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40 YEARSOF GIVING2018 Annual Report
TABLE OF CONTENTSA Message to Our Community1Board of Directors & Staff2-340 Years of Giving4-6Legacy Society7Unrestricted Giving8Book of Memory940th Anniversary Celebration10 - 11Next Generation Fund12 - 13Teens Changing Gaston County14Featured Donor Story15Allen H. Sims Award16 - 19Community Grants20 - 21Community Foundation Run22 - 23Summarized Financial Data24 - 25Funds at the Foundation26 - 29OUR MISSIONTo be the leaderof philanthropic givingby connecting donorswith community needsto enhance the livesof present and futuregenerations.
FROM THE PRESIDENT & CHAIRMANA Message to Our CommunityAnniversaries are opportunities to look back, while also thinking of the future. The year2018 inaugurated the Community Foundation’s fortieth year of existence, and we had a lotto celebrate! Incorporated in 1978, the dream of the Founders and the Founding Boardwas that “the Foundation would become a mechanism through which every citizenwould have the opportunity to contribute to those charitable, cultural, andeducational programs which would improve the community’s Quality of Life-nowand in the future.”As you begin your review of this annual report, we would like to point out a fewbenchmarks attained during the past 40 years: The Foundation started in 1978 with a gift of 726,524 from the remaining assets of theclosed Garrison General Hospital. Today the assets have grown to over 83 million. Thisincrease is due to the remarkable generosity of you, our community members, who havechosen to make philanthropy an active and vital part of your life. Since 1978 Foundation grants and scholarships achieved a major milestone of giving backto our community by exceeding 100 million, and during 2018 a new annual record forgrants/scholarships was achieved with a total of 9.07 million- a clear testament that our donorsare connecting “ with community needs to enhance the lives of present and future generations.” Since 1978, the Foundation has established over 400 separate funds by families, businesses, churches, and non-profits (2018 arecord year with 27 new funds). Over 150 people are currently members of the Next Generation giving circle established in 2000,and over 30 students are currently members of Teens Changing Gaston County. Since 2003, over 19 million dollars has been raised for community non-profits through the annual Community Foundation Run,an event which gives “every citizen the opportunity to contribute.” Since 1978, over 6 million of endowed scholarships have been established. During 2018, our Board worked to complete a new strategic plan which enables us to start 2019 with a defined direction forinitiating our next 40 years.Commitment in our community has never been more apparent and to all of you who are part of that, thank you for encouraging us everyday to do our part in making this community a better place to live. Anthony D’Angelo once said: “ Without a sense of caring, there canbe no sense of community.” Thank you for caring. Your continued trust, confidence and partnership is greatly appreciated.If you find yourself dreaming of ways to make Gaston County better, we hope you will consider making the Community Foundation yourpartner in changing those dreams into new and exciting realities. This is why we exist.Ernest W. SumnerPresidentRichard K. CraigChairman of the Board40 YEARS OF GIVING1
Board of Directors2019 INCOMING OFFICERS2018 OFFICERSH. Timothy EfirdChairFred A. JacksonVice ChairRichard K. Craig,ChairH. Timothy Efird,Vice ChairWilliam P. Carstarphen,Secretary/TreasurerJohn D. Kersh,Legal CounselJulia M. Shovelin,Past ChairLaurie C. NessSecretary & Treasurer2018 BOARD MEMBERSMay C. BargerKathleen G. BoyceRobert S. BrowneChrista H. HeiligDr. Ben S. HintonFred A. JacksonGayle B. KershVann M. Matthews IILaurie C. NessNancy B. PaschallRobert S. PearsonMay Gray RobinsonArthur M. Spencer IVD. Harding StoweRonald M. SytzAnderson D. Warlick Dr. Jonathan D. Williams2019 INCOMING BOARD MEMBERSRobert P. Caldwell Jr.2Danny J. JacksonGASTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONDavid R. RogersDr. Ramada S. SmithCharltonK. Torrence Jr. servedon the Foundation Board from 2015until 2018. Mr. Torrence representedthe First Gaston Foundation, served on theInvestment Committee and was honored withthe 2017 Allen H. Sims Award. Mr. Torrence passedaway in November of 2018, shortly after celebratinga 90th birthday with his children at the beach. He isdearly missed by all who knew him and appreciated forhis many contributions. He was a humble man whomuch preferred to stay in the background, but,graciously allowed his name to be used inorder to encourage philanthropyin others.
