A time for giving thanks
The holiday season, from Halloween through New Year’s, is always one of my favorite times of year. From our family dressing up like characters from Frozen for trick-or-treat, to celebrating New Year’s right before our daughter goes to bed (well before midnight), each of the holidays in between is a special time for us.
It’s also a time I try to spend extra energy being thankful. I’m reminded of all the blessings in my life and in our work at The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation. This month, I want to share some of the things I’m grateful for professionally. In my role at the Foundation, it’s my duty to remind the community that we don’t exist in a philanthropic vacuum, and we can’t do this work alone.
- Donors - To all of those who joined our founding donor L. Dale Dorney: thank you. You invested in the idea that together we can improve the quality of life for all in the community. One fund has grown to over 515 funds, one donor multiplied to over 6,500. We are grateful for each of you.
- Nonprofit Organizations - There are dozens of nonprofit organizations in our community with whom we partner who are doing critical work to help our friends, family and neighbors throughout Hancock County. Thank you for all you do to lift our community up.
- Professional Advisors - We work in a community of trusted professional advisors who give counsel to individuals and families looking to make a positive difference for causes that matter most to them, now and forever. We are blessed to walk alongside you and your clients to carry out their wishes. Each of you has our deepest gratitude for putting your trust in us to work with your clients.
- Volunteers – It takes hundreds of volunteers to help us live our mission, including board and committee members. The amazing leaders through the years who have given of their time and expertise to form and grow our foundation inspires me every day. We’ve been lucky to have over 2,000 volunteers in our history, and that number grows each year.
- Foundation Team – I cannot say enough about the amazing team we have at The Community Foundation. I am so proud of our team and all they do to help improve the quality of life for all in Hancock County. To be a part of such an incredible group of professionals motivates me.
- Impact – Together, we continue to create a lasting community impact. So far, over $75 million has been granted, countless lives have been changed, and we have built a permanent, growing source of support in our endowment.
I’m a firm believer that we, as a community, are at our strongest when we work together. This Thanksgiving season, I’m so proud of what we continue to do while working together. Yes, we have challenges, as any community does. I’m confident we can continue to address those challenges because of how strong we are together. We are proud to be part of Hancock County and our very best days are ahead of us. We continue to celebrate our past, but we’re just getting started. Together we can do even more to create a lasting community impact.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can be part of improving the quality of life for all in the community, visit our website.
This editorial was originally printed in The Courier Wednesday, November 29, 2023.
