Autumn 2025 CEO Blog

As the air cools and the leaves begin to turn, fall always feels like a season of reflection and gratitude. It is easy to begin to feel the pull of the holiday season with all its busyness, events, and obligations, but let’s take a pause and enjoy this magnificent season in Lorain County. Take the opportunity to soak in the beauty of this season. Here at the Community Foundation, we have had an exciting start to the fall season.

Last month, we were once again humbled by the incredible outpouring of support during our 6th annual Connect to a Cause. In just 12 hours, donors raised more than $459,000 to benefit 106 local nonprofits—organizations that serve every corner of Lorain County and touch countless lives. This amazing outcome is possible because of each of you. Whether you gave to a cause that matters to you, spread the word, or are one of the 106 nonprofits that worked so diligently to make this day a success, your participation demonstrates the power of collective philanthropy.  Thank you.

This fall also marked another special community moment through our Lorain County Reads partnership. We were honored to welcome Eric Klinenberg, acclaimed author of Palaces for the People, for an engaging conversation about how social infrastructure—our libraries, parks, schools, and shared spaces—build stronger, more resilient communities. In that spirit, I hope you will go out and enjoy our incredible shared spaces throughout Lorain County. Invite a friend for a walk in the Metro Parks, spend an afternoon reading in a cozy spot in the local library, volunteer in your local school or nonprofit.  If you aren’t sure where to start, reach out to us. We will help make a connection for you to get started.

As we look toward the holidays, we’re entering a season that naturally invites gratitude and reflection. From all of us at the Community Foundation of Lorain County, we wish you a warm and joyful fall season filled with gratitude, connection, and community.

With gratitude,

Cindy Andrews