StaffErnest W. Sumner,PresidentNina C. Greene,First Gaston Foundation& Scholarships OfficerAngela S. Micalizzi,Financial OfficerJosie S. Newcombe,Office AdministratorYour Community Foundation celebrated40 years of giving in 2018. During 2018,a major milestone was achieved: 100million in grants awarded from theFoundation. As time evolves, so does theneed to continue the Foundation’s workbest representing the area in which isserved. The Foundation successfullyunderwent a strategic planning processand during that time, discovered aneed to better reflect the identity of theCommunity Foundation.The Community Foundation is pleasedto debut our new logo and name tothe community. The name, GastonCommunity Foundation, shortens thelength of the name of the Foundation in atimeless font. The icon represents manyfacets of the Foundation: the generosityof the community we serve, collaborationamong donors and nonprofits with theFoundation, growth of our communityand hope. The new logo was graciouslydesigned by the Sumner Group.Elizabeth B. Patton,Donor DevelopmentOfficerErin C. Wiggins,Programs Officer40 YEARS OF GIVING3
40 YEARS OF GIVINGV1987The name changes toCommunity Foundation ofGaston County.V1988The Allen H. and Anne R.Sims Fund was establishedwith a 2 million bequest,the largest unrestricted giftreceived to date.VV1989V19791993The Foundation celebrates15 years and passes the 10million mark in assets.V1981In just 3 years, the Foundationreaches 1 million in assets.V1980The Foundation awardeda grant for 93,062 towardsthe establishment ofCovenant Village, a nonprofitretirement home.GASTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONV1990The Foundation begins theAllen H. Sims Award. Theaward honors citizens foroutstanding service to thecommunity.VV41994The Foundation awardeda grant for 130,000 to theGaston County EducationFoundation to fund ComputerLabs for 2 elementary schoolsin Gaston County.VBecky Carter, Board Memberof NC Orthopedic Hospital,facilitated the move of theclosed hospital’s privatelydonated benevolence fundsto the Foundation to openthe Roberts Miller Fund. Todate, the Fund has providedassistance to more than 200children in N.C. with seriousmedical/dental needs whocannot afford the services.V1995The Roberts Miller Fundprovided a grant of 50,000 to fund the GastonCounty Dental Clinic toserve low income families.VV1983At the 5th anniversary, theFoundation had grown by68% from its launch to 1.25million dollars. PresidentE.D. Craig retired after 4 years as the foundingBoard President.W. Duke Kimbrell leads asuccessful campaign to raise 250,000 for the GarrisonFund, the Foundation’sunrestricted endowment.1996The Boys & Girls Clubs ofGreater Gaston received 35,000 to expand their afterschool programs. Today,they serve over 1,600 youthannually at 4 separate sites.VAfter serving more than 4years, Harold Sumner stepsdown and Becky Carter agreesto serve as the volunteerExecutive Director.VWith the closing of theGarrison General Hospital,local citizens Harold T.Sumner, Joseph Alala, Jr.and E.D. Craig convincedthe hospital board to usethe hospital’s 726,524 inremaining funds for “seedmoney” to create the GarrisonCommunity Foundation.VKey Grantee Accomplishments and Initiatives19861978
VVVShining Hope Farmswas awarded 40,000 torehabilitate a Mt. Holly farmto be used for a therapeuticriding program. They nowserve more than 250 childrenand adults annually.2003V2000VV1998The Foundation received an 8 million bequest from theestate of cotton broker, FrankW. Davis, to establish anunrestricted endowment anda designated endowment forarea youth organizations.To celebrate the Foundation’s25th anniversary, theCommunity Foundation Runwas started. Since inception,the event has raised morethan 19 million for GastonCounty nonprofits.2006VVThe first year of the newmillennium sees the roll outof