Annual Report 2015 website

together.

we make a difference.

CREATE Foundation // Annual Report 2015

together. we make a difference.

Table of Contents Board of Directors Report Dedication Commission Affiliates

Donor Advised Funds Organization Endowments Special Project Funds

Scholarship Funds

Supporting Organizations

Toyota Wellspring Education Fund 4 Board Officers

6 8 10 12 15 18 20 23 26 28

Marchbanks Endowment Fund 30 McLean Awards

32 Northeast Mississippi Youth Foundation 34 Endowment Funds

36 Financial Report

38

A

s a community foundation, CREATE works to promote philanthropy, build and oversee permanent endowments and provide leadership on key community issues. Since 1972, CREATE has partnered with individuals, families, organizations and corporations to provide grants to non-profits that help meet a wide range of community needs. The focus of the foundation includes leadership and support for education, health and human services, the arts and public recreation and beautification. Since our founding, donors have made charitable gifts totaling more than $100 million.

Board Officers (L to R): Tommy Tomlinson, past chairman, Cathy Robertson, treasurer, Ormella Cummings, secretary, Robin McCormick, vice chairman, Greg Pirkle, chairman, Mike Clayborne, president

Seeking the common good CREATE Founders George and Anna Keirsey McLean believed that by joining together, communities could cultivate leaders and heroes who would make a difference for us all.

Whether through granting scholarships, developing leadership training programs or enhancing college and career readiness, promoting leadership in our communities is key to our long-term success as a region. The McLeans serve as a great example of what exceptional leadership can accomplish. They believed that each of us has the responsibility to help raise the level of all people in our communities. Their vision for a vibrant and growing Northeast Mississippi would not have happened without their persistent leadership. So in the heroic spirit of George and Anna Keirsey McLean, let’s continue to work together toward realizing their vision of progress, growth and vitality for our region.

Board Officers 5

Grace Clark Community Volunteer Tupelo

Bo Collins CEO & President BNA Bank New Albany

John Creekmore Attorney Creekmore Law Office, PLLC Amory

Ormella Cummings, Ph.D. Chief Strategy Officer North MS Health Services Tupelo

Clay Foster President, CEO & Publisher Journal, Inc. Tupelo

Hassell H. Franklin CEO Franklin Corporation Houston

Bobby Harper Senior VP/BDO Renasant Bank Columbus

Octavious Ivy Clinical/Support Services NMMC Tupelo

Gloria Kellum, Ph.D. Retired Vice Chancellor for UM Oxford

Larry Kirk Retired CEO Hancock Fabrics, Inc. Tupelo

Randy Long President Long Wholesale Distributors, Inc. Corinth

Bobby P. Martin Chairman of the Board The People’s Bank Ripley

Robin McCormick, CPA

Guy Mitchell Board Counsel Mitchell, McNutt & Sams, P.A. Tupelo

Buddy Montgomery Chairman & President First Choice Bank Pontotoc

Aubrey Patterson Retired Chairman of the Board BancorpSouth Tupelo

Greg Pirkle Attorney Phelps Dunbar, LLP Tupelo

Eddie Prather Consultant The Excellence Group Tupelo

Jack Reed, Sr. Chairman Reed’s Tupelo

Cathy Robertson Executive VP BancorpSouth Tupelo

Becky Rollins Community Volunteer Tupelo

Ronny Rowland Manager Prentiss County Electric Power Assoc.

Booneville

David Rumbarger President & CEO Community Development Foundation Tupelo

David Shaw, Ph.D. MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Starkville

Sean Suggs Vice President Toyota Blue Springs

Tommy Tomlinson Division President Renasant Bank Starkville

Mitch Waycaster President Renasant Bank Tupelo

H.L. “Sandy” Williams Chairman Coca-Cola Bottling Works Corporation Corinth

6 Directors

Partner Watkins, Ward & Stafford, PLLC West Point

Board of Directors CREATE’s directors are community leaders who strive to set a standard for excellence.

They offer valuable wisdom and insight in guiding the Foundation. Many share experience and expertise in financial and legal matters. In regard to grant making and programs, our directors strive to make the best possible decisions for our region. They are donors themselves demonstrating that their commitment extends to sharing their financial resources. The caliber of our leadership is often a key reason for donor confidence in the Foundation.

CREATE Staff

Michael K. Clayborne President

Lewis Whitfield Senior Vice President

CREATE Founders

Directors Emeritus

George A. McLean 1904-1983

Felix Black 1917-2003

Anna Keirsey McLean 1906-2000

Jim Ingram 1930-2006 James Hugh Ray 1927-2007 J.C. Whitehead 1921-2004 Jack Reed, Sr. 1924-2016

Bryan Wilson Managing Partner Tacoma Ag, LLC Fulton

Juanita Floyd Vice President of Finance & Administration

Thank You for 30 Years, Juanita!

Albine Bennett Director of Communications Administrative Assistant

Mary Alice McLaurin Commission Administrative Assistant

Katie Stuart, CPA Director of Finance

Directors 7

The 2015 CREATE Annual Report is dedicated to the life of

Jack Reed, Sr. 1924-2016 Northeast Mississippi lost a star this year with the death of Jack Reed Sr., Tupelo’s preeminent civic leader and a guiding force of the CREATE Foundation.

Reed was among the last of a Greatest Generation cadre of Tupelo’s business and professional leadership who, after World War II, transformed a pleasant county-seat town into a thriving city which became a regional magnet for economic growth, employment, strong public education and a vigorous arts and cultural community.

Throughout his life, Reed earned a national reputation as an eloquent advocate for racial fairness and reconciliation in Mississippi. He had served as a member of the United Methodist Church’s Commission on Religion and Race, through which he became friends with key leaders in the national Civil Rights Movement.

Reed was a founding CREATE board member in 1972 and served as Chairman from 1977-1979.

Reed was a director emeritus of the Daily Journal’s corporate board of directors, a position in which he served for a half century.

Reed had been a close friend, confidant and community builder with the late George McLean, the Daily Journal’s executive editor, publisher and the founder of CREATE, the

“

not-for-profit foundation which owns all stock in Journal Inc CREATE feels a special loss because of his longtime service and contributions, which have helped make the organization what it is today.

One of his greatest contributions was in 1995 while serving on the original Commission on the Future of Northeast Mississippi. He proposed the idea of providing guaranteed tuition to community colleges for high school graduates from Northeast Mississippi. His vision became a reality in 2008.

Reed’s greatest legacy is his family, which continues to provide leadership and service to our region and state.

He was married to Frances Purvis Reed, and they were the parents of four children, all of whom returned to Tupelo after college.

Reed’s contributions in public education, economic development and racial reconciliation span the entire region, state and South.

Reed always served with honor, distinction, vision and unflinching integrity.

Of all the people I have known in our state of Mississippi, none has been more inspiring than Jack Reed. He was a leader in every way his whole lifetime.”

William Winter Mississippi Governor

Report Dedication 9

together. we promote success.

Overall Goal: Increase regional per capita income from 66.69% of the 2000 national average to 75% by 2015.

10 Commission

Primary Supporting Goal: Improve highest level of education attained by adults 25 years and older in the region.

Commission The Commission on the Future of Northeast Mississippi, the program arm of CREATE, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2015. For the past two decades, the Commission has been building regional cooperation and unity through effective regional community development. To achieve its purpose of regional unity, the Commission studies data, identifies key issues, sets regional goals to address the issues, and serves as a catalyst and convener to help attain the goals.

Education.

Higher educational achievement and attainment throughout our region results in the development of a high quality workforce. For more than a decade, the Commission has helped initiate and facilitate several regional initiatives designed to reduce dropouts at every level of education and to enhance the quality of education of all students.

Examples of Commission initiatives include dropout prevention summits, dropout recovery programs, media campaigns, support for high quality early childhood initiatives, and facilitation of the MSUUM Task Force on Regional Development. Two other initiatives deserve special mention below.

Tuition Guarantee.

Since 2008, a tuition guarantee initiative has been growing within our region. Today, all 17 counties in the region offer the Tuition Guarantee Program to recent high school graduates with the promise of 100% paid tuition for up to four regular semesters at one of four community colleges. In the fall of 2015, a total of 2,600 young people were covered by our region’s program. Financial sponsors vary by county but include three foundations, two planning and development districts, counties, cities, businesses, and individuals. The State of Tennessee recently passed a law funding an almost identical program throughout the state.

