Press Releases

2010 Annual Report The Village Foundation Thevillagefdn.org

A Note From the President's Desk

Dear Friends:

I am gratified to present the 2010 Annual Report for The Village Foundation., It is an honor to lead this wonderful group of dedicated trustees. We provided funds to The Knickerbocker Apartments for outdoor benches and a garden that was planned and completed by Eagle Scout, Evan Chemelewski; Funds were granted for the continuing work on the historic garden at Bay Arts. Previous grants were given to the Historical Society, Huntington Playhouse, the Westerly School PTA, Family Haven and others. We were pleased to award two scholarships in 2010. Charles Kennedy and his committee did a fine job with a difficult selection process and our congratulations are extended to 2010 winners, Kelsey Brax and Katherine Corbitt,

The Village Foundation raised $30,000 in community support for the activities planned by the Bicentennial Committee Thousands turned out for three days of fun. The Village Foundation entered a car into the Bicentennial parade and we invited one of Bays oldest residents, Mina Hughes who is 102 year old, to ride in a collector's convertible. The weather was perfect for such a ride and Ms. Hughes said that it was the highlight of her life to ride in the parade.

The 2010 Annual Fund drive results reported herein were the best ever. It is gratifying to see so many return donors as well as new donors added to the list, and it was exciting to see greater participation throughout the community. We are building an endowment that will support projects in Bay Village for many years to come.

Once again, a highlight of the year was the annual Memorial Day Bronze Plaque Dedication Ceremony. Citizens and friends gathered to honor former principal and coach at Bay High, Robert Kitzerow. A permanent bronze plaque was placed on the T. Richard Martin foot bridge at Cahoon Park in honor of Mr. Kitzerow. Donald Carpenter was honored at the program as the resident living the longest time in Bay Village. The Bay High School String Quartet placed classical music and a professional tenor sang two beautiful pieces. Television personality ant trustee, Jon Loufman was host for the event.

Our Trustees continue to expand our project base and to promote the mission of The Village Foundation. The first ever 5K run was a huge success and the proceeds went to support the Bicentennial Weekend Program. As a result, we have added a 5K run and community walk on October 22 to our calendar of events. I am delighted to offer this exciting news in the annual report with the hope that together we will continue to grow; and, with your help make a significant contribution to our beautiful community for years to come.

Sincerely,
Eileen B. Vernon
President

Trustees of The Village Foundation May 2011

Executive Committee

Eileen B. Vernon, President
Charles Kennedy, Vice President
Thomas Bechtel, Treasurer
Elaine Korte, Secretary
Wayne A. Reese, Member at Large

Trustees

Evelyn R. Allen
Timothy Atkinson
Samuel Barnes
Gary Ebert
Margaux Hamilton
Colleen Harding
Thomas Harkness
Gary Heldt
Harry Huhndorff
Amy Huntley
Thomas Jelepis
Clint Keener
Jeff Koehler
Amy Leopard
Jon Loufman
Richard Mayer
Al Paulus
Mike Petrigan
James Redinger
Richard Veres

Student Trustees Emeritus Trustees Honorary Trustees

Caroline Kennedy Keith Ashmus Brad Friedel
Jaimie Kerka Peter Comedeca Del Donahoo
Jason Notarberardino T. Richard Martin
Carter Phillips Donald Zwilling

Mission Statement

The Village Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to preserving the quality of life in Bay Village, Ohio, using the talents and resources of the private citizens and non-government funding.

The Village Foundation exists to provide support for projects and programs fostering Bay Village's historical, cultural, social, and educational heritage. Through The Village Foundation, its citizens and businesses are encouraged to perpetuate the traditions that make Bay Village a special place to live and work.

The Village Foundation
Charter Members

Charter Membership Campaign, January 1, 1998 to December 31, 1999

Keith & Marie Ashmus
Peter, Marilyn & Peter II Comodeca
The George W. Codington Charitable Foundation
Sonia Coulton Family in memory of Richard Coulton
The Curtiss Family
Gary & Pam Ebert
Lute & Susan Harmon
The Hasting Family
Jim & Bonnie Hunt
Jim & Peggy Joyce
Dr. & Mrs. Clay Kelly
Dick & Betsy Martin in memory of John Parker, James Cowles and Dale Smith
John & Patricia Matyas in memory of John & Margaret Matyas
Craig & Patricia McAllester
Tim & Mary McManamon
James & Joyce Mraz
John O'Neill, Bradley Bay Health Center
Mr. & Mrs. William Oatey
Anonymous Donor
Jim & Judy Potter
Capt. & Mrs. Donald Ramsden
James & Elizabeth Redinger
Wayne & Jeanne Reese
Peter & Bonnie Rekstis
The Sutherland Family & Friends in memory of John R. Livingston
Donald & Eileen Vernon
Ian & Barbara Woodburn
Denny & Janice Woods
Don & Denise Zwilling in memory of Rev. Francis B. Zwilling

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Foundation support?

