NCCF Secretary Sylvester Cleary recites his original poem, MY AMERICA TOO.
The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF) held its 38th Annual Meeting on June 24 at the E2CCB LoGuidice Center. The event was well attended by community members, donors, and volunteers, reflecting the strong support in the community for NCCF’s mission and vision. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by NCCF Secretary Sylvester Cleary’s truly inspiring recitation of his original poem, MY AMERICA TOO.
The meeting saw the installation of new Board and Voting Members, who will play a crucial role in guiding NCCF’s future initiatives and growth. Newly elected Board Members were Adam Dimitri and Jessica Ross. Rachel Foley and Rick Johnson were re-elected for their second terms. Additional Board Members are Cleary, Nancy Adams Fry, Kathy George, John Hamels, Rick Ketcham, Josiah Lamp, Kyle Leikam, Sandra Lewis, Danielle Marx, Alexandria Murphy, Sue Poster, Stephanie Stevens, and David Travis.
Jason Delcamp, Amy Drozdiel, Ben Kravitz, Ellen Luczkowiak, Rich Ryan, and Dave Rowley were installed as new Voting Members. Cindy Flaherty, Jessica Gugino, Rick Klisiewicz, Don McCord, Donna Metzger, Chris Rodriguez, and Michele Starwalt-Woods were re-elected for an additional term.
The meeting celebrated the significant accomplishments of 2023, achievements made possible through the generous support of NCCF’s donors and the dedication of many volunteers who serve on the Board and Committees. NCCF’s Executive Director, Diane Hannum, remarked, “We are focusing where we need to be to reach our vision of a community in which everyone prospers.” Hannum shared that in 2023, NCCF granted nearly $1.6 million, awarded 311 scholarships, and received 1,052 separate contributions.
Board Member Rick Ketcham announced that NCCF had surpassed $40 million in assets, marking an important milestone in its journey to enhance and support the community. He noted, “What it really means is that we can do more for our community.”
The afternoon’s overarching theme was “our best year yet,” and David Travis, NCCF President, noted that “year over year, each year is our best year yet as we continue to grow our impact in the community.”
Community Engagement Coordinator Leslie Wille announced the upcoming public launch of the Today, Tomorrow, Together Campaign, which is set for September. This campaign aims to bolster NCCF’s Community Funds – flexible funds that allow the Board of Directors to direct funding where and when needed most. “NCCF truly is the community’s foundation,” Wille said. “As I look around this room, I see so many who have already joined these efforts and supported the campaign, who have given their time and talents for our community’s good. It is an honor and a privilege to be surrounded by people driven to work together toward our vision of a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua.”
Another exciting initiative discussed was the “My NCCF Story” video project. This project aims to collect and share stories from individuals connected to NCCF, including donors, scholarship recipients, grant recipients, partner organizations, volunteers, and community members who have benefited from programming supported by NCCF. These stories will showcase the profound impact of NCCF on the lives of many. If you are interested in sharing your story, please contact Lwille@nccfoundation.org.
Since its incorporation in 1986, the NCCF has invested more than $21 million in northern Chautauqua County through strategic grantmaking, targeted scholarships, and leadership and community collaborations. The NCCF is a tax-exempt charitable organization inherently committed to enhancing the northern Chautauqua community and encouraging local philanthropy. As a nationally accredited community foundation, the NCCF has proven compliance with the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, demonstrating integrity, equity, accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in meeting the needs of its community. For more information on the NCCF, visit www.nccfoundation.org or call 716-366-4892.