The Morgan Hill Community Foundation boasts an impressive track
record for its first year of operation. The original, permanent
Board of Directors, now at 13 members, has been working since July
2002 to elect officers, created working committees and established
types of donor funds and donations.
The Morgan Hill Community Foundation boasts an impressive track record for its first year of operation.
The original, permanent Board of Directors, now at 13 members, has been working since July 2002 to elect officers, created working committees and established types of donor funds and donations.
In December 2002, the Foundation presented its inaugural fundraiser, The Mayor’s Ball, selling out to more than 450 attendees and netting more than $56,000. The Ball’s success enabled the first grant cycle to occur before the end of the first fiscal year.
The Foundation recently became an affiliate member of Community Foundation Silicon Valley, a 49-year-old non-profit institution with assets of $500 million. CFSV also started with $55,000 worth of assets nearly 50 years ago, serving as a role model and mentor for the MHCF.
The MHCF recently awarded $4,940 for equipment or supplies through its “Morgan Hill Arts Alive” and “Morgan Hill Recreational Enhancement Fund.”
In this first grant cycle, the beneficiaries were Morgan Hill Pony League Baseball, South Valley Civic Theater, Morgan Hill School District – District Elementary Music Program, South Valley Youth Orchestra, Teacher’s Aid Coalition of Morgan Hill and the City of Morgan Hill – Parks and Community Services Division.
“We are excited to be able to award funds this early in our development as a Foundation,” said Board President Dave Reisenauer. “This is what it’s really all about – giving back into the community. It gives meaning to the hard work and long hours this board puts in.”
Money raised from the 2003-04 campaign will be used to fund two grant cycles, one in fall of 2003 and one in spring 2004.
The fall grant cycle targets scholarships in three focus areas: “Morgan Hill Arts Alive”, “Morgan Hill Recreation Enhancement” and “Lifelong Learning” programs. The scholarship funds will enable individuals unable to pay fees to participate in arts, recreation and educational programs.
“Lifelong Learning” targets the following populations: academically at-risk, low income, limited English proficiency speakers and those with disabilities. Focus areas for the spring cycle are to be determined.
The Foundation’s Board of Directors recently elected five new members: Ray Garra, marketing programs manager with Cisco Systems; Steve Kinsella, president of Gavilan College; Marilyn Librers, recreation commissioner for the city; Kerry Lorincz, CPA and partner with Bianchi, Lorincz & Co. and Debbie Tawney, an educator with MHSD.
“These five community leaders will have a significant impact on our team,” said Reisenauer “They bring a wealth of experience and talents to the table, and will further the Foundation’s mission to enrich our community.”
The Foundation is currently recruiting volunteers who want to make a difference in the local community by helping with office/clerical, public relations, fundraising, event planning and grants review.
The Foundation plans a series of events to raise funds and continue the focus on its mission, a family-oriented Hawaiian Luau on Sept. 7 and a second black tie ball on Feb. 28, 2004. The MHCF also plans a leadership summit, possibly in October, to focus on uniting local non-profit leaders and assessing community needs. An evening of the arts, with visual and performing artists, will end the day.
For details on grants, donor and volunteer opportunities, and events, go to www.morganhillcommunityfoundation.org or call 778-6409.
