A donor approached us recently with a bit of a dilemma -- how could he work with the Foundation to honor 6 men who had each made a profound difference in his life?  Several months and lots of brainstorming later, a new League of Mentors was born.

The term Mentor comes from Homer's epic The Odyssey.  During his wanderings, Odysseus chose his friend Mentor to watch over his son, Telemachus.  Mentor assumed the role of counselor, protector, and role model.  "The League of Mentors will serve as a vehicle for anyone in this community to honor those who have exerted a significant, powerful influence in their lives," said Brian Frederick, Foundation President/CEO.  "Whether it's a parent, teacher, or trusted business advisor, the League of Mentors provides a special category of recognition the donor or donors can use to express their gratitude."  With a $10,000 contribution, any type of Fund bearing the mentor's name is created, and the Foundation will provide a very special and unique recognition to the recipient.  All members of the League will also receive special recognition in the Foundation's publications.

The initial inductees into the League of Mentors include Dick Colella, Al Hillegass, Stan Pijor, Billy Rowland, Bill Starbuck, and Leo Weingarten.  The Community Foundation has used the creation of the League to honor Dr. Jep Carrell, first executive director of both the Foundation and the former Nordson Foundation.  The funds created for these individuals are truly Community-Responsive Funds that will forever make grants in these individual's names to meet Lorain County's most pressing needs or leverage opportunities.

For more information on honoring your mentor or to make a gift to any of these funds, please call the Foundation at 440.277.0142 or 440.323.4445 or email .