Commission Members Alcorn

Monroe

Gary Chandler John Mercier Clayton Stanley

Jim Edwards Skip Miles Jean Pinkley

Benton

Oktibbeha

Jack Gadd Bill Renick

Calhoun John Burt Lisa McNeece

Chickasaw Patsy Gregory Bill Smith

Clay Amy Berry Eddie Longstreet

Itawamba B.J. Canup Mike Eaton

Lafayette

Michelle Amos Frank Chiles Dr. Tommy Stevenson

Pontotoc Phyllis Ford High Judge James L. Roberts, Jr.

Prentiss Patrick Eaton Ronny Rowland

Tippah Duane Bullard Kyle Smith

Tishomingo Beth Davis Dr. Bob Ferguson

John Adams Dr. Gloria Kellum Randy Leister

Union

Lee

At Large

Grace Clark Glenn McCullough, Jr. Guy Mitchell, III (Chair) Paul Mize, Jr. Rickey Thompson Lowndes Nick Ardillo Allegra Brigham (Vice Chair) Birney Imes Antwann Richardson

Marshall

Betsey Hamilton Phil Morris

Denotee Martin Eddie Prather Senator Bill Stone

Emeritus Kenny Dill Bobby Martin Jack Reed, Sr. (1924-2016) Sandy Williams

University Lee Tyner Kyle Steward

Dr. Gemma Beckley Mayor Kelvin Buck Sarah Sawyer

Districts of Innovation.

In 2015, the Commission worked with the Mississippi Legislature to secure passage of a new law, entitled Districts of Innovation. This law will enable public school district leaders to formulate new plans designed to improve academic performance. The State Board of Education may designate up to five districts of innovation annually.

Each district will be given five years to implement and execute its plans. Hopefully, some of the successful features of these districts’ plans may be replicated by other districts within the state.

State of the Region.

For 20 years, CREATE’s Commission has sponsored a State of the Region meeting. In May, more than 200 community and state leaders heard two excellent presentations from David Dodson of MDC and Dr. David Shaw of MSU. Those in attendance also received two key reports – one which profiles regional growth and development and one which measures progress towards regional goals.

Opposite page: Mike Eaton, president of ICC presents Laura Coker with her diploma. Above: Graduates of ICC wait for the commencement ceremony to begin.

Commission 11

together. we build communities.

12 Affiliates

CREATE and its 12 community affiliates work together to help revitalize communities, develop new leaders, and increase civic involvement and private investments throughout the region. Our affiliates support a wide range of initiatives that help breathe new life into the region. To recognize their efforts, Journal, Inc. established the James Hugh Ray Community Affiliate Award. James Hugh Ray was a community hero and made many valuable contributions to our region and to the CREATE Foundation. He was instrumental in CREATE’s establishment, serving as its legal architect and advisor. He was a loyal board member for many years.

2015 James Hugh Ray Community Affiliate Award Winner:

South Monroe

South Monroe County Community Fund received the

2015 James Hugh Ray Community Affiliate Award. Like Mr. Ray, South Monroe has distinguished itself as an organization of integrity and dedication.

Since 2005, South Monroe has focused on making its communities aware of the giving opportunities that the foundation provides. Recent grants include Aberdeen Band Boosters, Aberdeen High School, Aberdeen Air Force Junior Reserve Office Training Corps, Aberdeen Main Street, The Bukka White Blue Bluff Festival, Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department, The Magnolias, Monroe County Sheriff Department, Shivers Middle School, and Tenn Tom Moving Youth, Inc. Since 2007, South Monroe Community Foundation has awarded 66 grants to 25 organizations and special projects totaling $35,631.

Affiliate Endowment Balances Alcorn $1,315,275 CARE Endowment Fund CorinthAlcorn Reaching for Excellence Calhoun $251,350 Calhoun County Endowment Fund Chickasaw $435,918 Partners in Achieving Community Excellence Clay $1,104,182 West Point Community Foundation Itawamba $660,546 Friends of Itawamba Responding to Secure Tomorrow Lafayette $702,995 Lafayette/Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow Lowndes $303,882 Columbus Lowndes Foundation Fund Monroe $359,266 North Monroe County Community Fund: $180,603 South Monroe County Community Fund: $178,662 Oktibbeha $340, 895 Starkville-Oktibbeha Achieving Results Tippah $352,696 Tippah And Ripley Growing Excellence Together

Above, left: South Monroe has made grants to the Aberdeen Elkin Theater to help purchase a new digital projector and screen for the theater as well as replacement of stage curtains. Above, right: South Monroe has made grants to the Aberdeen Animal Shelter to support their spay and neuter program. South Monroe supports shelter’s mission and initiative programs. Opposite page: South Monroe County Community Fund and the Aberdeen Garden Club join forces to keep Historic Aberdeen beautiful.

Union $603, 522 Union County/New Albany Initiative to Excel

Affiliates 13

affiliate boards Alcorn (CARE) H. L “Sandy” Williams, Chair Hull Davis Fred Joe Vann, Jr. Orma R. Smith Clayton Stanley Kenneth Williams Mona Lisa Grady, Executive Director Calhoun Bill Williams, Co-chair John G. Burt, Co-chair Randy Baker Jim Blue Sheila Freely Joel McNeece Lorna Reifers Melany Taylor Michael Watkins Chickasaw (PACE) Bobby Mooneyham, Chair Frank Alford Alford Bell Tom Byrne Dr. Betsy Collums Hassell Franklin Rayburn Parks Harry Robinson Bob Scott Gary Staten Clay (West Point) Kenny Dill, Chair Dewel Brasher Jimmy Bryan Robin McCormick Louise Campbell, Executive Director Itawamba (FIRST) Brian Quinn, Chair Patti Davis Bennett Joey Cox Laken Graham Romona Edge Teresa Floyd Ginger Howell Sid Kirksey Matt Kline George Marquis Teresa McNeece Luke Montgomery

14 Affiliates

Itawamba (FIRST) cont.

Jeffrey Strunk Jason Wallace Bryan Wilson Cindy Wilson Lafayette (LOFT) Walt Davis, Chair Ben Bolton Bette Butler Michael Joe Cannon Timeka Davis Anne Fair Julie Field Dotsy Fitts Teresa Flautt Sam Haskell Richard Howorth Jean Jordan Jacqui Lear Caroline Mayo Lane McCluer Caroline McIntosh Ed Meek Mike Mitchell Jane Kerr Nance Robert Paine Roy Percy Susan Phillips Mary Sharp Rayner Ken Rutherford Lisa Spragins Molissia Swaney Sherry Wall Julie Yoste Jody Holland, Executive Director Lowndes Helen Pridmore, Chair Mary Alexander Barbara Bigelow Stevan Black Charlie Box Tom Buckley Nancy Carpenter Jim Davidson John T. Frazier Rob Graham Bobby Harper Brenda Howard Birney Imes Susan Jones Bain Nickels Perrin Smith Stewart Stafford

Lowndes cont.

Alma Turner Jan Estman, Executive Director South Monroe Kathy Seymour, Chair Dr. Doris Blanchard Patsy Claxton Nan Corbell James Edwards, Jr. Dr. Lavon Fluker-Reed Martin Hansen Susan Honeycutt Bradley Lipsey Leon Manning Greg Miller North Monroe Bo Miller, Chair Dottie Haney Bobby Cleveland George Darden Mary Lib Francis Art Gentry Geneva Moon Larry Palmer Dr. Len Pinkley Tony Poss Deborah Rogers Oktibbeha (SOAR) Paul Millsaps, Chair John Robert Arnold Dr. David Boles Brother Larnzy Carpenter Bobby Crosland Suzanne S. Dressel Dr. Dora Herring Martin Jue Pat Lane Buddy Staggers Nellah Taylor Charles E. Weatherly Martha Wells Ross Williams Marty Wiseman Jan Eastman, Executive Director Tippah (Target) Bob Glover, Chair Dean Caviness Von Coombs John Frank Gibbs Melissa Harrison

Tippah (Target) cont.

