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Sept. 13, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Bonnie Prigge, Luci Flaim 573-265-2993
MRCF focuses on regional outreach ST. JAMES – The Meramec Regional Community Foundation (MRCF) elected officers and heard a presentation from Julie Leeth, executive vice president of Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO), at its September board meeting at the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC). Wayne Parry of Phelps County was elected to serve as vice chair of MRCF, a position formerly held by Russell Scheulen of Osage County. Mardy Leathers of Crawford County was elected to serve as treasurer. Leathers is also serving as secretary, a position formerly held by Richard Cavender, former executive director of MRPC. Board members discussed scheduling meetings throughout the Meramec Region to better educate groups on the foundation and its activities. To coincide with this mission, Leeth gave encouragement to board members on how to become more comfortable discussing the foundation. First, Leeth reminded board members of CFO’s mission and how MRCF is an affiliate. CFO works to enhance the quality of life for its citizens now and for future generations, Leeth said. A community foundation is a tax-exempt public charity that enables people to establish charitable funds to accomplish this mission. After community foundation funds are established, grants will be awarded to support local nonprofits, schools and government entities, Leeth said. “You have to get yourselves in a position for grant making,” Leeth said. “It’s about keeping local assets here.” Leeth noted anyone could use the community foundation to give back to the community. The assets donated create one of several types of funds to support charitable goals, which are tax-deductible. The driving forces behind the foundation are donors, nonprofit organizations and communities, Leeth said. CFO offers many services to its affiliates and agency partners to help them succeed including: Investment management, administrative and technical support, ongoing consulting and board development and strategic planning. Leeth discussed traits of successful community foundations and said board members should be as giving as the communities. “You have to participate with your time, your talents and your treasures,” Leeth said. “Look for projects which help you build credibility. The fund is the vehicle to the charitable donation.” Leeth encouraged board members to continue visiting communities to educate people about MRCF. “This is an opportunity for groups and people to get to work with you all and see what a community foundation is,” Leeth said. “It is a beautiful thing when it works, and it is working all over the country. Let us help you help yourselves.” CFO currently serves 44 affiliate community foundations and manages nearly 2,000 funds valued at more than $180 million in total assets. Board President Laura Antolak agreed and noted the education process. “The first step is letting people know we’re here to help others,” Antolak said. In other business:
The next meeting for MRCF will be at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 5 at MRPC at 4 Industrial Drive in St. James. CFO will also sponsor a regional affiliate conference Oct. 6 at MRPC. MRCF is an outgrowth of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission and is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Springfield. MRCF was established in May 2010 and serves Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties outside of existing CFO affiliate areas. For more information on MRCF, contact Flaim at (573) 265-2993 or by email at lflaim@meramecregion.org.
Julie Leeth, executive vice president of Community Foundation of the Ozarks, visited with Meramec Regional Community Foundation board members to provide tips for success in the region.
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