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2023 Scholars- Siuslaw High School
After decades of serving and assisting locals and community organizations, a celebration was held at Florence Events Center for the Western Lane Community Foundation’s 50th anniversary.
By TONY REED of the Siuslaw News
Executive Director Gayle Vinchesi said that when deciding on the theme of the celebration, participants agreed to highlight the impact Western Lane Community Foundation has had on the families and organizations in our community.
“I hope that no one is disappointed to hear that this isn't a fundraiser,” she joked. “You were invited to the Celebration because you have supported us in some way, whether to establish or add to a fund, or were the recipient of a scholarship a grant or annual distribution, or served in some capacity as a volunteer, you know that together, we have made a difference.”
She said that since 1974, WLCF has contributed to the community through grants, scholarships, and community projects. Over the past five decades, we have seen remarkable growth and transformation.
“From our humble beginnings of $3,500, we have an expanded our reach and impact, thanks to the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers and community partners,” she said.
Vinchesi said that when she joined 15 years ago, she had no idea how much the foundation would grow.
“Today, with the help of Oregon Community Foundation, WLCF manages over 100 funds with assets exceeding $15 million,” she said, “and we distribute well over half-a-million dollars into the community through local non-profit agencies, scholars and grant recipients annually.”
WLCF Board president Jim Waterman recalled hearing a radio news story in a larger community about how their foundation gave $100,000 to community organizations.
“That community is 40 times larger than ours, by population,” he said, “and they were giving away $100,000. It just lends perspective on the foresight that people had to establish these funds and grow them and continue to give to the community in such important ways.”
Asking donors to stand and be recognized, Waterman said, “ our community thanks you.”
Annie Schmidt, former WLCF board member and executive director, noted that she has also been the recipient of WLCF assistance. Having been a member of many local community boards and organizations, Schmidt said she has benefited in many ways from what the foundation has done.
She recalled how former director Dick Smith asked her to be the executive director, although she knew nothing about the position. She remained in the position for about six years and became president of the board. She said that when Smith became the executive director, it was the beginning of a huge move forward for the foundation.
She said her proudest moment was securing funding for the Siuslaw Museum to move into the old school house in Old Town.
“We ended up giving the museum about 11 percent of the funds they needed to buy the building,” she said.
Schmidt recognized Carol Hart for being the executive assistant for about 22 years.
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