Jim Jackson Beverly Moffitt Deborah Hurt, Administrative Assistant Union (UNITE) Travis Wiseman, Chair Pam Brown James (Bo) Collins Ray Collins Gary Cooper Cathy Garrett Jay Herrington Cathy McClinton Bobby Moore Phil Morris Thad Mueller Rodney Shands Ann Shirley Bill Smallwood Anne J. Stephens Collett Cross, Executive Director Tupelo/Lee County Dick White, Chair Pat Caldwell, ViceChair V.M. Cleveland Linda Gholston Lisa Hawkins Chuck Imbler Gene McDade Ted Moll Aubrey Patterson David Rumbarger Tilmon Calvert Kim Estess Chauncey Godwin Mickey Holliman Zell Long Gloria McKinney Sam Pace Scott Reed Mitch Waycaster David Wilson

donor advised funds ALBERT AND BILLIE GREEN ALBERT DELGADILLO ALFORD AND SHELIA BELL ALICE STAFFORD ANN PHILLIPS AND HUGHES MILAM ANNA MIZE ADAMS AND PAUL LOUIS ADAMS BABS AND MICKEY HOLLIMAN BETSEY AND TOM HAMILTON BOBBY J. AND MINERVA MOORE BOBBY MOONEYHAM BOBBY P. AND BARBARA M. MARTIN BULLARD FAMILY CABELL CARDIOLOGY RESEARCH LLC CARE CARLOCK TOYOTA CAROL BYRNE CHILDREN’S CATHERINE AND PAUL MIZE CATHY AND DON ROBERTSON CHAD AND MARY MARGARET CASE CHARLES AND JOYCE JOHNSTON CHARLES WEATHERLY CINDY AND MARTY SPARKS CLAY AND LANA FOSTER COCA-COLA BOTTLING WORKS - C.T.L. CHARITABLE COMMUNITY OUTREACH (AT&T) CROFTON AND CAMILLE SLOAN CUMMINGS FAMILY DAKIN REED DAVID AND DONNA RUMBARGER (GRACE) DAVID HENSON DAVID M. PALMER DENNIS AND BETH TOSH DINETIA NEWMAN DOROTHY D. AND GEORGE H. RUFF FOUNDATION DOUG AND RHONDA HANBY DR. AND MRS. DAN BRASFIELD DR. AND MRS. DOUG CLARK DR. AND MRS. FAYETTE WILLIAMS DR. AND MRS. RICHARD WARRINER ED AND HELEN MEEK EDDIE AND PRISCILLA PRATHER ELLEN DRANE MAULDIN ELLEN R. WALKER FRANK AND AMY DAVIS FRANKLIN CORPORATION FREEMAN FAMILY FULTON AND JULIE THOMPSON GEORGE M. AND BETTY B. TAYLOR GREG AND LISA PIRKLE HASSELL H. FRANKLIN ITAWAMBA GOOD WORKS - WALDORF JACK AND DANA FOSTER JACK AND LISA REED JACK AND MARY LIB FRANCIS JAMES D. BRYAN JAN BOTTS JANE SPAIN JASON AND MELISSA HARRISON JENNIFER MOONEYHAM JIM AND LISA HAWKINS JOE AND KIM ESTESS JOE AND MAROLYN HESTER JOE EDD AND SANDI MORRIS JOE RUTHERFORD JOHN AND JANET MATTHEWS JOHN AND SARA FRANCES HARDY JOHN P. AND LINDA C. SULLIVAN JOHN PAUL FRERER MEMORIAL JOHN R. AND MARY FICKLIN ARNOLD JOYCE AND HAL POLK JUDY AND BOB DAVIS

KATY AND CLAYTON STANLEY KENNY AND ANNA DILL KIRK AND TATE FORRESTER FAMILY LAURIE HORN STEVENSON LEN AND JEAN PINKLEY LENHOFF FAMILY TRUST LILLA REED LINDA MADDEN MARTIN MEMORIAL LONG DISTRIBUTORS CORINTH LOUISE CAMPBELL M AND A FAMILY M/M RONNY ROWLAND MALONEY MANAGEMENT, LLC MARSHALL AND DAPHNE MONTGOMERY MARTHA AND M.B. MARTIN MARTHA SWINDLE MARY AND CHARLES WERNER MARY AND SAM PACE MELVIN AND VALERIE RAY MINGA FAMILY MOSSY OAK FOUNDATION MR. JACK REED, SR. MR. AND MRS. BRITT ROGERS, III MR. AND MRS. W.T. WILLIAMS, III MR. AND MRS. ALAN BANK MR. AND MRS. AUBREY B. PATTERSON MR. AND MRS. BARRY FORD MR. AND MRS. DENOTEE MARTIN MR. AND MRS. H.L. (SANDY) WILLIAMS MR. AND MRS. HEYWOOD WASHBURN MR. AND MRS. JOHN G. BURT MR. AND MRS. JOHN JAMESON ROGERS MR. AND MRS. LARRY KIRK MR. AND MRS. MIKE CLAYBORNE MR. AND MRS. MORGAN BALDWIN MR. AND MRS. OCTAVIUS IVY MR. AND MRS. THEODORE S. MOLL MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM H. DAVIS, JR. MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM HULL DAVIS MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM RAY REED SR. MR. KENNETH WILLIAMS MR. ROBERT H. SCOTT MRS. ANNE J. STEPHENS MRS. BILLIE H. WADLINGTON MRS. CAROLYN BOGGAN MRS. ELIZABETH ANN BROWN MRS. GRACE DIRLAM NANCY INGRAM NELLAH TAYLOR AND J. MARK MERRITT OLD WAVERLY GOLF CLUB PHIL AND SUSAN MORRIS PHIL AND VICKIE LITTLE R.W. REED COMPANY RANDY AND PENNY LONG RAYBURN PARKS ROBERT AND JANE BLACK ROBERT W. AND KATHLEEN SEYMOUR ROBIN AND ANNE HAIRE ROBIN AND MIMI MCGRAW ROBIN Y. MCCORMICK ROSS AND DIANA WILLIAMS RUBYE DEL HARDEN RUSSELL AND LYNN GAINES SANFORD AND SUSAN THOMAS SARA AND MONTGOMERY BERRY SARA M. AND HOWARD R. HINDS SARAH DILL REILY SCOTT AND ANNETTE REED STAGGERS

STEPHEN AND SONYA MILES STUART P. VANCE SULLIVAN FOUNDATION SUSAN AND GUY MITCHELL TERRE AND ORMA SMITH TERRY AND KATHY JACKSON TERRY G. MANN THE BYRNE CPA CHARITABLE THE LARRY BROWN VAN OSTEN FAMILY WILEMON FOUNDATION SPECIAL PROJECT WILLIAM AND ELIZABETH WEST WILLIAM GRAHAM AND MARTHA F. WELLS ZELL LONG

Donor Advised Funds 15

A donor advised fund allows donors to make contributions and grant recommendations at their convenience. Donations and tax reporting are consolidated into a year-end statement for the donor

by CREATE. All donations are tax deductible at the time they are made to the Foundation; however, gift disbursements may be made at a later date. Another advantage of donor advised funds is that

appreciated securities may be used as contributions to the fund and are not subject to capital gains tax. In most cases, the full market value is tax deductible.

Donor advised funds may be established by individuals, families, organizations or corporations. To learn more about establishing a donor advised fund at CREATE, log on to www.createfoundation.com or call (662) 844-8989.

Featured Donor Advised Fund:

Orma and Terre Smith “To whom much is given, much is expected. When we are gone we will only be remembered for what we did while we were here,” said George Taylor at the 2013 Create Fall Summit. When I heard George Taylor utter these words I realized

that I had much to learn. I was sitting in the room full of titans of North Mississippi…Sandy & Kenneth Williams, Jack Reed, Sr., Bobby Martin and so many more, men and women who had given so much to so many. All I could think was, I will never be able to do what these people have done. My next thought was, we need to raise up a new generation of families who will care about our state and regions as much as these men and women do.

George then began to explain how he and his wife used the Donor Advised Fund at CREATE to distribute their gifts. So I went home and told my wife Terre, “We are going to need to give more.”

In January 2014 we opened our Donor Advised Fund. It has been such a blessing to be able to say yes when people ask us to help out different charities. I just go to the Donor Central Website and make a request and rest in the assurance that the check will be delivered timely and accurately. It has really simplified our life at tax time too. No more having to go through the checkbook and find every check. It all comes in one statement.

I want to encourage everyone to open a Donor Advised Fund. Start out with a small amount and increase it every year.

We have truly become joyful givers. I hope the Donor Advised Fund will be as rich a blessing to you and it has been to Terre and me.

Opposite page: Orma and Terre Smith

16 Donor Advised Funds

together. we give back.

Donor Advised Funds 17

together. we enrich lives.

