Q U A R T E R LY N E W S L E T T E R F O R
DONOR-ADVISED FUNDHOLDERS
While The Community Foundation offers many ways for those who love this community to enhance and enrich the lives of its residents, none is as effective and emotionally resonant as the donor-advised fund. Through you and our other fundholders, commitments made in the spirit of philanthropy and concern for others find a permanent purpose; and your gift knows no bounds. In every issue of this newsletter, we feature donors and nonprofit partners who are making a difference. The story of Donald VanWaes and the Margarets Gaffney & Van Waes Fund is remarkable, and how the Arc Herkimer park came to be serves as an example of philanthropy made real. These are just a few examples of many; they are the reality behind the numbers. And the numbers tell a story of their own. So far this year, more than $1.7 million has been awarded to our nonprofit partners from donor-advised funds. Thanks to your generosity, that number will continue to grow—and our community will benefit in ways we can only begin to imagine. On behalf of The Community Foundation staff and Board of Trustees, and the communities we serve, I thank you for your support.
Eve Van de Wal Chair of the Board of Trustees
the
MARGARETS GAFFNEY & VAN WAES FUND For more than a decade, Donald Van Waes has been involved with The Community Foundation, serving as a member of the grants committee for many years and donor advisor to the fund he established with his wife, the late Margaret (Peg) Van Waes.
“As a result of being on the grants committee, I became familiar with all the different funds and that was where it all started,” recalls Don. “My wife and I had talked about establishing a foundation, and as we discussed it more, we began to see all the potential challenges involved. How do you manage it? How do you decide what agencies to give grants to without the ability to supervise it all? The more challenges that we considered, the more it seemed that The Community Foundation was the place that could handle all of these matters and handle them very well.” Don and Peg created the Margarets Gaffney and Van Waes Fund in 2004, named for Peg and her mother, to support education-related programs, as well as services that assist young mothers in need—two important causes they believed to be overlooked and underfunded. Evelyn’s House was their first charitable investment, a decision inspired by Peg’s cousin who cared for unwed mothers in her home. Don reached out to several agencies to find out what services were available before learning of Family Nur turing Center founder Donna LaTour-Elefante’s desire to create a home for young mothers to raise their children. Once a property had been identified, the Van Waeses provided support for renovations and first-year operations. “We were insistent on getting this place going and making it self-supporting,” Don said. “We knew it would be a success if we could get by during that first year.” Personal experience inspired Don and Peg’s other charitable giving as well, including a long partnership with Notre Dame Schools. For example, Don’s family couldn’t afford to send him to college, but he was able to attend
Cornell University thanks to the generosity of a kind woman he worked for as a teenager. “I want to give other students that same oppor tunity. There are some children who want to go to Notre Dame but can’t afford it. For many years, my wife and I have been able to help with tuition and it’s something that I plan to keep doing.” Having granted more than $300,000 to local nonprofits, the Van Waeses viewed this as their way to give back to a community that means so much to them. “This was always the place. This was the place to be. My wife’s family was here, and our children were here and went to school here…we loved the community. It’s encouraging right now because suddenly there seems to be a lot more optimism in the community than there used to be, and that’s a good sign. “Giving back over the years has made me a better person. I’ve always made it a point to go and visit the nonprofits we support. By seeing them firsthand, you begin to truly understand the need. It is satisfying to be able to help. It makes you more aware of other people and their challenges, and I think that is important for all of us.” A few months after their 70th wedding anniversary, Peg passed away in December 2017. Don continues to guide their lifelong commitment to serving others through the fund, and he spends time with the couple’s 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and his dog, Murphy.
ARC PARK update What began with a vision, conceived by Arc Herkimer’s leadership on an afternoon stroll through a nearby empty field, is now a one-of-a-kind, fully accessible recreation facility where individuals of all ages and abilities are welcome. Arc Park is the first and only public park of its kind in a nine-county
fitness groups, wellness events, craft fairs and band nights, with activities
region to provide a completely accessible outdoor recreation experience.
at the family pavilion nearly every weekend.
Located behind the Arc Herkimer Business Park on East German Street in Herkimer, the brightly colored playground includes jungle gyms, swing sets, slides and distinct equipment for all age groups and abilities to enjoy. A wheelchair friendly fitness trail meanders throughout the park, connecting five exercise stations. Overlooking basketball courts and a softball field is the bandstand and concession facility—a gathering space for concerts, entertainment and events. In June 2017, hundreds turned out for a grand opening celebration, the culmination of several years of planning, fundraising and collective suppor t of many community partners.
In addition to community engagement and an overwhelmingly positive response from local families, Arc Park has received promotional attention from The Arc New York and The Arc of the United States. The park will also be featured in an upcoming article in the New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources newsletter. These outcomes confirm The Community Foundation’s decision to support the Arc Park project and advance the organization’s long-time partnership with Arc Herkimer. In total, The Community Foundation contributed more than $200,000 to the $1.5 million park including grants from five donor-advised funds: A. Richard Cohen Family Fund,
“This has the potential to go beyond the Village of Herkimer and
Albert S. Mazloom Family Fund, Bull Family Fund, Hummel Family Fund
Herkimer County,” said Frank Reid, Arc Herkimer’s vice president for
and M&T Bank/Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund.
strategic development predicted at the opening. “As it’s the only facility of its kind in the region, people can come here for a day and have a recreational experience they might not have otherwise because it’s not available in their area. That’s really the long-range vision for this park—to become a destination that will bring people together from all around.”
