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Regional Community Foundation recognizes retiring members of Effingham board |
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01-29-2013
The Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation (SICF) recently recognized the efforts of outgoing board members of the Effingham County Community Foundation. In December 2012, Jim Schultz and Blake Linders completed their service on the local advisory board.
In 1999, Jim Schultz was one of seven local businessmen that developed and pursued the vision of establishing a community foundation in Effingham County. In those early years, Jim was instrumental in raising the early capital necessary to establish the foundation along with providing many in-kind contributions, including free office space and clerical support for the young organization.
In 2004, the Effingham County Community Foundation and the Mattoon Area Community Foundation worked together to take advantage of a visionary initiative of the Grand Victoria Foundation, of Elgin, Illinois. Their cooperative effort enabled them to secure funds for important community initiatives through matching grants, and also bolster their impact and flexibility in serving their local communities through operating grants and technical assistance provided by Grand Victoria. Jim Schultz was a leader in creating the partnership that qualified the two foundations for the Grand Victoria program.
This relationship set the stage for the 2009 merger of the two local foundations, creating the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation. Mr. Schultz led the effort to navigate a complicated merger between the two organizations and was appointed Vice Chair to the inaugural board of directors of SICF, which serves 11 counties in Southeast Illinois. He will complete his term of service in 2013. According to Joedy Hightower, President and CEO of SICF, “Jim is truly a visionary leader who perceives challenges and growth opportunities before they happen. Because of his commitment and dedication, this organization is making extraordinary contributions to the quality of life in the region.”
Blake Linders joined the Effingham County Community Foundation board in 2008. During his five-year term, he also served on the Joint Investment Committee for the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation. During his tenure, the Committee established key financial and investment policies and set investment return priorities for the organization. Mr. Linders will continue to serve on the Joint Investment Committee of the SICF.
“We are so grateful for the leadership and generous support provided by these two individuals. During their terms of service, the Effingham County Community Foundation has grown to over $11 million in charitable assets,” said Hightower. |
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Fundraising Money Goes Towards High School Scholarships |
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12-03-2012
The Effingham County Community Foundation recently accepted a $10,000 contribution on behalf of the Dieterich Community Education Foundation Fund. The money was raised through various fundraising activities, such as an Annual Golf Outing, 4th of July Firecracker 5K run, and a raffle. In 2012, the Dieterich Community Education Foundation funded $200 scholarships for 22 high school students. “On behalf of the Education Foundation committee, we would like to thank the community for supporting the fundraising efforts of the foundation,” said Amanda Gephart, president of the Dieterich Community Education Foundation. Other members include Bill McClain, Dot Worman, Devin McManaway, Sara Miller, Michelle Hartke, Cassie Campton, Gilbert Garbe, Lance Douthit, Jodi Britton and Tina Britton.
For more information regarding the Dieterich Community Education Foundation, contact Amanda Gephart at (217) 925-5500.
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Effingham County Veterans Memorial receives $1,000 from Poterucha Family Foundation Fund |
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9-26-2012
Members of the Effingham County Veterans memorial recently accepted a $1,000 contribution from the Dr. Henry and Esther Poterucha Family Fund. Joedy Hightower, representing Effingham County Community Foundation, presented the check on behalf of the Poterucha Family in front of the pillar carrying the engraved name of Henry Poterucha who served in the US Air Corp from 1944 to 1945 and in the US Army from 1952 to 1954. For more information regarding the Effingham County Veteran’s Memorial, contact Chris Thies at 217-347-2161. For information regarding the Effingham County Community Foundation, contact Joedy Hightower at 217-342-4988.
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Gift boosts Siemer Milling Company Endowment |
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8-27-2012
Siemer Milling Company of Teutopolis has contributed an additional $250,000 to the Siemer Milling Company Endowment Fund at the Effingham County Community Foundation. This endowed fund was established in 2006 as a donor-advised fund, with an emphasis on youth leadership development.
The gift will significantly increase the annual distributions of the Fund, and thus its impact on the community. According to Joedy Hightower, President and CEO of the Community Foundation, “It’s staggering when you consider how this generous gift from Siemer Milling can grow over time. For instance, just in the first 15 years, assuming an 8.5% rate of return, this fund will generate $350,000 in grants even while the corpus continues to grow. Because the fund is a permanent endowment, grants from the Siemer Milling Endowment will be available each year for perpetuity.
“It is an honor and a privilege for the Effingham County Community Foundation to administer the Siemer Milling Endowment. This gift says a lot about the values and dedication the Siemer Milling Company and the employees who work there demonstrate on a daily basis,” said Hightower.
Rick Siemer, President of Siemer Milling, observed, “Our Board really understands the ability of the Community Foundation to enable steady support of worthwhile activities here in our home. We’ve tried to be a good corporate citizen for the past 130 years, and through this Endowment our efforts can continue that far into the future.” Siemer is a founding member and past president of Effingham County Community Foundation, and currently is on the Board of the parent organization, Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation.
The first initiative funded by the Siemer Milling Company Endowment was a program coordinated by local 4-H Youth Ambassadors called the Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program, or P2D2. The project received $4,000 in 2011 to install collection boxes at designated sites throughout Effingham County to assist with the collection of unused medications so they do not present a health and safety hazard.
Back Row (L to R)
Martha Stice, Kenny Stice, Johanna Stice, Henry Siemer, Diane Siemer
Front Row / sitting (L to R)
Jackson Stice, Katherine Siemer, Rick Siemer |
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The Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation recently appointed Travis Franklin of Effingham to a five-year term on the Effingham County Community Foundation Advisory Board.