18 Organization Endowments

The Lee County Library was established on September

2, 1941. The current facility of 38,500 square feet provides materials suitable for the general public in adult, young adult, and children’s departments. The library also houses a genealogy and local history collection, as well as a meeting room for public use. The Library obtained its first bookmobile in 1942, which provided much-needed reading material to rural areas and to school-aged children. The Bookmobile continues to visit early literacy centers, primary and elementary schools, and provides access to communities throughout Lee County.

The year 2016 marks a historic milestone in the history of Tupelo and Lee County – it is the 75th anniversary of the Lee County Library.

The Berry Endowment The Berry Endowment was established in December 1986 with a gift from Dr. C. K. Avent and Robert W. Avent in memory of Emily W. Berry, Julius G. Berry and Manie L. Berry. Income from the Endowment is used to support authorized educational activities such as workshops, seminars, and lectures to be given at the Lee County Library.

Walker-McGill Endowment The Walker McGill Endowment was established by bequest of John “Jack” Donald McGill, Jr. and Frances Walker McGill. Income from the Endowment is used to purchase genealogical books, records, materials, and equipment for use in the Genealogical Section of the Lee County Library.

Helen Foster Endowment The Helen Foster Endowment was established by bequest of Mrs. Helen Eaves Foster. Income from the Endowment is used to purchase equipment for the Helen Foster Room, and for providing lectures, music, and similar cultural programs to the citizens of Lee County at the Lee County Library. For more than 40 years the citizens of Lee County have enjoyed a varied and renowned set of speakers during Helen Foster Lectures at the Lee County Library.

Lee County Library Endowment The Lee County Library Endowment was established in July 1989. Initial funding of the Endowment was provided by many of Lee County’s leading citizens through the Lee County Library Development Campaign and from a bequest of John “Jack” Donald McGill, Jr. and Frances Walker McGill. The income from the Endowment provides funding for special, innovative library programs and services over and above those normally provided by the library; for the purchase of special books and other library materials not covered by normal library operating budgets; for the purchase of particularly needed materials and equipment not covered by normal library operating budgets; and to provide educational assistance to library employees seeking to improve their job skills.

Opposite page: The Lee County Library draws a crowd for their Tupelo Reads event. Photo by Adam Robison / Daily Journal. Left, Tom Franklin and Beth Fennelly introduce their book “The Tilted World” at Tupelo Reads. Photo by Thomas Wells / Daily Journal.

CREATE’s organization endowments support a specific non-profit organization and may be established by the organization or by a donor.

An endowment fund allows an organization to use a portion of the investment proceeds from the fund while keeping the principle intact.

Organization Endowment Spotlight:

Lee County Library Organization Endowment Funds BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF NEW ALBANY FORTNIGHTLY MUSICALE AGENCY ANTONE TANNEHILL GOOD SAMARITAN FREE CLINIC GUMTREE MUSEUM OF ART JUNIOR AUXILIARY OF TUPELO LA-MS-WEST TN KIWANIS FOUNDATION LEE COUNTY LIBRARY LEE COUNTY LIBRARY (BERRY) LEE COUNTY LIBRARY (HELEN FOSTER) LEE COUNTY LIBRARY (WALKER-MCGILL) NEW BEGINNINGS AGENCY NEWMS NORTH MS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OXFORD/LAFAYETTE HUMANE SOCIETY REGIONAL REHABILITATION SANCTUARY HOSPICE HOUSE STARKVILLE KIWANIS CLUB TUPELO COMMUNITY THEATRE TUPELO/LEE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY UNION COUNTY HERITAGE MUSEUM UNITED WAY UNITED WAY OF OXFORD-LAFAYETTE COUNTY WESTON REED SCHOLARSHIP WILDROSE DIABETIC ALERT DOG YOKNAPATAWPHA ARTS COUNCIL AGENCY Organization Endowments 19

CREATE’s special project funds allow community groups to carry out their charitable services while waiting for IRS designation as a 501(c)3. CREATE serves as fiscal agent for the special project allowing the group to operate as a non-profit under the auspices of the foundation.

Special Project Fund Spotlight:

Fulton Community Volunteers The Fulton Community Volunteers is a hands on, roll up your sleeves team and also serves as an organizational group to bring in other groups willing to do community service work.

20 Special Project Funds

Active Volunteer Groups All the Kings Men Community Organization Anchor Club The Baptist Brotherhood Boy Scouts City of Fulton Street Department City of Fulton Water and Gas Department The Criminal Justice Society Edelweiss Garden Club F. L. Crane and Sons Specialty Contractors Fulton Methodist Church Youth Girl Scouts Itawamba Agricultural High School Honors Career Technical Education Itawamba Agricultural High School Football Team Itawamba Community College Community Relations Department Itawamba Community College Football Team Itawamba Community College Forestry Club Itawamba Community College Jazz Band Itawamba County Sheriff ’s Department Youth Offenders Program Itawamba County Sheriff ’s Department Work Release Program Itawamba County Young Republicans Itawamba Historical Society Trinity Baptist Church Youth The Red Hat Society

“

We have found volunteering to be contagious; once others see the change in the community with just a little cooperation, they all want to be a part of the process and pitch in to help.�

Fulton Community Volunteers

together. we are the resource.

Special Project Funds 21

special project funds A WAY OUT (FULTON) AMERICAN LEGION POST 49 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN AMORY COMMUNITY EVENTS (ACE) ANSWERS FOR AGGIE ANTONE TANNEHILL GOOD SAMARITAN HEALTH SERVICES (FREE CLINIC) APRILS ANGELS ASSOCIATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION BABY STEPS IMAGINATION LIBRARY BILL RASPBERRY’S BABY STEPS BOERNER BE WILD BRIDGES OUT OF POVERTY CALEDONIA BAND CENTURY 21 BALANCE CHANGE AMORY CIVIC BALLET COKE 10K KIDS GET FIT INITIATIVE (CARE) COLUMBUS AFB SIGN COLUMBUS AFB STATIC DISPLAY COLUMBUS CHORAL SOCIETY COLUMBUS POLICE ACADEMY ALUMNI COMMISSION ON THE FUTURE OF ALCORN COUNTY COMMITTEE FOR KING COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CORINTH BEAUTIFICATION PROGRAM (CARE) CORINTH SCHOOL DISTRICT FOUNDATION CORINTH SIDEWALK REPAIR (CARE) COTESWORTH CULTURE AND HERITAGE CENTER COTESWORTH PROPERTY CREELY MUSEUM DANCING WITH THE KING DANCE EVENT DISTRICT 6 LEADERSHIP CAMP DONIPHAN DANCE PROJECT EASOM OUTREACH FOUNDATION ECEC ARTS INTEGRATION ED GOODMAN MEMORIAL ELVIS PRESLEY FOUNDATION EXCEL BY 5 LEE COUNTY EXPECT FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES TOGETHER FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN RETREAT, INC. FIREWORKS ON THE WATER FOR KIDS SAKE FRIENDS OF MUSIC BEND NATURE TRAIL FULTON COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS FULTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL FULTON PARKS GRILLING ON THE RIVER HELPING HANDS OF UNION COUNTY (UNITE) HHS MEMORIAL PLAZA (PACE) HOPE UNBRIDLED EQUESTRIAN PROGRAM HUGHES SHELTER ITAWAMBA COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER ITAWAMBA COUNTY SHERIFF ITAWAMBA CROSSROADS RANCH ITAWAMBA LEARNING CENTER JOHN PAUL FRERER BICYCLE SAFETY KIDNEY HEAD KIDS WITH CHARACTER KIWANIS HOTBED CLASSIC KRISTEN MINGA FOUNDATION FOR TEEN CHALLENGE LEADERSHIP UNION COUNTY LEE COUNTY LIBRARY FOUNDATION LKT HYDROCEPHALUS MIRACLE LOWNDES YOUNG LEADERS

