November 15, 2016
During November 12-18, Your Community Foundation, Inc. (YCF) and more than 780 other community foundations across the country will celebrate Community Foundation Week. This week provides foundations with an opportunity to share and reflect on stories of local philanthropists and how their contributions impact the community.
“As we celebrate Community Foundation Week, YCF thanks our donors for their generosity and investment in north central West Virginia. One fund that we would like to highlight this week is the Francis and Coletta Schmidt Family Fund, which was created in 2008 as a grant-making fund for Marion County,” said Patty Showers Ryan, YCF President.
The fund has contributed a total of $2,915 to these Marion County organizations: The Soup Opera,
East-West Stadium Renovation Committee, Rotary of South Fairmont, Valley HealthCare System,
and to the Catholic Charities to support West Virginia flood relief through their church, St. Peter the Fisherman.
“Our family has been lifelong members of the Fairmont community. My parents instilled in us the need to give back and be involved in our community. This inspired us to create this community fund in their name,” said Gerry Schmidt.
The Bud and Coletta Schmidt Family Fund was designed to give back in some small way and to carry on the commitment that Bud and Coletta had to Fairmont and Marion counties.
“Each year we identify a need or gap in service and contribute towards filling that gap or reducing the need. Each of us makes contributions of time and efforts in various aspects of service to the community. But, we are most proud of the ability to contribute through our parents’ fund to address specific needs in the community. It is our way of carrying on their legacy through their example and guidance within our lives,” added Ms. Schmidt.
This story—alongside the countless others like it—demonstrates the tremendous impact and unique importance of community foundations in this country. Though you may not yet know your local community foundation, you’ve likely felt its impact. A gift to your local community foundation is an investment in the future of your community. The funds will go to work immediately supporting vital services, but they will also provide sustained support for years to come.