To cover the final cost of construction and ongoing park maintenance, Arc Herkimer continues to seek additional funding. Future goals for the park include the addition of accessible bathroom facilities (in spring 2019), a wheelchair accessible platform swing and a splash park area.
Now, after a year in operation, Arc Park is a daily recreational destination
Collaboration among many partners helped accomplish the initial goal
for hundreds of community residents and visitors from around the region.
to create a fun-filled recreation park for all ages and abilities to enjoy—
The park is host to many summer activities including youth programs,
providing only a glimpse of the project’s ultimate potential.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES If you would like to support these important initiatives or discuss other opportunities, please contact Lindsey Costello, donor relations manager, at 315.731.3726 or lcostello@foundationhoc.org.
BELIEVE 271 FOUNDATION FIREFIGHTER GEAR WASHER-EXTRACTOR Firefighters face several hazards battling structural fires. New research has increased awareness of the connection between contaminated gear and a variety of cancers. Clean and decontaminated personal protective clothing is a firefighter health and safety issue; every department should ensure that personnel have the equipment needed to properly launder and dry gear. Believe 271 is seeking $12,000 in funding for a gear extractor to address this need among local volunteer fire departments.
MIDTOWN UTICA COMMUNITY CENTER DANCE WORKSHOPS Many program participants and outside community groups have expressed interest in learning how to dance and have used the Midtown Utica Community Center space to practice dance routines. A dance instructor would provide community members with lessons and support from an experienced source. Midtown Utica Community Center is seeking $2,500 to hire a dance instructor and cover the cost of dance-related attire.
MOHAWK VALLEY RESOURCE CENTER FOR REFUGEES (MVRCR) ONE WORLD ARTISANS One World Artisans is a micro-enterprise group of diverse artisans from many refugee and immigrant communities representing several different cultures. One World Artisans facilitates community integration and increases economic self-sufficiency, using the traditional craft skills and talents of refugees and immigrants. The project also provides participants with knowledge of American business practices, a supportive social environment that enhances self-confidence and community engagement, and an avenue for refugees and immigrants to share their exceptional craft with the Mohawk Valley. To continue to support the initiative, MVRCR is seeking $1,750 in support to fund a pottery class with 4 Elements Studio and associated expenses.
MUNSON-WILLIAMS-PROCTOR ARTS INSTITUTE (MWPAI) SUMMER EXHIBITION MWPAI will present The Hot Glass Roadshow from the Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) during its 2019 summer exhibition. This fully functioning state-of-the-art glassmaking studio on wheels will be set up along Genesee Street on MWPAI’s front lawn. For 10 days, The Hot Glass Roadshow will welcome a team of master glassmakers from CMoG who will bring the dynamic and engaging drama of live glassblowing to audiences. There will be events for general audiences as well as tailored programs for children, refugees, students and those with special needs. MWPAI is seeking $50,000 in support for the exhibition.
PLYMOUTH BETHESDA UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST/CORNER STONE COMMUNITY CHURCH SUNDAY BREAKFAST Plymouth Bethesda United Church of Christ and Cornerstone Community Church are seeking $5,000 to help cover the expense of its Sunday breakfast program. The church is the only area provider to offer free, hot breakfast on Sunday mornings. The program serves more than 75 hungry individuals each week and is seeking support to provide meals to those in need as demand increases.
RESCUE MISSION OF UTICA ROOF REPLACEMENT With the Rescue Mission’s most recent facility changes and increased demand for services, several updates, including a new roof, are needed to keep the organization’s administrative building operating. Rescue Mission is seeking $16,000 for a roof replacement and to complete necessary building repairs.
THE ROOT FARM CABINS/BATH HOUSE The Root Farm is focused on learning and healing for people of all ages and abilities through the power of equine, agricultural and recreational experiences. In 2017,The Root Farm opened Root Farm Adventures, which features high and low ropes courses, a zip line and a rock climbing tower. The Root Farm has received a significant number of requests from individuals locally and throughout the northeast region that would like to utilize the activities and seek overnight accommodations on The Root Farm property. To meet this demand, The Root Farm is seeking funding to construct four handicap accessible cabins and a basic bathhouse with restroom facilities. The Root Farm is requesting $150,000 in support for the project.
STEVENS-SWAN HUMANE SOCIETY ANIMAL FOOD PROGRAM Stevens-Swan Humane Society is seeking a sponsor for its feeding program through Hill’s Science Diet, which offers high quality food for shelter animals at a discounted rate. Feeding shelter animals a consistent diet helps avoid digestive issues and allergic reactions that lead to increased veterinary expenses.The program also allows the shelter to purchase prescription diet food at cost versus a higher rate through a veterinary practice. Stevens-Swan is seeking $15,000 to cover the cost of program participation in 2019.