22 Special Projects Funds

MAIN STREET COLUMBUS MANTACHIE EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION MAYOR’S TASK FORCE ON EDUCATION TUPELO READS MCLEAN BIOGRAPHY MILL VILLAGE HISTORIC REVITALIZATION RENOVATION MISSISSIPPI ANGELS PAGEANT MISSISSIPPI HILLS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION MLK CITY OF TUPELO RECEPTION MOMMIE ME TIME NETWORK MS AVIATION MUSEUM AND LEARNING CENTER MS FILM ALLIANCE MY BOOK OF LOWNDES COUNTY NE MS BIRTHING HEALTHCONNECT ONE NE MS COMMUNITY RECOVERY NEWMS - WOMEN’S BUSINESS NEWMS FAIRY GODMOTHER NEWMS GENERAL NEWMS LUNCHEON NEWMS SUCCESS SKILLS/TEEN SS SCHOLARSHIP NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL NORTHEAST MS BIRTHING NORTHEAST MS CHARITABLE NORTHEAST MS DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY OKOLONA DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION CHARITIES OXFORD CITY MARKET OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE ARTS GUILD PAL EZELLE MEMORIAL PARKWAY ELEMENTARY PTO PEDIATRIC SURGERY BOOK PLAYGROUND OF DREAMS POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE PRESERVING FULTON HISTORY R.J. WILEMON MINISTERIAL ASSISTANCE REBEL VENTURE CAPITAL RED HILL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION ROTARY VETERANS PARK CLOCK SALTILLO WOMEN’S CLUB SALUTE LOWNDES COUNTY FINEST SAVING TUPELO’S FIRST PARK (NAT’L FISH HATCHERY) SHANNON COMMUNITY/ SCHOOLS IMPROVEMENT SMILE INITIATIVE SNUGGLE BUDDY STARKVILLE BRIDGES OUT OF POVERTY STOP THE HURT SUMMER S.A.L.T. TALBOT HOUSE, INC. TALLAHATCHIE ARTS COUNCIL TAMMY WYNETTE LEGACY PARK TEAM 36 TEAM TUPELO/RESIDENT LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE THE FELLOWSHIP THE MESSIAH THE PEOPLES BANK CHARITIES’ THE WINDOWS INITIATIVE THS ACTIVITY AND COMMUNITY FIELD TOM TIMMS MEMORIAL TPD ADVANCED TRAINING AND NMLETC TUPELO AQUATIC CENTER MEMORIAL AND HONORARIUM TUPELO ELVIS FAN CLUB

TUPELO FILM FESTIVAL SOCIETY TUPELO POLICE DEPARTMENT COPS AND KIDS TUPELO POLICE DEPARTMENT RESERVE DIV I TUPELO POLICE DEPARTMENT RESOURCE OFFICER/DARE TUPELO POLICE DEPARTMENT TRAFFIC SAFETY TUPELO PUBLIC SCHOOLS TUPELO VISION - GOODNIGHT MOON TUPELO VISION - MS HEALTHIEST CITY TUPELO VISION - NEIGHBORHOOD TASK FORCE TYLER SLOAN MEMORIAL VETERAN’S PARK MEMORIAL JET VIETNAM REPLICA WALL WE CARE FOR KIDS SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE WESTON REED FOUNDATION WILDROSE DIABETIC ALERT DOG WINGS OVER COLUMBUS WIVES OF WARRIORS

scholarship funds ALLIENE GIBENS SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT AMORY ROTARY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AMORY ROTARY HOLACE MORRIS SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT AMORY ROTARY LEE MCCOWN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP BOB AND MARILYN MONROE SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT BOBBYE FRANKS JONES SCHOLARSHIP BYRNE-FIELD (BUSH) SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT CASEY SPRADLING MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP CHRIS WALL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP CLAUDIA RUTH CASTENIR SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT CLAY WAYCASTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT COACH JIMBO BYARS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP COACH JOE BRIGANCE SCHOLARSHIP DARREN FENTON NAYC SCHOLARSHIP DAVID SKINNER SCHOLARSHIP DENNIS BAILEY & MAXINE MONTS CAMERON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP DOUGHERTY SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT DR. AND MRS. WALTER BOURLAND SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT DR. MARSHALL HOLLIS FAMILY HEALTH CARE SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT DR. MARSHALL HOLLIS FAMILY SCOUTING SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT ELGAR AND LUENE WAYCASTER MINISTERIAL SCHOLARSHIP ELISE MOBLEY SCHOLARSHIP (PACE) EMILY MCDONALD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT EMILY WRIGHT HORNE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ERNEST CADDEN SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT EVA ANN BEASLEY DORRIS SCHOLARSHIP EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS SCHOLARSHIP FRANCES MALLORY SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT (Calhoun) FUTURE EDUCATORS OF AMERICA (Rutledge) SCHOLARSHIP GALE STAUFFER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP GEORGE H. SCHULTZ SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT GEORGE MAYNARD CLASS TUTORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUMC-TUPELO J.C. MCDANIEL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP J.T. NEELY SCHOLARSHIP JAKE MAY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP JAMES AND JEANETTE HALL SCHOLARSHIP JEFFREY HINES HOPPER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT JIM CRAIG ENDOWMENT JOHN N. TODD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP JOHN PAUL FRERER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT JORDAN LINDSEY CHRISTIAN CHARACTER SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT JULIA BLAKEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (LINK CULINARY ARTS) JUNIOR AUXILIARY OF TUPELO SCHOLARSHIP JUNIOR AUXILIARY OF WEST POINT/MATT POSEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT KAROL JEAN VOGE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP KAYLA SUE MIZE SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT KELLEY ELIZABETH HUMPHREYS NURSING SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT KIM GREEN SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT LARRY BROWN CREATIVE ARTS SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT (GOCF) LEE WESTON REED SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT FUND LISA MITCHELL GREEN AND GROWING MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP M & F BANK - JIM AND NANCY INGRAM SCHOLARSHIP M. GLEN AND LORA H. DAVIDSON SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT MARGARET BYRAM SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT MARIE PICKENS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP MARSHUAN BRAXTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP MCCARTY COMPANY SCHOLARSHIP MCLAUGHLIN HARRISON FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT

MISSISSIPPI FEDERATION OF MUSIC CLUBS SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT MR. AND MRS. B.L. RIEVES SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT MR. AND MRS. TOM ROBINSON SCHOLARSHIP MS THEATRE ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT NELLIE MORGAN BALLARD SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT NEWMS GENERAL EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP ORMA SMITH JR. SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT OWEN B. WHITEHURST SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT PAL SCHOLARSHIP PAT “ROBIN” DOWS ENDOWMENT PEBBLES EAST AULDS SCHOLARSHIP PHILLIP NEAL JONES SCHOLARSHIP PRESLY WALLACE, JR SOCCER SCHOLARSHIP RAY AND SHEILA HUTCHESON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ROBBY HALE “MAKE A DIFFERENCE” MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT ROTARY CLUB OF OXFORD EDWIN MOAK SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT ROWLAND JOYNER LEARNING SKILLS ENDOWMENT RUSSELL VEE PALMER DORMAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND RYAN PETTIT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP SHOCKWAVE SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE SIMPSON VICKERY SCHOLARSHIP STUBBS CHARITABLE TRUST SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT TAYLOR MOORE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT (UNITE) TERRY MANN SCHOLARSHIP THE MARY KIRKPATRICK HASKELL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT TIMMY BRYANT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP TODD HARDIN MEMORIAL LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP (PACE) TONY LAUNIUS SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP TUPELO LADIES CIVITAN SCHOLARSHIP TUPELO LUNCHEON CIVITAN SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT TYLER SLOAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT VALERIA MORGAN WHITFIELD SCHOLARSHIP WHITESIDE SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT WINIFRED AND MAYFIELD RILEY TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP

Scholarship Funds 23

together. we leave a legacy.

24 Scholarship Funds

CREATE’s scholarship funds provide a way to honor and memorialize loved ones while giving deserving students the opportunity to further their education. Funds may be designated for a particular field of study, or a specific county, school, or area. CREATE has more than 90 scholarship funds. Anyone who is interested in establishing a scholarship fund or would like to make a donation to a fund, please contact the CREATE Foundation at (662) 844-8989.

Scholarship Fund Spotlight:

Taylor Moore (1970-2000)

“

After the passing of our son, Taylor, in May of 2000, my wife and I wanted to carry on his legacy and memory. We decided an annual scholarship award at New Albany High School would be a way to accomplish our desire as well as financially aiding a deserving graduate to continue his or her education at a Mississippi college or university. We were encouraged to contact CREATE Foundation and meet with Mike Clayborne about our interest in establishing a scholarship fund. Mike and his staff were so very helpful and understanding of our desire and after several meetings, the “Taylor Moore Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund” was established at the end of 2003. Minerva and I could not be more pleased with how the CREATE staff aided us in the setup and administering of this scholarship fund which will continue for the future.”