the Next Gen Fund, a fundwhich provides an alternativefor those who aren’t ready toestablish a Foundation fundof their own. Since inception,the Next Gen Fund has madegrants totaling over 174,000to Gaston nonprofits.2007Animal League of GastonCounty received 35,000towards the construction ofa low cost spay/neuter clinic.Animal League recentlycelebrated their 40,000thspay/neuter surgery.VV2002Frank K. Ewing establishedthe Ewing FamilyEnvironmental Fund asa Field of Interest Fund.Gifts made to this fundare administered by theFoundation as an endowmentfund and all grants benefit thepreservation and protectionof the natural environment inGaston County.V2001The Foundation supportedthe construction of theAvon and Catawba CreeksGreenway through a 130,000 grant.V1997The Foundation awardeda 100,000 grant to DanielStowe Botanical Gardentowards the DSBG GrowingCenter. For more than 20years, DSBG has continuedto grow as a top touristdestination and economicdriver for Gaston County.V19992005VThe Foundation contributed 10,000 to the GastoniaRotary Club for theconstruction of the RotaryCentennial Pavilion inDowntown Gastonia.Next Gen donated 10,000 forthe purchase of a miniaturetrain amusement park atLineberger Park. Since thelate 1920’s Lineberger Parkhas been a bright spot for theGaston County community.V2004VThe Foundation awarded 390,000 to Highland Schoolof Technology for equipment.The magnet school nowdraws 145 freshman each yearto follow the Career TechnicalEducation curriculum with 3academies and 7 pathways.40 YEARS OF GIVING5
2013The Foundation celebratedit’s 35th anniversary byestablishing CommunityImpact Funds in Belmont,Mount Holly, and Cherryville.The Grants Committeeappointed a local boardin each community torecommend grants based onlocal knowledge.V2009For the past 40 years,the Gaston CommunityFoundation has beenhere to listen, learn,share and engage withthose who have chosenus as their partner inphilanthropy. Today, ourcommunity faces newchallenges that demandinnovative solutions.We remain committedto enhancing the livesof present and futuregenerations.V2012Habitat for Humanity ofGaston County was awarded agrant for 60,000 to supportthe construction of the 100thHabitat House to be built inGaston County.V2018VVVV2011The Foundation granted 50,000 towards thecompletion of the MatthewsBelk Cannon EnvironmentalStudies Center at the SchieleMuseum. Today, the museumserves over 110,000 students,teachers and families.GASTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION2017Carolina Thread Trail wasawarded a grant for 100,000to support the completion oftrail segments throughoutGaston County.2016The Grants Committeerecommended the largestgrant in the history ofthe Foundation, 1,000,000to support the new, state ofthe art, Warlick Family YMCAat Robinwood Lake. TheGaston Family YMCA servesover 3,000 members at 4different locations.V2010VVGaston County Schoolsreceived a 50,000 grantto install and equip everyclassroom with SmartBoardtechnology.First Gaston Foundationjoined the CommunityFoundation, enabling FirstGaston Foundation tobetter focus on communityphilanthropy and the AlbertG. Myers Scholarship.Celebrated 40 years of giving,over 83 million in assets and 100 million in grants.VV2015V6FutureDedication of Lost HollowChildren’s Garden – a projectthat received 100,000through Garrison Fund andnamed after Foundationpatron, W. Duke Kimbrell.VDue to market conditionsexperienced in 2008, theFoundation had a limitedgrant cycle and distributed 70,000 in emergencygrants to As One Ministries,Catherine’s House, ChristEvangelical Lutheran Church,Cornerstone Christian Center,Highland Health Center,Mount Holly CRO, Off theStreets, Potter’s House, andWith Friends.2014V2008The Foundation granted 48,000 to the Red Cross, forthe purchase of CommunityResponse Vehicle forassisting in local disasters.
