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Tribute to Sharon Stredde by The Voice


October 8, 2015 article in The Voice by Carter Crane:

Becoming involved in projects to help others is widespread throughout the country and here at home. Often we take some of the relative and essential organizations for granted. Many of the individuals do their work to offer help without much publicity and little recognition. It is truly widespread and in spite of the headlines across the country of violence and lack of caring, the majority of the souls in the United States offer hope and encouragement.

See the Fundraiser forum on page 11 this week for organizations which spread help, hope, and hospitality to those who need encouragement, places to stay, and positive messages.

We support those efforts, however, we do not have a way of spreading the word for every organization. There is a time and place for recognition and one place which must not be missed is Sharon Stredde, president and chief executive officer of the Community Foundation for 30 years. She will retire December 31, 2015. The Community Foundation grew by $70 Million during her time as president and CEO and received gifts of $77 Million. She led the organization which awarded nearly $51 Million in grants and scholarships in that time.

Earlier this year the Foundation expanded through an office in Geneva which has been helping to spread the word in the Tri-Cities area.

She will stay on as president emeritus and continue to research, write scripts, and oversee production of new videos for the Foundation, according to a release sent out by Jeff Hartman, executive vice president of the organization.

The need is great for good service in all communities and often the perception is that individuals are dependent on the government for assistance. Primarily, however, organizations such at the Community Foundation offer hope and help, not as a relief organization, but, for grants and scholarships. The backbone of our society can receive a helping hand to stimulate the mind and character. Congratulations to Sharon Stredde for her invaluable service over many years as a key component of the communities in the Fox River Valley.

I am incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Zari Foundation Scholarship and the Community Foundation in supporting my education. I am majoring in mechanical engineering with a concentration in aerospace engineering at the Rose-Hulman Institue of Technology. In my spare time, I volunteer on campus, in the community and I’m also the principal violist in the symphony orchestra. I hope to make an impact on the next chapter of space exploration by eventually working at a groundbreaking aerospace company such as SpaceX or NASA.

Taytum Newell

Albert M. Zari Scholarship Recipient

YEP has made me realize the importance of being involved in my community, and how to make a difference. There are a lot of problems in the world but if we can do everything that we can to help the world will become a better place. YEP has helped me realize this and encouraged me to help more people in the future.

Madi Porter

YEP Member

Education is important to us. We support causes that touch our lives and align with our values. We believe in paying it forward. We are here for a short time,, and it is the next generation that will take on what we leave behind.

Michelle Emanuel

Donor and Past Scholarship Recipient

YEP was a great experience to have in high school. I became a more confident person, someone with a lot more perspective. Coming from a small school, YEP allowed me to branch out into my community, meet students from other schools, and learn about their backgrounds. I made some great friends and still keep in touch with them today.

Abby Vagnoni

YEP Alumni

Grant funds from the Community Foundation helped provide updated technology. These upgrades were transformative. By creating new time saving processes, it turned us into a more efficient organization.

Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry

Grantee

Give your gift of time and see what it means to the people you impact. Helping others is what life is all about.

Neal Ormond

Donor & Fund Advisor

Being a part of the Community Foundation scholarship committee is the highlight of my year. For many, a scholarship from the CFFRV is the reason they are able to continue reaching for their dreams and changing the future of our world. I hope each recipients knows just how inspirational they are to those of us who are lucky enough to read their stories.

Jessica Breugelmans

Scholarship Committee Member and Board Member

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

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