SUNY POLYTECHNIC FOUNDATION SYNDAVER LABORATORY KIT SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s College of Health Sciences provides degree programs in nursing at the undergraduate and advanced levels, as well as health information management and community and behavioral health. The College of Health Sciences currently has more than 500 students enrolled in the program and enrollment continues to increase. The College is looking to expand its current teaching lab by purchasing a SynDaver, a realistic and sophisticated synthetic cadaver complete with functional muscular, skeletal, circulatory, respiratory, gastrointestinal and endocrine systems—all made from materials that look, feel and respond just like live tissue. The SUNY Polytechnic Foundation has secured $25,000 in funding and is seeking $49,650 to complete the project.
THEA BOWMAN HOUSE FURNITURE REPLACEMENT Thea Bowman House provides child care for 170 children ages 18 months to 12 years and offers a universal pre-K program for more than 150 4-year-old children. Previously co-located, the pre-K program is moving to the first floor of the DeSales Center. Thea Bowman is seeking $12,400 for replacement furniture for the new pre-K classroom to be used by students this September.
UPTOWN THEATRE FOR CREATIVE ARTS (UTCA) INDUSTRY SPEAKER SERIES UTCA was founded to restore Utica’s historic Uptown Theatre as a cultural, social and economic asset to the region and provide unique and meaningful programming that educates, engages and entertains. UTCA is seeking $8,200 to fund an entertainment industry speaker series featuring writers and performers working in television and film. Through workshops and other programming, the UTCA hopes to offer community members a place to get inspired, express creativity and learn something new from industry experts.
UTICA MONDAY NITE HART PARK PROJECT Utica Monday Nite is seeking $10,000 to purchase fencing to complete the final aspect of Hart Park, a place for community and contemplation. In 2017, Utica Monday Nite undertook the project in cooperation with Utica Academy of Science Charter School, a middle school in a “wedge neighborhood” in West Utica. The objective is to provide an arts project for students enrolled in the STEM-focused school that lacks arts opportunities. The concept grew to be a three-year project, involving students from the refugee population and other neighborhoods, as well as community members and local artists. Utica Monday Nite’s goal is to create a neighborhood park for residents to enjoy nature and appreciate art created by community members.
WATERVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOLS STEAM LEVEL UP PRESENTATION STEAM Level Up enables youth to reach new levels in technology and leadership through STEAM and drone education. The four-week sessions introduce elementary and middle school students to computer science and encourages participation by girls and underrepresented minorities. The program includes hands-on learning with robotics and drone circuits, an introduction to code.org, and STEAM training for teachers. Waterville Central Schools is seeking $2,740 in funding to cover STEAM Level Up program fees, program materials, participant snacks and a stipend for teachers.
YOUR NEIGHBORS MEAL PROGRAM Your Neighbors is a nonprofit organization comprised of local volunteers who reach out to homebound residents in the Utica area, many of whom are elderly, disabled and lack support from friends and family members. Volunteers prepare, package and deliver meals to clients in need. In 2017, more than 3,500 meals were distributed to nearly 300 homebound clients. Your Neighbors is requesting $3,900 over three years to cover the cost of food and supplies needed to continue providing cost-free meals to those in need.
YWCA MOHAWK VALLEY LUCY’S HOUSE KITCHEN RENOVATION Located in Rome,YWCA Mohawk Valley’s Lucy’s House is a six-bed safe dwelling that provides shelter and support to individuals and children fleeing domestic violence. Lucy’s House provides free and confidential services, offering survivors an opportunity to rest, heal and reconnect in a safe, supportive environment. Survivors receive food, clothing and extensive support services during their stay.The kitchen at Lucy’s House is in dire need of renovation and upgrades to safely and efficiently prepare meals for guests. YWCA Mohawk Valley is seeking $35,600 to fund a full renovation of the kitchen space.
INVEST IN YOUR Community MAKE A GIFT THAT WILL FIT YOUR PHILANTHROPIC GOALS AND BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY FOR YEARS TO COME.
HOW TO GIVE ONLINE
foundationhoc.org
2608 Genesee Street | Utica, NY 13502
PHONE
315.735.8212
WAYS TO GIVE MAKE A GIFT
Cash Real Estate Stocks & Securities
CREATE A FUND
Donor-Advised Scholarship Field-of-Interest
PLAN YOUR LEGACY
Bequests Future Fund Life Insurance
GENERATE AN INCOME
Retirement Plans Charitable Gift Annuity Charitable Remainder Trust
NICK GRIMMER
Director of Giving Strategies ngrimmer@foundationhoc.org 315.731.3737
LINDSEY COSTELLO Donor Relations Manager lcostello@foundationhoc.org 315.731.3726
BRIANA GRECO
Development Coordinator bgreco@foundationhoc.org 315.731.3738
*PHOTO TAKEN AT THE HAGE BUILDING, A LEED GOLD CERTIFIED FACILITY IN DOWNTOWN UTICA.