The Legacy SocietyMembers of the Legacy Society are philanthropists who have designated a charitable endowmentgift to the Foundation through their estate planning. Many options for creating an endowmentare available for your personal planned giving, from bequests in your will to charitableremainder trusts, life insurance policies, and gift annuities. These gifts create a legacy foryou and your family that address the needs of our community for generations to come.Mrs. Mary W. AdamsMs. Susanne Albright WhitesidesAnonymous (5 Members)Mrs. Martha BealMr. and Mrs. R. Locke BellMrs. Alfred W. BohananMrs. Beverly B. BryantMrs. Harry M. Bryant, Sr.Mr. Dan CarriganMrs. J. M. Carstarphen, IIIMr. James T Comer, IIIMrs. Merle G. CostnerDr. and Mrs. William A. Current, Sr.Mr. & Mrs. Simmons P. DosterMr. and Mrs. Steve DriscollMr. and Mrs. Dick FordeMr. John L. Fraley, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Walter GrayMr. Titus W. GreeneMrs. W. Alex HallMs. Joyce M. HolfeldMr. and Mrs. Eric HoganDr. Ann M. Hoscheit and Mr. Joe DavisMs. Esther Adams HunnicuttMr. and Mrs. Fred A. JacksonMr. and Mrs. David KennyMr. and Mrs. John D. KershDrs. Philip and Cheryl LeoneMr. and Mrs. John K. LongMr. John C. LoughridgeMr. H. Spurgeon Mackie, Jr.Rev. Dr. Joan C. Martin andMr. Jeffrey C. BarbourMr. John K. McGillHelen P. Massey Charitable TrustsDr. and Mrs. Daniel NessMr. Andrew T. OsborneMr. and Mrs. Tim PaschallMr. David E. PostonMrs. Herbert W. PriceMr. Robert A. RaganMr. Ralph S. Robinson, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. RobinsonMr. and Mrs. Royce W. Robinson, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. David R. RogersMrs. Annabelle RoysterMr. and Mrs. Ben R. RudisillMr. and Mrs. Wayne F. ShovelinMrs. Linda W. SladeMr. and Mrs. A. Marsh Spencer IVMr. and Mrs. John H. StanleyMr. and Mrs. F. Bruce SteketeeDrs. Doug and Susan StoverMr. and Mrs. David StultzMr. and Mrs. Ernest W. SumnerMr. and Mrs. Michael SumnerMr. and Mrs. H. Randolph SumnerHon. and Mrs. Robert T. SumnerMr. and Mrs. Robert V. Sytz, Jr.Mrs. Natalie M. TindolMr. William P. TurnerMrs. Pamela Kimbrell WarlickMr. and Mrs. Donald L. WarrenMr. George C. Winecoff, IIIMr. and Mrs. Luby E. WoodMrs. Barbara YarbroughPictured:Blooms from thePollinator Garden onthe South Fork Trail.This trail is a part ofthe Carolina ThreadTrail Network.40 YEARS OF GIVING7
THE GARRISON FUNDUnrestricted GivingDonations made to the Garrison Fund are used to make unrestricted grants to nonprofits in Gaston County. Donors that give to this fundannually are members of the Benefactors Memorial Program, where they can request that memorials be sent in remembrance of friendsand family during the year. Names of the departed are entered into the Book of Memory in this report (Page 9) and on our website.PHILANTHROPISTS ( 5,000 )BENEFACTORS ( 250 - 999)Mrs. Ann R. BlackMr. and Mrs. John K. McGillMr. and Mrs. Craig WatsonMs. Nell P. AlalaMr. and Mrs. Hugh F. BryantMr. and Mrs. Jospeh P. CoyleMr. and Mrs. Richard K. CraigMs. Katherine T. CurrenceMr. Russell A. DaveyMr. and Mrs. Lewis EfirdMr. Richard B. FordeMrs. James S. ForresterMr. and Mrs. Walter H. GrayDr. Ann M. Hoscheit and Mr. Joe DavisDr. and Mrs. R. William Kelly, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Dan S. LaFar Jr.Ms. Elizabeth D. LandisMr. John C. LoughridgeMr. and Mrs. Henry H. Massey Jr.Dr. and Mrs. Daniel T. NessMr. and Mrs. Timothy T. PaschallMrs. And Mrs. Geoffrey A. PlanerDr. & Dr. Omer L. SheddMr. and Mrs. Wayne F. ShovelinMr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Slade Jr.Mr. Jay B. SmithMr. and Mrs. Ernest W. SumnerMr. and Mrs. H. Randolph SumnerHon. and Mrs. Robert