Bobby and Minerva Moore New Albany, Mississippi

Taylor was born June 5, 1970, in Mobile, Alabama, the son of Bobby and Minerva Moore. His

father, Bobby, was from Okolona, Mississippi, and his mother, the former Linda Minerva Young, grew up in Lena, Mississippi. Taylor later moved to New Albany, Mississippi, and then to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, with his parents and brother, Brandon, when his dad was transferred due to business relocation. In 1977 when Taylor was seven, the family moved back to New Albany where Taylor started second grade at Ford Elementary School.

Taylor excelled in school and participated in numerous activities. He was an honor student at New Albany Middle School and received many academic awards. He was involved in student government, played Little League Baseball through the New Albany Park Commission, and was voted Mr. New Albany Middle School by his classmates. Taylor played football from seventh grade through ninth grade, but baseball was his true passion.

As a 1988 Honor Graduate of New Albany High School (formerly W. P. Daniel High School), Taylor was recognized for many outstanding achievements. His accomplishments included attending Boys State his junior year, being inducted into the National Honor Society, and being chosen as Who’s Who Among American High School Students. He also received awards in economics, world history, English, math, computer applications, and numerous other honors.

In addition to his academic successes, Taylor possessed a wonderful spirit. He was voted Mr. New Albany High School, Most Popular, Most Dignified, and Class Favorite. He excelled at the sport of baseball during his high school years and lettered all four years playing the position of first base.

Taylor attended Mississippi State University, first receiving his bachelor’s degree in business administration and later earning his MBA. After college Taylor worked for Benchcraft Furniture in the Sales and Merchandising Department.

Taylor’s hobbies included his love of Mississippi State sports and playing golf. In New Albany, he was an active member of First Baptist Church. After marrying, he and his wife attended First Baptist Church in Tupelo.

Taylor’s early death was the result of a tragic accident in February 1999 that caused a head injury and ultimately bleeding to the brain. The brain damage was so severe that Taylor lived only fifteen months after the accident, spending the majority of that time in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. At the time of his death on May 19, 2000, Taylor was married to the former Michelle McDaniel of New Albany.

They had a son, Preston Taylor born on May 6, 1999; and he had a stepson, Langston Paepke. Through the establishment of the Taylor Moore Memorial Scholarship Endowment, Bobby and Minerva hope to honor the memory of their muchloved son while providing financial support to a deserving college-bound student from New Albany High School.

Scholarship Funds 25

The Henry Mize Foundation The Henry Mize Foundation

Established in 2003 the Henry Mize Foundation provides support for the charitable organizations that Mr. Mize loved. Several worthy organizations received support this year including Mississippi State University Mize Pavillion, a multi-purpose facility that features a basketball practice court and abundant office space; Lee County Library; North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra; Community Development Foundation; and Northeast Development Foundation. The 2015 Henry Mize Foundation grant disbursements were $195,044, making the total investment to our region nearly $4.1 million.

Mize Foundation Grant disbursement in 2015:

Lee County Library Mississippi State University Mize Pavilion North MS Symphony Orchestra CDF Northeast Development Foundation

Above: Mize Pavilion at Humphrey Coliseum. Photos courtesy of MSU Athletics; Right: Buzzy and Henry Mize.

26 Supporting Organizations

The Benjamin and Corinne Pierce Foundation Pierce Foundation gave grants to the following in 2015:

The Benjamin and Corinne Pierce Foundation

The Pierce Foundation was established in 2001 by Corinne Pierce in memory of her husband Benjamin to commemorate his commitment to community and to honor his civic leadership. The 2015 Pierce grants and scholarships exceeded $261,000, making the total investment by the Pierce Foundation in Alcorn County more than $4.5 million.

Corinne Pierce 1930-2015 Corinne Williford Pierce was born in Cleveland, Mississippi, on July 27, 1930, and died on September 9, 2015, in her Corinth, Mississippi, home. She played competitive basketball in high school, graduated from Mississippi State College for Women, and went on to become a physical education teacher.

Corinne married Benjamin Pierce in 1961.

Benjamin Pierce, Sr. served as a Marine in the Pacific during World War II, and went on to become President of Tyrone Hydraulics, which employed over 700 people in Corinth. The couple had two children, Benjamin and Mary, and Corinne

The Alliance Boys & Girls Club of Northeast MS Corinth Unit C.A.R.E. Community College Scholarship Corinth Area Arts Council Corinth Symphony Orchestra Corinth Theatre-Arts CREATE Foundation Crossroads Museum Crosswind L.I.N.K. Lighthouse Foundation of Corinth Living Free Ministries Main Street Corinth NE MS Business Incubation System American Red Cross Pierce Senior College Scholarship Sharing Hearts United Way of Corinth and Alcorn Co. Carl Small Town Center Living Healthy Free Cinic

was a loving mother who managed the household and was actively involved in numerous efforts of civic and community benefit. She became assistant coach of the Corinth High School tennis team that won 14 state championships. Corinne was very involved in the Corinth Theatre Arts both as an actress and behind the scenes.

She won the Magnolia Award for best actress multiple times. Several years ago, the City of Corinth surprised Corinne with a Citizen of the Year award.

The couple started the Ben and Corinne Pierce Charitable Foundation to benefit deserving causes and people in Northeast Mississippi. She was passionate about fishing and loved teaching her family to fish. She also loved spending time at her beautiful farm in the country.

Supporting Organizations 27

Toyota Wellspring Education Fund The commitment of Toyota to establish a $50 million endowment over ten years at the CREATE Foundation is the most extraordinary gift to support public education in the history of our state. Over the past four years, CREATE, through the recommendation of the Toyota Wellspring Advisory Committee, used the proceeds from the endowment to enhance education in Lee, Pontotoc and Union counties.

Toyota Wellspring Education Fund Advisory Committee: Reggie Collums Pontotoc, Mississippi David Copenhaver Tupelo, Mississippi Mike Staten BNA Bank New Albany, Mississippi

Ex-Officio Members

Committee Advisors

Greg Pirkle Partner, Phelps Dunbar, LLP Tupelo, Mississippi

Dr. Larry Anderson Founder/Director National Center for Technology Planning Tupelo, Mississippi

Jean Massey Associate State Superintendent of Education Jackson, Mississippi

Sean Suggs Vice President Toyota Motor Manufacturing MS, Inc. Blue Springs, Mississippi

28 Toyota Wellspring Education Fund

Mike Clayborne President, CREATE Tupelo, Mississippi Dr. Chuck Garrett Senior Education Consultant New Albany, Mississippi

Toyota Wellspring grants have supported: • professional development opportunities for educators and administrators • curriculum audits that resulted in the development of curriculum tool kits to assist teachers for all eight school districts • laying the foundation for the Wellspring Center for Professional Futures, a high-school level advanced career center • providing $1 million in grants that were used primarily for improving technology and its necessary infrastructure, and enhancing early childhood education to the eight school districts • Travel and registration costs for teams from each of the eight school districts to attend national conferences • dual-enrollment courses in web app development, healthcare careers, aviation, and advanced manufacturing • tuition for summer academic camps at MSU and Ole Miss and advanced manufacturing camps at NEMCC and ICC • linking education to careers through an initiative that included hiring a national consulting firm to conduct interviews and provide guidance to a committee of educators and business leaders to determine how to better prepare students for careers • the establishment of a permanent committee of educators and business leaders to help develop systemic changes to link education to careers in kindergarten through grade 12 • major career expo held in the fall of 2015 • funding Teacher of the Year awards in all eight districts

Left: Students build their own websites at Imagine the Possibilities Career Expo 2015. Opposite page: Volunteers hand out hardhats, student bags, and brochures at the 2015 Imagine the Possibilities Career Expo; Sean Suggs, Vice President, Toyota Motor Manufacturing MS, Inc. speaks at CREATE’s 2015 Annual meeting.

together. we educate communities.

Imagine the Possibilities Career Expo The Toyota Wellspring Education Fund at CREATE Foundation was the lead sponsor of a major career expo on October 6-7, 2015, at BancorpSouth Arena in Tupelo. The expo is designed to provide a better understanding of the opportunities available after graduation to over 3,000 eighth-grade students.

“Imagine the Possibilities” featured activities connected to 18 career pathways. These pathways include Aerospace; Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources; Architecture & Construction; Arts, A/V Technology & Communications; Business Management & Administration; Education & Training; Energy; Engineering; Finance; Government & Public Administration; Health Science; Hospitality & Tourism; Human Services; Information Technology; Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security; Manufacturing; Marketing; and Transportation, Distribution & Logistics. The expo was open to public school students located in Lee, Pontotoc, Union, Chickasaw, Itawamba, Monroe and Prentiss counties.

