(The Sweet Home Community Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting groups and projects in the immediate Sweet Home area. Periodic columns will appear here in The New Era with ways that you can give back to the community, as well as information about the Foundation.)
I moved to the Sweet Home community almost 16 years ago. As I became more and more involved in the community I began to appreciate the area for what it offered my family, as well as what the community had the potential to offer everyone.
I have watched as the entire community worked together through the struggles facing the timber industry. Those with, helped those who were without, until they could get back on their feet
During these years, the community has provided for an education to my two sons. From pre-school through high school, both boys have received quality instruction each and every year. One graduated last year and the other will march across the stage in 2003.
Several years ago, a child was suffering from a life threatening illness. The community worked together to provide assistance and comfort to the family. Tens of thousands of dollars were graciously given that the child’s life might be prolonged. When the need was shown for a Boys and Girls Club / Senior Center, the community stepped forward once again and provided financial support to see the project through. I doubt that a finer, more caring, community exists anywhere.
Over the years I have donated to the United Way and other large charities. However I often felt that I might be sending my money to other communities with little of it returning to help my own area. Oh I may still make donations to these charities, but I prefer for my money to stay right here. Now there is a way to see that this happens.
The Sweet Home Community Foundation is a non-profit; fully tax-deductible organization, that limits its support to the geographical area covered by the Sweet Home School District. The Foundation makes grants to qualified local organizations and projects. SHCF’s mission is to improve life in our Community. Over the last several months the Foundation has been active in three community projects ñ reconstruction of the high school track, construction of a skateboard park, and construction of a new community swimming pool
The Foundation offers many ways for people to give back to our community. In addition to the standard cash donation, we also accept donations of real property, stocks and bequests from a will or trust. These methods and many more often have significant tax advantages to the giver. Gifts can be anonymous or named. Gifts can be directed to a specific area of support within the community. The Foundation is administered by a ten person Board of Directors made up of local citizens with a proven track record of leadership within the community.
I encourage you to consider The Sweet Home Community Foundation as a way to give back to our community. We would be happy to send you additional information. Please contact us at P.O. Box 447, Sweet Home, OR 98386 or at 367-5168, [email protected].
Bob Burford
President, SHCF