T. SumnerMr. and Mrs. Theron D. WardMr. and Mrs. A. Knox Winget IIIFRIENDS ( 1,000 - 4,999)Mr. Jeffery C. Barbourand Rev. Joan C. MartinMrs. Ruby BryantMrs. Catherine P. CarstarphenDr. and Mrs. William A. Current Sr.Mrs. Jean G. DixonMr. and Mrs. Stephen B. DriscollMr. Wilson DunnMr. and Mrs. Tom D. EfirdMs. Catherine FryeMrs. Betty HackerMrs. Doris H. HancockMr. and Mrs. David HookMs. Esther Adams HunnicuttMr. Eugene R. Matthews IIMrs. Samuel G. McGregorMr. T.J. Solomon IIMrs. Martha G. Taylor8GASTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Book of MemoryMr. David Gerard AbowdMr. Nile Erhard BarberMr. Jimmy Edward BarrettDr. Robert Phillips BarringerMr. Walter Edward BatchelorMr. Tom Cole BeamMrs. Sara Frances Fogle BeatyMr. Lawrence BernasconiMr. Cecil Claude BiddyMr. Keith Rennie BiggersMr. Robert Lee BivensMs. Ruth Irene Sellers BoyceMr. Michael Deward Briggs, Sr.Mr. Harry Lee Britt, Jr.Mr. Harry Miller Bryant, Sr.Mrs. Phyllis McGinnis CarothersMr. Russel George ClarkMr. Ronney Eugene ColeMr. Nick John Leventis ColliasMr. James Colon Comer Sr.Mr. Hugh Bickett CraftMrs. Diana Davie DavisMr. Ed DeeseMrs. Sandra Colter DigbyMr. Russell EdwardsDr. Benjamin Thomas EllisMr. John Francis EssicMr. Kevin FloydMr. Dale Edward FoxMr. Michael FridayMr. John Theodore GastonMrs. Emma Joe King GrayMrs. Peggy Harris GrissomMrs. Shirley Long HammillMrs. Valorie Albritton HanlineMr. John Dockery HollandMrs. Elizabeth Watt Richardson HowardMrs. Sarah Lucinda Davison HoweMrs. Betty Trimnal HudsonMr. Richard Lee HugginsMrs. Emily Burbage JacobsMrs. Jo Lowery JohnsonMs. Phyllis Kendrick KeeverMrs. Dolores Anderson LandbloomMr. Ronald Joe LongMrs. Helen Ragan MandoMr. Richard MartellMs. Margaret Alexander McArverMrs. Helen Luker McSpaddenMrs. Judy Allen MilesMr. Dennis R. MitchellMrs. Jane Wyche Adams MooreMrs. Peggy Taylor MooreMrs. Elizabeth Ellen Edwards MorganMr. Thomas Arthur NovincMrs. Kathleen Ann OliverMr. Charles PaschallMrs. Debbie Fisher PayseurMr. Henry David PhillipsMr. David Scott PierceMr. William Edward Poe, Jr.Dr. William Gordon QuarlesMr. Marvin Dewey Rabb, Jr.Pictured:Laurel HillFarm and Preserveis a parcel of land inSpencer Mountain,NC that is conservedby Catawba LandsConservancy.Mrs. Shirley Smith RankinMrs. Rebecca Harrelson RhyneMrs. Diane Crenshaw RobertsDr. Edward DeWitt Sadler Jr.Ms. Carolyn Elizabeth SandersMs. Faye Elizabeth SetzerMr. John Michael ShaheenMr. John Daniel Siewers Jr.Mr. Hal Keith SmithMs. Jean Marie TorrenceMrs. Maria Mandanis TrakasMrs. Margaret Dunn UpchurchMr. Thomas E. Wallace, Sr.Mr. Dan WaltonMr. Arthur WarrenMrs. Mary Walker WoodMr. Roger Williams WilkersonMrs. Edna Jordan WillMr. James C. Wilson, Jr.Mrs. Thelma Bozard Watford WyontMrs. Virginia Isabelle Huffstetler Zeigler40 YEARS OF GIVING9
40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONThe 1978 JubileeThe Gaston Community Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary Saturday, May 19th,2018 with a 1978 Jubilee. The theme of the anniversary was “40 Years of Giving,” allowingthe Foundation to express appreciation to the many donors who have supported andcontributed to the community through the Foundation. Fund holders, donors, and NextGeneration members from near and far came together at the new Warlick Family YMCAfor the celebration.The Jubilee honored guests and the many accomplishments of the CommunityFoundation since 1978. Speakers for the evening included: Andy Warlick, CEO ParkdaleMills and Foundation Board Member; Ernest Sumner, President of the Foundation; RickCraig, President and CEO of A.B. Carter, Inc. and Past Chair of the Foundation’s Board;Christa Heilig, Foundation Board Member and Chair of the