“Imagine the Possibilities” formed community partnerships with local businesses to address the community challenges of inspiring and motivating students to pursue career goals. Education and workforce development professionals must work together in order to ensure a promising future for all students. This issue is not unique to Northeast Mississippi, or even to our state. Students everywhere need to know what jobs are currently available, the necessary training and education required, and the potential pay scale. Career awareness should start at an early age and should involve the entire community.

Toyota Wellspring Education Fund 29

John and Frances Marchbanks Endowment Fund John and Frances Marchbanks believed in giving back to their community. John, a native of Shannon, Mississippi, maintained a deep love for the area where he grew up, even though he had not lived there for more than 60 years. He and his wife Frances desired to help others overcome their problems, misfortunes and handicaps, and to assist them in helping themselves to achieve better lives and become productive citizens. In 2005, the Marchbanks left a gift of $8.7 million to benefit the region.

A $50,000 grant from the John and Frances Marchbanks Endowment Fund

was awarded to support a pilot program for the expansion of the transitional housing program of The Salvation Army – Tupelo Corps. The grant funds were used to renovate, equip, and pay the utilities for one year for five apartments owned by the CREATE Foundation. Additionally, these apartments will provide the ability to house families for longer periods of time, which will allow the Salvation Army to provide more comprehensive services including financial literacy, educational skills, and self-improvement instruction. The transitional housing client length of stay will be divided in 90-day increments with specific, measurable, and achievable goals to be evaluated during each period. Successful completion of each 90-day segment would be required to remain in the program until the final goal of complete independence is achieved and clients move into their own home or apartment. The expectation is each client will reach independent status in six to nine months. A Salvation Army employee will provide on-site supervision and support of client progress.

John and Frances Marchbanks Helping Hand Scholarship was awarded to

three students at Shannon High School. Award recipients were required to be a high school senior in good standing with a 3.0 grade point average or higher, at least a 15 on the ACT and two letters of recommendation. Each received a $5,000 scholarship.

Above: Grace Clark with scholarship recipients Taylor Smith, Alyssa Kelly and Emily Mask (pictured: left to right).

Above: Major Linda Daniel, Major Jeff Daniel and Mike Clayborne (pictured: left to right).

Frances Marchbanks 30 Marchbanks Endowment Fund

John Marchbanks

together. we help others.

Marchbanks Endowment Fund 31

The McLean Award for Philanthropy is given to honor those individuals, families, and corporations that exemplify CREATE Founders George and Anna Keirsey McLean’s spirit in charitable giving. It recognizes the extraordinary leadership of people

and organizations working to improve the quality of life in our community and our region. This year’s award was presented to a bottling beverage company from Starkville and an exceptional couple from New York City.

McLean Award Winner:

Michael and Julie Waldorf

Michael and Julie Waldorf

For their service to Itawamba County, Michael and Julie Waldorf received the award for supporting the Playgarden Park in Fulton and donating technology and vehicles to the Itawamba County Sheriff ’s Department.

Playgarden Park

Playgarden Park is courtesy of a $1.7 million grant provided

by Michael Waldorf and his wife, Fulton native Julie Grimes Waldorf. The enclosed park features multiple pavilion areas, two enclosed playground areas, an open lawn, large fountain and dense landscaping. The Waldorfs said they were looking for ways to contribute to the area, and a new park seemed like a natural fit. “Once we decided to build a home down here, 32 McLean Awards

we started taking a look at Fulton in terms of what it has and what it needs,” Michael Waldorf explained. “In our opinion, Itawamba County needed more places for children to just go out and play …We just thought there ought to be more.”

Itawamba County Sheriff ’s Department

The Waldorfs presented the Itawamba County Sheriff ’s Department with two 2015 Ford Explorer vehicles with all equipment needed for police duties. The couple also funded the purchase of two K-9 police dogs with training expenses included, tactical body armor for the SWAT team, desktop and laptop computers and digital cameras for investigators, GPS units for patrol vehicles, Motorola radio equipment and tuition and training expenses for officers.

McLean Award Winner:

C.C. Clark and Company

C.C. Clark and Company

Dr Pepper Company, MillerCoors, Minute Maid Juices, Evian C.C. Clark and Company donated funds to several institutions Water, Pabst, Stroh, Heineken USA and various other imports and domestic beer. in Starkville, including Palmer Home for Children, Starkville It maintains sales and warehouse facilities in Cleveland, New Parks and Recreation, Starkville Police Department, Volunteer Albany, Southaven and Starkville, Mississippi.

Starkville, Habitat for Humanity and American Red Cross.

Clark Beverage Group, Inc. (Mississippi Division) is a Mississippi corporation and is wholly owned by C. C. Clark, Inc. This corporation has franchises with the Coca-Coca Company,

“

“I can do something where I am and light a candle, rather than curse the darkness.”

George A. McLean CREATE Founder

George and Anna Keirsey McLean CREATE Founder George McLean believed that by joining together, communities could cultivate leaders who would make a difference for us all. Whether through supporting early childhood education, granting scholarships, developing leadership training programs, or enhancing college and career readiness, promoting leadership in communities is key to the

long-term success of a region.

George McLean served as a great example of what exceptional leadership can accomplish. He believed that each of us has the responsibility to help raise the level of all people in our communities.

His vision for a vibrant and growing Northeast Mississippi would not have happened without his persistent, tireless leadership.

McLean Awards 33

Northeast Mississippi Youth Foundation The Northeast Mississippi Youth Foundation (NEMYF), established by CREATE in 2001, is driven by its desire to make a difference in the lives of young people.

Eleventh and twelfth-graders from Northeast Mississippi are nominated and elected by the current NEMYF board. These students learn about philanthropy and making a difference in their communities while raising money for their endowment. At the April press conference, students present grant awards to nonprofit agencies that primarily serve children and youth. The NEMYF endowment has exceeded the $100,000 mark with nearly $34,000 in grants given back to Northeast Mississippi communities.

NEMYF Board Members: Kennedy Akin Abigail Alford Savannah Alley Callaghan Basil, treasurer Liza Boyer William Bradford Kaitlin Brannan Beth Brinkley Anna Maire Bruno McKenzie Buckner Frances Caskey Dillon Clayton Jacob Derrick Makaela Dickerson Kateri Fetter Ethan Foster Sydney Franks Chelsie Gray Locke Hester Sarah Hoing Avery Clair Jones Nikki Lane McKenzie Lane Trinity Lassiter Dawson McCord, assistant treasurer Faith McDonald Meredith McLaurin, historian

Madison Mitchell, chair Emily Morphis Reagon Newton, assistant secretary Gabriela Nieto-Hale Anna Nolley Virginia Parkinson Stephanie Parsons Carmen Perkins Luke Price Jason Rakestraw, secretary Andrew Ray Dakin Reed Kallie Roberts, assistant historian Reed Sanders Rachel Shumaker Brandi Smith Alex Springer Roxie Waltmon Taylor Ward Allie Ward Megan Warren Sarah Jordan Watkins Caroline Wigington, assistant chair Claire Shou

34 Northeast Mississippi Youth Foundation

2015 Grants

Alcorn County: Oasis Medical Center Chickasaw County: Houston Free Medical Clinic Clay County: Sally Kate Winter’s Family Resources Lafayette County: Literacy Council Lee County: Kidney Head Monroe County: Aberdeen Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry Pontotoc County: Food Pantry Tippah County: Together for Tippah Union County: First Choice

together. we grow.

Northeast Mississippi Youth Foundation 35

Endowment Funds allow donors to provide a secure, stable and permanent stream of income to support designated areas of interest. Donors are assured that funds will be provided to the causes they support now and in the future through interest income from the endowment, with the principle remaining untouched.

Left to right: SOAR Teachers of Distinction: Ginger Tedder, Vicky Warren and Andrew Lark.

Teachers of Distinction is an award program established by CREATE’s Innovations in Education Fund to honor and recognize outstanding teachers. The Association for Excellence in Education (AEE) co-sponsors the awards with the CREATE Foundation. Various organizations partner with AEE and CREATE to support the Tupelo program. This year was the first year the Starkville/Oktibbeha Achieving Results Community Foundation sponsored and presented Starkville/ Oktibbeha Teacher of Distinction Awards. The purpose of the award is to recognize, reward, and support teachers of distinction of grades kindergarten through twelfth grade in the Starkville and Oktibbeha public, private, and parochial schools.

