Foundation reaches goal for Arts Fund
The Washington County Community Foundation has reached its fundraising goal of $250,000 for its Arts Fund.
The Arts Fund, which awards grants for arts education and arts appreciation in performing, visual and creative arts, as well as cultural and historic projects in the community, was the basis of the foundation’s recent Art of Giving marketing campaign.
Heinz Endowments approved a $125,000 one-to-one matching grant for WCCF. To obtain the grant, WCCF was required to raise $125,000 for the Arts Fund from local sources. Numerous donors made gifts in response to the challenge, enabling WCCF to secure the matching grant nearly one year ahead of the deadline.
The local campaign’s lead gift of more than $52,000 was contributed by Carol Berthold of McDonald and her late husband, Alvin.
“As a little girl, I started taking dance classes at the McDonald Municipal Building, as many of us did. And my mother showed her artistic talent by making beautiful recital costumes for me and some of the other dancers,” Berthold said. “Dance has been a part of my life for over 40 years. I wouldn’t call myself a dancer, but dancing has given me a sense of joy that is unlike anything else I have experienced. Through my support of the Arts Fund, I hope to share the love of dance with others.”
The final gift of the local campaign was contributed by Theodore J. Taylor IV of Peters Township. Like Berthold, he developed a passion for the arts at an early age.
“One of my fondest childhood memories stems from a trip my mom and I took to see ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ in Toronto. Not only were the music, singing, costumes and set spectacular, but being able to experience the magic of a world-class performance with a loved one is something I have carried with me all my life,” Taylor said. “Everyone in our community deserves access to the arts. What I like about the Arts Fund is that it is helping to ensure that quality arts and cultural programs will be available locally.”
Richard White, WCCF immediate past chairman of the board and Arts Fund Endowment Campaign committee chairman, said, “While the gifts of the Bertholds and Mr. Taylor mark the beginning and end of our local campaign, we were fortunate to receive contributions from many enthusiastic supporters of the arts during the campaign – all with their own stories about how art has positively impacted their lives.”
With an additional $250,000 in the Arts Fund endowment, WCCF anticipates a significant increase in the annual grant that is awarded from the fund.
“Previously, the largest grant awarded from the fund was $1,000, and now we will be able to issue a $10,000 grant,” said Betsie Trew, WCCF president and CEO. “In a time when many entities are announcing funding reductions, we are extremely pleased to be able to announce a funding increase.”
WCCF, a nonprofit charitable corporation with assets of nearly $15 million, works to promote and facilitate local philanthropy. To date, it has distributed more than $3 million in grants from its more than 150 grant-making funds.
For more information about the foundation, visit www.wccf.net.