Foundation Plays Key Role
Mary Bogest as seen in the High Point Enterprise - January 2003
Heart Songs! Each makes my heart sing!
That's how Marsha Slane, High Point philanthropist, described the 30 special projects of nonprofit agencies that recently received grants from the High Point Community Foundation.
Most of the 30 recipients braved newly fallen snow to attend the awards luncheon at the High Point Country Club. Each was called to the podium to receive their award and to pose for a photograph with Jim Morgan, chairman of the Community Foundation and Joe Rawley, chairman of the grant committee.
This was the culmination of an intense six-month process both by the recipients and the grants committee. As defined by the High Point Community Foundation, the grants program is to "allocate limited funds among competing projects in such as a way to achieve the greatest benefit for our community." Indeed, over 50 grant applications were received.
The Grants Committee comprises of 13 people, each leaders in their own right who have a comprehensive knowledge of the community. Those on the Grants Committee this year were Tom Blount, Susan Culp, Meredith Eanes, George Erath, P. Hunter Dalton, Paul Lessard, Ray McAllister, Judy Mendenhall, Jim Morgan, Ed Price, Joe Rawley, Jan Samet, Marsha Slane and Dr. Otis Tillman.
In November, applicants made presentations before the committee.
Paul Lessard, executive director of the High Point Community Foundation and a Grant Committee member, was impressed by the committee, noting "how the consensus builds and that each member is willing to compromise and to even forgo their own pet projects for the benefit of the community."
Paul Lessard presented the grants.
Habitat for Humanity will complete a multi-denominational building project with representatives from all churches, including Christian, Jewish and Muslim.
BOTSO (Brothers Organized to Save Others) under the leadership of Hank Wall will provide mentors to young African American men who do not have a role model.
John Hammel with the Historical Jamestown Society will rebuild the Deep River Indian Village, an Indian hunting village, in a historically accurate manner. It will feature one of the largest Indian arrowhead collections in the area. Canoeist will be able to paddle from the Piedmont Environmental Center directly to the Indian Village.
Father Philip Kollithanath, pastor of Christ the King Catholic Church, through The DePaul Academy will have a day care center administered by the Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul.
These are just a few of the programs made possible by the grants.
Marsha Slane, in closing said, "The Community Foundation is vital in meeting human needs. It serves your family and mine. Together we can make some beautiful music. May our hearts sing together."