The Village Foundation exists to provide support for projects and programs fostering Bay Village's historical, cultural and education heritage. Through the Foundation, its present and past citizens and businesses are encouraged to perpetuate the traditions that make Bay Village a special place to live and work.

Can I specify where my donation is used?

Yes. Although we encourage unrestricted donations, if the gift is in excess of $10,000, the principal is maintained but you may designate corresponding interest and/or income to a specific project consistent with the purpose of The Village Foundation.

How is the money distributed?

The Trustees of the Foundation meet quarterly to review grant proposals to distribute funds. Money designated for a specific purpose is directed to that project and unrestricted gifts are used for projects decided upon by the Trustees.

Can I make contribution other than money?

Yes. The Village Foundation can accept gifts through wills, life insurance policies, life income trusts, gift annuities and securities. It is suggested that you consult with your lawyer or tax advisor when making a contribution other than cash.

What do I do to make a contribution?

If you would like someone to call you regarding The Village Foundation, please contact its Secretary at 440-899-3490. It will be arranged to have a Trustee contact you to answer any questions. Donations may be mailed to: The Village Foundation, P.O. Box 40122, Bay Village, Ohio 44140

Who are the Trustees?

The Trustees are made up of various civic, political and community leaders who have an interest in Bay Village. The names of the Trustees are included in this report.

Who do I call with questions?

If you have questions about The Village Foundation, please call 440-899-3490. President Eileen Vernon or one of the officers will return your call.

Annual Fund Raising Drive

Once a year the Village Foundation sends a letter to all residents of Bay Village requesting contributions for the endowment fund created by the trustees of the Foundation. These letters are in the mail as of Dec. 14. Please consider making a contribution for your family, or, in memory of a loved one. We are asking each resident of Bay Village to send a donation, no matter how small to show support for the development of this permanent funding source for community projects being planned by not for profit groups in the city. There are no government projects or tax supported projects getting this support. The Foundation is not part of the city government.

During the past two years, the Village Fondation supported repair of the lighting system at Huntington Playhouse, the five year project of Bay Arts, developing a historical garden on the grounds of the main building, the Fuller House and the Cabouse. New, safer steps were built on the cabouse to make it more accessible. The Foundation supported the work of a potential Eagle Scout in his project of the beautification of walkways and parking area of the Knickerbocker Apartments. Park benches were also added to the grounds for use by the residents. The trustees are eager to see what exciting projects are being planned this year by not-for -profit groups. Please be as generous as you can this year. Your contribution means a great deal to the hard working volunteers in the community that need your support.

Village Foundation Grant Cycle

VILLAGE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES GRANTS CYCLE

Bay Village, OH, Trustees of the Village Foundation announce its grant cycle. The Foundation is looking to community organizations and non-profits to respond to its Request for Proposals.Awards will be announced Monday, May 31, 2011, Memorial Day. Grants range from $500-$5,000.

Grant Priorities: We are interested in projects/programs that impact quality of life in Bay Village, Ohio. Projects must be responsive to community needs. We will consider support for program development, capacity building, capital projects and equipment requests.

Eligibility: To be eligible, an organization must be located in, or, provide services to residents within Bay Village. Grants will only be awarded to tax-exempt organizations classified as 501(c) (3) charities by the Internal Revenue Services. If your program does not have a tax-exempt ruling from the IRS, you may still apply for a grant if you have a tax-exempt fiscal agent.

Restrictions: Reporting requirements from previous grants must be met before The Village Foundation will consider a subsequent grant application. Grants will not be made to a for-profit business, debt reduction or loans, tickets for benefits, annual appeals, telephone solicitations, political campaigns, religious activities, or to individuals (except for our annual scholarship program).

Send one copy of the following materials in addition to your proposal: IRS tax-exempt letter; list of current board or committee members; most recent financial statement/audit, annual report or annual operating budget.

Your full proposal should be in letter form (max. 2 pages) and should include: A Description of your organization including its history, type of services you provide, description of your proposed project/program (including requested amount, goals, proposed budget, and timeline), Describe the community need to be served by this project. Please note your plans for additional and/or future funding for this project; and, briefly describe the expected outcome/completion date of your project.

Deadline (postmarked):
April 30, 2011

All proposals should be mailed to:
Grants Committee
The Village Foundation
P.O. Box 40122
Bay Village, OH 44140