March CEO Blog

As we near the end of March, recognized as Women’s History Month, I have been reflecting on the trailblazing women in our community who have left a lasting impact. Among them are Dorothy and Elizabeth King, two remarkable sisters who grew up on Erie Avenue in Lorain and were dedicated to serving their community. Today, their Community Foundation fund, as described by Elizabeth, supports down-to-Earth bread and butter public charitable programs. It is a privilege to live in Lorain County, where we are surrounded by determined and influential women who strive to improve our corner of the world. This time of year brings a sense of rejuvenation and new opportunities.

As spring begins, there are a lot of events and activities to get involved with and learn about what your neighbors are doing throughout our community. If you haven’t checked out the ioby (In Our Backyards) projects, I urge you to do so. This initiative connects residents and grassroots groups with the opportunity to receive funding for projects and ongoing initiatives without the need to create a formal non-profit. One of those projects, I Can Swim My Way, was recently featured on News Channel 5. The project, led by Gloria Buxton, began in memory of her brother Billy, who passed away while swimming. The project aims to provide free swimming lessons to children in Lorain County. Gloria hopes the project will bring the community together and keep them safe, as well as pass on her love for water to future generations. She has successfully funded other projects in the past and encourages others to start raising funds for their ideas.  Do you have a great idea that you think others could get excited about? Check out the current ioby projects and learn more here. 

If you are looking for a fun evening for a cause that matters, The Hispanic Fund is hosting a Wine & Beer Tasting on April 22nd to raise money for the Latinx Scholarship Fund. I look forward to seeing you there.  The Community Foundation continues to have a special focus on education and scholarships, and this worthy event is one more excellent way we can all help the young people of Lorain County reach their potential.  

Another way for you to get involved locally is to participate in Harvest for Hunger. There are 81 organizations in Lorain County providing food and meals to our neighbors, and Harvest for Hunger makes it easy to address this pressing need. You can donate at your local grocery store during checkout or put together a fundraiser with friends and family. Food insecurity is impacting so many in our community—let’s work together to make a difference.  

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to participate in Foundations on the Hill, an annual conference in Washington, D.C. that brings together foundations from across the country with the goal of educating Congress, raising awareness, and creating visibility on Capitol for foundations and philanthropy.  It was time well spent with friends, new and old, sharing ideas, and building partnerships between government and philanthropy.   

Finally, a reminder that there is only one week left to register to participate in Connect to a Cause. Registration closes on March 31st. We have exciting plans for this year’s event on September 21st, you won’t want to miss the chance to be a part of it.  

With gratitude,  

Cindy