MAJOR AWARDS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF HERKIMER & ONEIDA COUNTIES, INC.
The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Inc. (The Community Foundation) will pay tribute to three individuals and a not-for-profit organization at their annual Celebration of Philanthropy today at the Yahnundasis Golf Club from 5-7 p.m.
Addison White will posthumously receive the Rosamond Childs Award for Community Philanthropy, Community Transportation Services will receive the Community Impact Award and David Mathis and Earle Reed will be named Trustees Emeriti.
The Rosamond Childs Award is given to an individual who exhibits the spirit of giving and profound commitment to the community as exemplified by Rosamond G. Childs, The Foundation’s first and most generous benefactor. The recipient is distinguished by compassion, leadership, humility and love of the area. Addison White, who was involved as a volunteer leader with The Foundation for 34 years - first as a trustee, then as its first president – grew its endowment to $18 million and awarded $4.2 million in grants during his tenure. The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley’s Center for the Creative Arts recording project will receive a grant of $26,800 in his memory and students involved in the project will perform at the event.
The Community Impact Award recognizes nonprofit excellence in services and programs. The award honors an organization that has used its Community Foundation grant support for extraordinary impact and results. This year’s recipient is Community Transportation Services (CTS), which is based in the Town of Webb and serves the Town of Webb, Western Forestport and all of Hamilton County. CTS is an all volunteer not-for-profit that provides transportation for older adults and people with disabilities to and from medical appointments, grocery stores, church, airports and train stations. This invaluable service allows residents of mountain communities to maintain dignity, independence and social contacts.
Former board members are named Emeriti by the Board of Trustees based on exceptional commitment and long-term service to The Foundation. Mathis and Reed have 19 years of combined volunteer service to The Community Foundation.
Peggy O’Shea, President and CEO of The Community Foundation, said, “Choosing these award recipients is one of the most difficult tasks of the year, given that the residents and not-for-profit organizations of Herkimer and Oneida Counties are so consistently generous and genuinely caring. This year’s honorees join the ranks of others who exemplify selflessness and community spirit. We are proud to have an opportunity to shine a light on their good works.”
The Community Foundation has been a force for improving lives and promoting philanthropy throughout Herkimer and Oneida counties since 1952. The Foundation has made more than 3,800 grants totaling over $26.8 million in support of causes ranging from education to health care, the arts to the environment. Grants are generated by the more than 240 funds that comprise The Foundation’s endowment, established and advanced by area individuals and families.
