Donor Spotlight

Meet Sally Peoples: A Philanthropist with a Recipe for Life

Sally Peoples is a remarkable person who has dedicated her life to giving back to her community. Her recipe for life includes humility, kindness, and respect for others.

 Sally Peoples is a true inspiration, admired by many for her unwavering determination and philanthropic spirit. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her journey, Sally has always found a way to overcome them. Her compassion and generosity have led her to establish three funds at the Community Foundation, including the Lafayette N. & Sally Peoples Family Fund, Lillian Jones Memorial Fund, and Willie Sr., Willie Jr., Rayce, Maurice, and Willa Jones Memorial Fund. Join us as we will delve into Sally’s incredible life story, her journey, and the invaluable lessons she has learned along the way.

Sally’s first memory of the Community Foundation is attending an African American Community Fund (AACF) luncheon and realizing she was interested in involvement. Sally’s interest in community involvement led her to establish the Lafayette N. & Sally Peoples Family Fund in 1999 in memory of her late husband. She also created the Lillian Jones Memorial Fund to honor her mother in 2004, the Willie Sr., Willie Jr., Rayce, Maurice, and Willa Jones Memorial Fund in 2002 in honor of her relatives, all under the African American Community Fund, to preserve their legacy.

Sally Peoples is an exceptional woman who not only dedicates her life to philanthropy but also brings her family along on the journey. Sally is deeply inspired by our applicants’ stories and impressed by their dedication and hard work, motivating her to continue her philanthropic endeavors. As an active participant in the Discovery program, Sally introduced her daughter, Michelle, to the Community Foundation and now works alongside her on the scholarship committee.

In addition to her philanthropic efforts, Sally is a devoted volunteer at Harrison Cultural Centre in Lorain, serving as treasurer since 2014. Despite the challenges faced when acquiring the building, she is proud of the transformation and believes the community can take ownership of it to maintain and enhance it. Sally’s commitment to her community has extended beyond her role as treasurer and can be seen in all of her volunteer work.

Sally’s passion for volunteering and giving back has been instilled in her children and grandchildren, who continue to carry on her legacy. Her efforts have earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and former students. She believes that kindness and respect can create a better world and has dedicated herself to teaching and nurturing children.

One of Sally’s notable contributions to the community is her involvement in organizing litter pickup events during Pride Week in the City of Lorain. Recognizing the importance of maintaining a clean and welcoming environment, Sally took the initiative to mobilize volunteers and promote the cleanup efforts. By organizing these litter pickups, she contributed to a cleaner city and demonstrated her support for the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Week.

Additionally, Sally and her daughter, Michele, played a pivotal role in the launch of Neighbor Up in Lorain, an initiative by the Community Foundation to foster Residential Engagement. They have worked tirelessly to promote the program and encourage neighbors to unite, fostering community and collaboration. Currently, both Sally and Michele actively participate in the Residential Engagement initiative called Neighbor Night, further strengthening the bonds within the community.

Sally’s love for baking is another way she brings joy to those around her. She enjoys experimenting with recipes and adding her own twist, such as using soy flour to make her cakes lighter. Sally’s confidence in her baking skills and willingness to share her recipes with friends reflect her generosity and love for creating something that brings happiness to others.

Sally Peoples is a remarkable person who has dedicated her life to giving back to her community. Her recipe for life includes humility, kindness, and respect for others. Sally’s philanthropy and dedication to education, her family, and our community are truly inspiring.

Thank you, Sally, for being a person who cares.