Kernersville Foundation–Gifts that Keep Giving

Gifts that Keep GivingBy Monica Anderson Young

The origins of some of the Kernersville Foundation’s first contributions are almost legendary, truly serendipitous if you believe in luck, divine if you believe in something larger than coincidence influencing destiny.

Longtime Kernersville resident Jim Taylor, and former president of Piedmont Aviation, was in the parking lot of the Winston-Salem Foundation, poised to walk in and establish a donor-advised fund, when he spoke to his oldest son Jeff about his intention.

Jeff, in disbelief, told his father about the newly formed Kernersville Foundation and his role on the Foundation board.  He explained it as a new clearing house of sorts for local Kernersville charitable organizations, a place where donors could make one donation and watch it multiply, akin to the biblical parable of the fish and the loaves where many were fed with few resources.

Jim Taylor returned to Kernersville that day along with his donation and his resolution to give.  As more people began to hear about the Kernersville Foundation and its mission of providing financial assistance to 501(c)(3) non-profits, the donors began to support the new Foundation.

And now the Kernersville Foundation has reached its sweet sixteenth.

Since its inception in 1999, the Kernersville Foundation has awarded over $400,000 to support Kernersville non-profits.  Those organizations include: CareNet Counseling, the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, Crisis Control Ministry, Friends of the Paddison Memorial Library, Impact Triad, Kernersville Cares for Kids, Kernersville Christmas Stocking, the Kernersville Downtown Council, the Kernersville YMCA, Kernersville Little Theatre, Kernersville Museum, Körner’s Folly, the Lamb Foundation, Next Step Ministries, and the Shepherd’s Center of Kernersville.  Some organizations feed the soul; some literally feed those lacking sustenance and shelter.  All are worthy, vital pieces to what makes Kernersville the special hub of humanity our town is.

For example, the 2015 $7,700 Kernersville Foundation contribution to Crisis Control Ministry (CCM) could provide a seven to ten day supply of food for 308 families, assist 20 families to maintain safe housing, and enable the pharmacy staff to fill 1085 prescriptions for patients in need, according to CCM Director Kathy Hoffner.

“The Kernersville Foundation’s generous $7,700 gift is having a profound impact on the local community.  This investment allows us to feed hungry neighbors, keep families in safe and warm homes, and fill essential prescriptions for patients who might otherwise not be able to afford needed medications.  Crisis Control Ministry relies upon the support of community collaborators like the Kernersville Foundation to meet the critical needs of the families that we serve.  We are so grateful to the wonderful people at the Kernersville Foundation who have partnered with CCM for many years to provide ‘Help for Today and Hope for Tomorrow,’” shared Kathy.

This year the Kernersville Foundation has embarked on what organizers have termed “their most ambitious Annual Campaign” to date.  As the entire Kernersville Foundation is comprised solely of volunteers, all donations are funneled right into the organizations who need the funding.  For the donor, a contribution to the Kernersville Foundation means one-stop giving for simple contributing, donations which can be designated to one organization, or added to the general fund.

Campaign Chairman Jim Bland stated, “The campaign committee set a very high goal for 2015.  Our community has an ever-increasing demand of humanitarian needs.  Kernersville Foundation, Inc. wants to be in a position to provide even more financial support to local 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.  We are confident Kernersville residents and the business community will help us accomplish our goal and make this year our most successful campaign.”

For more information on the Kernersville Foundation, please visit www.KernersvilleFoundation.org.  Contributions can be sent to P.O. Box 921, Kernersville, NC 27285.

“Members of the Kernersville Foundation board of directors would be happy to work with a donor or their financial advisor to discuss establishing a Donor Advised Fund, or to discuss the tax advantages of considering a gift of stock or real estate to the Kernersville Foundation.”  – Arnold King, President

 

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