Elkhart Rotary Club October 21, 2024 - Pete McCown

 
On Monday we welcomed fellow Rotarian and President of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, Pete McCown, who shared information about the Foundation from its beginnings to the impact it's having (and will continue to have!) for our community thanks to those who contribute in support of Elkhart County. The CFEC is part of the unfolding story of generosity in Elkhart County. They believe the Community Foundation resembles the unique traits of the distinctive ginkgo tree. The ginkgo has a strong root system and resembles strength and hope to those who recognize it – inspiring good. Its leaves have been used for remedies, just as the Community Foundation strives to support nonprofits and various endeavors that improve the health of our community, our businesses, and our people – impacting success. The Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life in Elkhart County by inspiring generosity. The Community Foundation is committed to the following as essential to our effectiveness, aspiring to reflect the following values:
  • Integrity: An abiding pledge to honesty, professionalism, humility, and respect.
  • Inclusion: We seek and elevate diverse voices. We are most impactful when our organization and deliberations include people from varied backgrounds, opinions, and perspectives.
  • Excellence: In our every endeavor.
  • Collaboration: We believe in teamwork, both internally and externally. We desire to be trusted partners with community members, civic leaders, and not-for-profit organizations to provide high-impact programs and services benefitting the broadest possible constituency.
Did you know?....
  • The Foundation was founded in 1989.
  • More than 20,000 individuals have contributed to the CFEC since 1989.
  • The CFEC currently has approximately $500 million in assets, ranking it among the top 50 foundations in the United States irrespective of community population and in the top 200 foundations in the world.
  • The CFEC Grants $30m annually in grants and scholarships.
  • The Foundation has 700+ different endowments and include designated funds, scholarship funds, donor advised funds, field of interest funds, and a few unrestricted funds.
  • There are over 300 members of the Legacy Society, who have pledged assets to the Foundation upon their passing.
For more information about the Foundation and how you can support visit their website at https://inspiringgood.org/
 
Today we welcomed a NEW MEMBER to our Club. Ellen Williams, the Executive Director of the Elkhart Education Foundation, transferred her membership from the Rotary Club of South Bend to Elkhart. She still resides in South Bend but spends a majority of her business time in our city. Welcome, Ellen!
 
Selected Announcements from Today.. reminders and notes
  • October 24 is World Polio Day. “Pints for Polio” is a social event and fundraiser hosted the Elkhart Rotary Club by Westwind Brewery Co. A portion of sales will be generously donated to Rotary Polio Eradication efforts by Westwind Brewery. Join us Thursday, October 24 between 4-7 p.m. at Westwind Brewery Co in Elkhart for some great beer, food, and fun, all supporting polio eradication around our world. Details HERE