Left to right: North Tippah Teachers of Distinction: Susie Hopper, Jenna Mauney, Whitney Wooten

Left to right: South Tippah Teachers of Distinction: Marie Hamilton, Martha Brannan, Brent Grisham

Endowment Funds AGAPE HEALTH SERVICES ENDOWMENT FUND ALBERT HORN AND FAHOMA CRUMBY HORN ENDOWMENT ALICE LITTLE ENDOWMENT FUND ALICE LYNN ROEBUCK ENDOWMENT FOR UNITED WAY AMERICAN LEGION POST 49 ENDOWMENT FUND ARLAND A. AND GRACE DIRLAM ENDOWMENT FUND BENJAMIN AND CORINNE PIERCE FOUNDATION ENDOWMENT FUND BETH MCAULEY MUSIC ENDOWMENT FUND BOOTH FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS - OXFORD FACILITY FUND ENDOWMENT FUND BROTHER MIKE MARECLE ENDOWMENT FUND BRYAN YOUTH CENTER ENDOWMENT FUND CALHOUN COUNTY ENDOWMENT FUND CAROLINE BRYAN HARRELL EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND CDF/ LEHMAN LEADERSHIP FUND COCA-COLA LEGACY FOUNDATION DOORS OF HOPE TRANSITION MINISTRIES ENDOWMENT FUND DUDLEY WEATHERS ENDOWMENT FUND ED AND BECKY MEEK ENDOWMENT FUND ELAINE DUNDY AND ROY TURNER ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS EVERGREEN DESIGNATED ENDOWMENT FUND FOX FOUNDATION ENDOWMENT FUND HARRY AND ELLEN WALKER ENDOWMENT FUND HARRY LEE WILLIAMS, SR. ENDOWMENT FUND (CARE) INGOMAR ENDOWMENT FOR EXCELLENCE INNOVATIONS IN EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND INTERFAITH COMPASSION MINISTRY ENDOWMENT FUND JACK AND FRANCES REED ENDOWMENT FUND JAMES HUGH RAY MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUND JOHN AND JANET MATTHEWS ENDOWMENT FUND JOHN ROBERT ARNOLD ENDOWMENT FUND JOHNNY MORGAN FOUNDATION ENDOWMENT FUND JOYNER FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND KENNETH AND NANCY ANN WILLIAMS ENDOWMENT FUND (CARE) LQC LAMAR HOUSE ENDOWMENT FUND (LOFT) MARCHBANKS FAMILY TRUST ENDOWMENT FUND MEGAPOP ENDOWMENT FUND MISSISSIPPI ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS FOUNDATION MISSISSIPPI HEART ENDOWMENT FUND MIZE FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND

36 Endowment Funds

MONROE EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND MORGAN DALE ROEBUCK MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FOR SALVATION ARMY MR. AND MRS. O.T. RAY ENDOWMENT FUND - FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PONTOTOC NATIONAL CTR FOR COMPUTATIONAL HYDROSCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ENDOWMENT NE MS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TUITION GUARANTEE ENDOWMENT NORTHEAST MS FOUNDATION FOR PERFORMING ARTS ENDOWMENT FUND NORTHEAST MS REGIONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ENDOWMENT FUND OXFORD ENDOWMENT FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION OXFORD FILM FESTIVAL ENDOWMENT FUND PAMELA MASSEY ENDOWMENT FUND FOR THEATRE OXFORD PIRKLE LIBRARY ENDOWMENT FUND PROJECT HOPE ENDOWMENT FUND PUSHMATAHA AREA COUNCIL BSA ENDOWMENT FUND RJ WILEMON FOUNDATION ENDOWMENT FUND ROBERT REED SPIRIT ENDOWMENT FUND ROWLAND JOYNER LEARNING SKILLS ENDOWMENT RUTH AND CLAUDE ROEBUCK ENDOWMENT FOR SALTILLO FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SARA FRANCES MITCHELL EDUCATIONAL ENDOWMENT FUND SHOCKWAVE AQUATICS COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT SPECIAL MISSIONS ENDOWMENT FUND (FPC CORINTH) SUSAN N. AND THOMAS J. MCDONALD ENDOWMENT FOR THE TUPELO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TCPS ACADEMIC CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE ENDOWMENT FUND THE BERNICE GAMBRELL ENDOWMENT FUND THE DEAN PROVENCE ENDOWMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION (UNITE) THE MATT FUND TOMMY TOSH MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUND TOYOTA WELLSPRING EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND TUPELO PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT ENDOWMENT FUND UNION COUNTY HERITAGE MUSEUM AGENCY ENDOWMENT FUND (UNITE) VIRGINIA H. CHRESTMAN MEMORIAL FUND FOR THE CITY OF OXFORD WEITZENHOFFER MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUND WEST UNION ENDOWMENT FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION WHITFIELD LEADERSHIP FUND WOOD COLLEGE INC. ENDOWMENT FUND

Top, front to back, left to right: Tupelo Teachers of Distinction: Patricia Parker, Dana Maharrey, Anne Marie Goad, Jennifer Mathis, Virginia Miller, Jethlynn McCraw, Kit Stafford, Meredith Craig, Carole Elliott, Laura Sheffield, April West and Lindsey Dill

together. we are outstanding.

Bottom, front to back, left to right: Karma Brown, Dana Daughtery, Brenda Turner, Lacy Raper, Sherry Willis, Donna Bridges, Lisa Sandroni, Candace McFarland, Heather Cartwright, Teresa Bernauer, Anita McGraw and Dora Bell

Endowment Funds 37

2015 At A Glance $12.3 $7.6 $89.7 $57.1 million million

contributions

grants

million million assets

endowments total

Audit The CREATE Foundation annually engages the services of an independent accounting firm to perform an audit of the Foundation’s financial statements. As part of the audit, the firm also reviews the internal controls and various policies and procedures to ensure the Foundation staff is adhering to the most current accounting practices. The Foundation’s auditor, Nail McKinney Professional Association, has issued an unmodified audit opinion on the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015. Complete audited financials are available at www.createfoundation.com or may be obtained by calling the CREATE office at (662) 844-8989.

Center for Fiduciary Excellence Certification CREATE Foundation is the first foundation in the world to successfully complete the Center for Fiduciary Excellence (CEFEX) certification process. The CEFEX standard of excellence for investment stewards is based on 22 fiduciary practices that seek to increate long-term investment performance by diversifying the portfolio, evaluating investment management fees, and selecting investment managers.

Charity Navigator Certification In 2015, CREATE Foundation earned its eighth 4-star rating for its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances.

Only a small percentage of the charities rated have received eight 4-star evaluations, indicating that CREATE Foundation consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way and outperforms most other charities in America.

38 Financial Report

National Standards Compliance The CREATE Foundation has been confirmed in compliance with the Council on Foundations National Standards.

The National Standards Seal signifies that CREATE Foundation has met rigorous National Standards and has demonstrated its commitment to financial security, transparency, and accountability.

Investment Performance

175

Letter from Buddy Montgomery Investment Committee Chairman CREATE Foundation

endowment

Dear Friends,

funds

In 2015, the market ended in negative territory for the first time in several years.

For the year, the CREATE portfolio was down (1.17%) net of investment fees. HardyReed, our investment advisors performed well as the portfolio outperformed our custom index and better than other community foundations our size based on a national survey. Our three-year return was 6.58%, the five-year return was 6.18%, and the seven-year return was 9.92%.

We remain confident in our diversified portfolio approach to generate an appropriate long-term return.

172

special project funds

Our investment committee meets quarterly with our investment advisors to review performance and to discuss any adjustments needed. We take our fiduciary responsibilities seriously and work to maximize investment returns through a sound investment process.

155

donor advised funds

Sincerely, Buddy Montgomery

Net Assets (in millions) $100

Contributions (in millions) $85.8

$89.7

$75 $50 $25

$20 $15

$53.7

$10

$28.3

2000

$5 2010

2014

2015

$12.6

$12.9

$12.3

2010

2014

2015

$2.2

2000

Financial Report 39

be the difference.

Mission Statement: CREATE Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for the people of Northeast Mississippi through: Building permanent community endowment assets Encouraging philanthropy and managing charitable funds contributed by individuals, families, organizations and corporations Strengthening the regional community development capacity Taking a leadership role on key community issues and impacting the region through gifts and targeted grant making To learn more about how to make a difference, please come by or call the CREATE Foundation.

213 West Main Street P.O. Box 1053 Tupelo, MS 38802 662.844.8989 Fax: 662.844.8149 www.createfoundation.com