Next Generation Fund.Andy Warlick welcomed guests to the celebration. He provided detail into the start of thenew YMCA and the role of the Community Foundation in the development of the facility.Warlick stated, “Our Community Foundation has done so many great things for so manypeople, but I say this, this project (YMCA) moves the needle in Gaston County.”Andy Warlick introduced Rick Craig, who described the thought process behind the1978 Jubilee, “When the Board of Directors discussed the opportunity to celebrate theFoundation’s 40th anniversary this year, a large question was where to host such amonumental event. Many places came to mind, but one in particular seemed to standout: the Warlick Family YMCA. It didn’t stand out for the obvious reasons of newly built,state of the art large rooms, or even because it was on a lake, but it stood out becausethe Community Foundation awarded its largest ever single grant to this YMCA for 1million,” stated Rick Craig.The Warlick Family YMCA opened in December of 2017 and honored donors withindividual paddles to represent their contribution. Paddles received by donors of the newYMCA were custom made by a skilled artisan. The paddle presented to the CommunityFoundation has a meaning- which was attached to the paddle upon presentation; “Thesquares represent different community donors who together make the communitystronger through philanthropy. The stripe down the middle stands for the CommunityFoundation which provides the path for giving.”“This paddle provides inspiration for the Foundation’s continued growth and inspirationfor the community of donors to grow alongside the Foundation so that we may make thiscommunity stronger,” voiced Rick Craig.10GASTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The grant of 1 million to the YMCA would not have been possible without donors,fund holders, and volunteers who have grown the Community Foundation toover 83 million in assets. While Gaston County is fortunate to have a strongFoundation with assets of that size, the number the Community Foundationvalues most is 100 million. 100 million is the number that provided buses for the Boys and Girls Clubs,houses for Habitat for Humanity, thousands of pounds of food for the hungry.It’s the number that built up your alma maters, provided research for cancer andAlzheimer’s, and the list goes on. It is the number of grants distributed from theCommunity Foundation from 1978-2018, 100 million.“The next time you are asked what the Community Foundation is or does- thinkof these numbers and the impact that has been made in the community- 40 yearsof giving, 1 million to the YMCA, 83 million in assets, 100 million in grants.Like the checks on the paddle, it has taken each individual to continue the greatwork of the Community Foundation for the last 40 years. Our true hope is that thisgreat work will continue and grow over the next 40 years through the support ofdedicated community members like yourself,” stated Rick Craig.40YEARSOFGIVING 83MILLIONINASSETS 100MILLIONINGRANTS 1MILLIONTO THEYMCA40 YEARS OF GIVING11
NEXT GENERATION FUNDFiesta and Fete with Next GenThe Next Generation Fund hosted two successful events during 2018, a Spring Fiesta and a Fall Fete, participated in the Community FoundationRun and sponsored Trick or Trail at the Warlick YMCA. Next Gen’s involvement truly became - a party with a purpose!The Next Gen Fund is a giving circle that allows donors to pool resources and make collective grants to add greater impact to their gift. Becauseof our members, the Next Gen is continuing to make a difference in Gaston County. The Next Gen fund has granted over 174,000 back intoGaston County over the last 18 years, all while growing the fund to over 272,000. Next Gen feels strongly about supporting the community andnonprofits by awarding grants, hosting events to collect donations for the organization and supporting nonprofits through recognition.2018 NEXT GEN MEMBERS:Dr. Lidia and Mr. Joshua AdkinsDr. and Mrs. Ed AnthonyMr. and Mrs. Ryan AnthonyMr. and Mrs. Jason AustellMr. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Beasley, IIIMr. and Mrs. Daniel BrannonMr. Shane BrothertonMr. and Mrs. Robert BrowneMr. and Mrs. Luke BuchananMs. Stephanie Buie and Mr. Matt MillerDr. Elizabeth J. Bumgarnerand Dr. Parag M. PhadkeMr. and Mrs. William Carstarphen Jr.Ms. Merryman CasselsMr. and Mrs. G. Vincent Cherry Jr.*Mr. and Mrs. Wade CoffeyDr. and Mrs. William Current Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Steven D’AvriaMr. and Mrs. Aaron DaweMr. and Mrs. Michael J. DeelyMr. and Mrs. Brent DeLongMr. and Mrs. Greg DillsMr. and Mrs. Stuart DowlingMs. Becca DoyneMr. and Mrs. Lee DuboisMr. and Mrs. Tim EfirdDr. and Mrs. Mark EpsteinMr. and Mrs. Stuart EulissMr. and Mrs. Robert M. FairesMr. and Mrs. James P. Falls Jr.*Mr. and Mrs. Alan FulghumMr. Joseph Gettys and Ms. Ruth Kinzey12GASTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONMr. Clay GibsonDr. and Mrs. Todd HansenMr. and Mrs. Mark HattonMr. and Mrs. Cavan HarrisMr. and Mrs. Zachary HarrisDr. Mark Heckel and Dr. Jennifer KacmarMr. and Mrs. Charles Heilig III*Ms. Sharon HeinrichMr. and Mrs. Davidson HobsonMr. and Mrs. Richard Jarman Jr.Dr. and Mrs. Will KellyMr. and Mrs. Mark KinsleyDr. and Mrs. Jeffrey LaCourseMr. and Mrs. John LarkinDr. and Mrs. David LayneDr. and Mrs. Dustin P. LettsMr. and Mrs. Brian Levy*Mr. and Mrs. Steven Long*Mr. and Mrs. William A. LongMr. and Mrs. Johnathan LoweryDrs. Debora and Philip JamisonDr. and Mrs. David A. MajorMr. and Mrs. Allan MarkMs. Catherine Mason and Mr. Trevor CherryMr. and Mrs. Matt McKenzieMr. and Mrs. Tripp McLeanDr. Nisha Mehta and Dr. Parag ButalaMr. and Mrs. Dale MeltonMr. and Mrs. Johan MentingMr. and Mrs. Arthur NewcombeMr. and Mrs. Spence NewcombeMr. and Mrs. Phillip B. MillerMr. and Mrs. Jason NelsonMr. and Mrs. Lee NesterMr. and Mrs. Charles Niemeyer Jr.Dr. and Mrs. Douglas A. NigborMr. and Mrs. Joseph PattonDr. and Mrs. Jonathan PlanerMr. and Mrs. Chris M. PridniaMr. and Mrs. Michael ProudMr. Reagan RandallDrs. Jennifer and Rafeal RiveraMr. and Mrs. Trey RobinsonMr. and Dr. Daniel M. RooneyMr. and Mrs. R. Leonard Rowe Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Jason R. SandersDr. and Mrs. Erik SchulsDrs. Kelly and Omer SheddMr. Kyle D. Sikes*Mr. and Mrs. Rush Simmons*Dr. and Mrs. Ravi N. SinghMr. and Mrs. A. Marsh Spencer IV*Ms. Morgan StewartMr. and Mrs. Ernest D. Sumner IIDr. and Mrs. Michael R. Tamberella IIIMs. Natalie M. Tindol and Mr. John DavisMr. and Mrs. William TrogdonMs. Elysabeth Utick and Mr. Paul LyonDrs. Barbara and Harald VaherMr. and Mrs. Phillip A. WertzMs. Susanne D. Albright WhitesidesMr. and Mrs. Bryan Wiggins*signifies Steering Committee Members
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TEENS CHANGING GASTON COUNTYYouth in PhilanthropyTeens Changing Gaston County is a youth-led philanthropy board, consisting of 9th-12th grade students in Gaston County. The TCGCBoard meets once a month during the school year to learn about the grant making process, volunteer in the community, network withnonprofit professionals, and socialize with other teens from around the County.After learning the process of grants and their impact, the Teen Board is able to judge applications from fellow peers regarding serviceprojects. The 2018-2019 TCGC Board awarded grants