COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INTRODUCES MAJOR AWARDS

FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT, PHILANTHROPY; NAMES CAP-21, COMPASSION COALITION, RICHARD W. COUPER FIRST RECIPIENTS

 

   The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc., today (Tuesday, May 2) honored two of the region’s most effective service organizations and one of its most esteemed philanthropists with major awards that will be presented annually in recognition of outstanding achievement in each category.

   CAP-21 and Compassion Coalition each received the 2006 Community Impact Award. Richard W. Couper received the 2006 Rosamond Childs Award for Community Philanthropy, posthumously. The presentations were made at The Community Foundation’s Celebration of Philanthropy held at the Yahnundasis Golf Club in New Hartford in conjunction with the organization’s 2006 annual meeting.

   The Community Impact Award is presented to a charitable organization that has received one or more grants from the Foundation and has been notably effective not only in utilizing that support, but in fulfilling its overall mission. The Rosamond Childs Award is given to a donor who has demonstrated the philanthropic nature and community spirit exemplified by Rosamond G. Childs, the Foundation’s first and largest benefactor.

   Accepting the awards on behalf of CAP-21 and Compassion Coalition were, respectively, Lani Ulrich, executive director, and Rev. Charles J. Sweet, executive director and chief financial officer. Couper, who passed away in January, was represented by his wife, Patsy. 

 

CAP-21

   Based in Old Forge, CAP-21 is a nonprofit that provides a forum for the concerns and interests of residents of the west central Adirondacks, along the Route 28 corridor from Forestport to Long Lake. It facilitates discussion and promotes cooperation among governmental and community organizations for coordinated planning and regional development, balancing cultural, economic and environmental considerations. Since 1998, CAP-21 and its predecessor organization, Herkimer County Community College’s “Communities 2000” planning initiative, have received three grants from The Community Foundation, totaling nearly $80,000. Much of that support was instrumental to the group’s start-up operations. 

 

Compassion Coalition

   From its headquarters in Utica, Compassion Coalition acts as a collection and dissemination point for food and related products, distributing them to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, halfway houses, community associations and inner-city churches located primarily in Utica, Rome and the Mohawk Valley, but extending throughout New York State and into Third World countries. The Coalition’s programs also include Compassion Thrift, a grocery store with below-retail prices whose proceeds are directed back into outreach programs; Compassion Kids, an after-school and summer mentoring program that builds healthy values and motivates each child to succeed; and Backpack Giveaway, the annual program through which thousands of area youngsters return to the classroom each fall equipped with a backpack and the supplies needed to get the new school year off to a good start.

   Since 2000, Compassion Coalition has received three grants from The Community Foundation, totaling $163,000. The support has funded freezing and cooling equipment, building improvements and operating expenses. 

 

Richard W. Couper

   Couper was an active and generous supporter of The Community Foundation who affirmed his belief in its ability to build, manage and allocate philanthropic resources by establishing three funds in the Foundation’s endowment. The Hayes-Couper Fund promotes teaching excellence in Clinton Schools, the Couper Fund supports the Oneida County Historical Society and the Barrett Williams Couper Fund generates scholarships for Clinton students. He was also a member of the Foundation’s Legacy Society that honors those who have chosen to leave a gift from their estate to The Community Foundation.

   Known for his keen interests in history and education, Couper had a long and distinguished professional career, much of it affiliated with the charitable sector. Among the positions he held were president of the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, first administrative vice president for Hamilton College, first deputy commissioner for higher education of the New York State Education Department and chief executive officer of the New York Public Library. He also served as a trustee or director of over 60 organizations, including four foundations. 

 

Above and Beyond

   “We are delighted to recognize these first recipients of what will be The Community Foundation’s annual Rosamond Childs Award for Philanthropy and Community Impact Award,” said Peggy O’Shea, the Foundation’s president & CEO.

   “In a community abundant with generous donors and committed service providers, selecting the 2006 honorees was no easy task. We didn’t expect it to be. However, these recipients have achieved above and beyond even our community’s highest standards in making a positive difference in countless ways.

   “It is our privilege to pay tribute to them. We look forward to saluting others in the years ahead.”                  

   The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties has been a force for improving lives and promoting philanthropy throughout the two counties since 1952. Since that time, the Foundation has made more than 3,100 grants

totaling over $23 million in support of causes ranging from education to health care, the arts to the environment. Grants are generated by the more than 200 funds that comprise the Foundation’s endowment, established and advanced by area individuals and families.