I can’t believe it is almost Thanksgiving. I paused today to reflect on this very difficult year and realized how incredibly thankful I am. How can I be thankful in a year filled with so many challenges? Because I have had a front row seat watching our community come together to help those in need.

Last year, the North Georgia Community Foundation updated our mission statement: “The North Georgia Community Foundation helps people and nonprofits invest generously in the lives of those who call our community home.” We also better defined our vision because we believe “giving is a way of life”.  This year we have seen both come to life in countless ways, too many to describe. For that I am thankful.

I have had the honor of leading NGCF for the past five years. While I am proud of the work we have accomplished every year in our 35 years of service, this year really stands out. I have always known how generous our fundholders are, but this year they went above and beyond.  With the help of our fundholders and so many others in our community, we have been able to grant out over $803,000 in COVID-19 Relief to local nonprofits serving on the front lines and we will surpass $1,000,000 before year-end. For all who came alongside us and continue to partner with us to create this critical impact, I am thankful. 

Our organization is full of amazing people with a passion for helping others and that has never been more evident than it is this year. Our NGCF staff works tirelessly every single day to help our fundholders achieve their philanthropic goals. Our Board of Directors is truly the best, and our Executive Committee has amazed me with all their support and encouragement. I also want to recognize our 2020-2021 Board Chair, Rob Fowler. I struggle putting into words just how much his incredible leadership has impacted this organization, me and my team. One thing I know for sure – I would not want to go through all that 2020 has thrown our way with any other group of people. For them, I am thankful.

Finally, I am thankful for you, the one reading this letter. I am thankful for your generous heart, your support of NGCF, your work in our community, and your commitment to creating a better life for all. With a grateful heart, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you take a moment to be thankful and celebrate the good parts of this year and our community we are all so proud to call home.