to the following youth-led service projects in Gaston County:Alliance for Children and YouthStudents that are in the “Friday Night Lights” program will use thefunds to purchase computers. The majority of the students in theirprogram do not have access to computers and internet at home andthese computers will allow them to complete SAT prep and otherhomework while at the program.Boy Scouts of AmericaFoster Rouse will use the funds to create adaptive toys used by theGaston County Schools Department of Exceptional Children. Hewill modify the cause and effect toys to be used by special needschildren who may not have the fine motor skills to operate them.Catherine’s HouseKristina Vaher will use the funds to create a children’s readingarea at Catherine’s House. The designated area will create a funand inviting environment for residents children to have unlimitedaccess to books.Generations of ExcellenceAnaiah Crawford will use the funds for the “2Self Love Project.” Thiswill be a one day workshop for middle school girls to learn aboutself-love and embracing natural beauty.Habitat for HumanityShane Fogarty will use the funds to build a small, waterproofedbuilding that will serve as a free library in one of Habitat forHumanity’s community gardens.Holy AngelsRich Gray will use the funds to purchase creative art supplies for theresidents at Holy Angels.14GASTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONThe Schiele MuseumAnnabelle Pearson will use the funds to host STEAM fest at theSchiele Museum. The event is aimed towards elementary schoolaged kids and will consist of STEAM related activities and crafts aswell as a scavenger hunt.Webb Street SchoolThe school has a closet with extra clothes for children who mightneed a change of clothes during the school day. Harlee Austin willuse the funds to restock the closet with necessary items such aspants, t-shirts, and socks.TCGCmembersspent their first“Saturday ServiceDay” revitalizing theHabitat for HumanityCommunityGarden.
FEATURED DONOR STORYA Natural Next StepIn the year 2000, the Gaston Community Foundation created the NextGeneration Fund. The “Next Gen” was established to involve couplesand individuals in philanthropy through the Community Foundation.It was the year 2000, when the Vaher Family became a partner of theFoundation. Drs. Barbara and Harald Vaher joined the Next Gen thatyear and so started their relationship with the Foundation. The Vahershave continued their membership in Next Gen to this day.Fast forward to 2017, the Vaher’s daughter, Kristina joins theCommunity Foundation’s Teens Changing Gaston County program.Through Kristina’s participation in “TCGC,” she learns aboutnonprofits, serving on a board and awarding grants to communityprograms. While serving on the TCGC Board, Kristina also learned theprocess for applying for grants. She applied for and received a grant tostart children’s libraries in two local YMCAs. Kristina rejoined theBoard in 2018 and with increased knowledge of grants from theprevious year, she submitted a second application for funding onbehalf of Catherine’s House. She was also awarded funding for thislibrary. As stated in Kristina’s grant application, “The reading areascan provide an inspirational place for children to expand their mindsand cultivate a love of reading.”Kristina had
Gaston County Education Foundation to fund Computer Labs for 2 elementary schools in Gaston County. 1995 The Roberts Miller Fund provided a grant of 50,000 to fund the Gaston County Dental Clinic to serve low income families. 1996 The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Gaston received 35,000 to expand their after school programs. Today,
