assistance; total funds grew by nearly 30 to where the Foundation now administers approximately 475 funds; and the Foundation’s assets reached as high as $65 million, the highest in CRCF’s 29-year history. The Foundation staff even saw another addition due to this growth, as Christine Ditz was hired to occupy the newly-created position of Program Associate. Her skills will help assist CRCF in continued growth for the next year and beyond.  

 

Finally, above all else, 2007 was a great year because of each and every one of you…the individuals in the community that believe in the Foundation’s mission and the people behind that mission. In 2007, over $2 million was donated to the Foundation in the way of general donations, memorial and honorary gifts, new funds, and planned gifts. Each one of these dollars directly serves the growth of the entire community, as CRCF puts these dollars to work every year. It continues to be said, but needs to be said, that the charitable support by individuals in Chautauqua County far exceeds that which can be expected. This is truly a great thing for the community and its future…yet another reason 2007 was a great year.   

 

From this day on, the Community Foundation Board and staff now look forward to what promises to be a great 2008 as well! With the many outstanding individuals involved with CRCF and a supportive community doing its part, every year is a year to look forward to at CRCF. Enjoy the last couple days of 2007 and join the Community Foundation in looking forward to another exciting chapter in the book that is the future of Chautauqua County.