Walker Area Community Foundation

Grant Applications are due to the Community Foundation on October 1, 2004

The Walker Area Community Foundation held its

Third Annual Meeting and Luncheon

Wednesday, May 12, 2004, with more than 325 people in attendance. The Foundation was extremely pleased with the number of community members who came in support of the foundation and its programs.

The year 2003 was a record year for our foundation. The scope of donors was hugely expanded with 342 donors, contributing a combined total of $339,556 to the foundation, which is more than we have ever received before. The Foundation was fortunate to give away $330,213 to 30 nonprofits last year, as well as give assistance to tornado victims through the Emergency Unmet Needs Fund.

New Founders Society members, or donors who pledge to give $10,000 to the Community Foundation over a period of 10 years, were recognized with a crystal clock. Board member Russ Robertson, gave an update on the Foundation Associates who are donors ages 25-40 who pledge to give $150 a year for three years to the Community Foundation. Donors who became members in 2003 received crystal ice buckets to recognize their gift to the foundation. Cristy Moody introduced the new Walker Area Youth (WAY) Council, which consists of 16 youth from the eight high schools in our county. The WAY Council will promote volunteer opportunities at their individual schools and will act as a grantmaking board, funding projects that involve youth in service.

The Community Foundation announced the third Spirit of America Volunteer Award winner at the meeting. The six volunteers nominated for the award were residents of Walker County or contributed their volunteer services in the county. Their dedication to our community is extraordinary as shown in the fact that these women gave a combined average of 3,640 hours last year to 41 nonprofit organizations. From the arts and education to the elderly and recreation our area is a better place because of the service of these nominees.

Award winner Melissa Taylor is a unique individual and has made such a difference in the lives of children and adults Walker County. She was Co-chair of the annual Humane Society Auction helping to raise 15 - 20 thousand dollars per year for operating expenses at the animal shelter. Melissa is also a member of the Crescent Jr. Study Club. While she has held many club offices, one of her most significant and long-term commitments involves the club’s sponsorship of Reading is Fundamental, a federal program, which she has single-handedly coordinated for over 10 years.

The Reading is Fundamental program provides books for approximately 1,000 children, ages 4 – 10 at Curry, Parrish, Martin and West Jasper Elementary Schools. Melissa applies for the federal grant each year and once approved, she carefully selects books to spark the interests of beginning and young readers with a wide range of reading abilities. Once the books are received, she sorts them by grade level and distributes them to each school. Every school receives three distributions a year. We are proud to call her our winner.