In just two grant cycles, the Charlotte Generosity Fund has been able to bring together six local non-profits to help fund four programs for the betterment of the greater-Charlotte area. It is this kind of collaboration that John Gaedert had in mind when he lent his name to a local group of community leaders in an effort to further generosity in the area.
The establishment of the John Gaedert Generosity Celebration in 2012 was instrumental in the formation of the Charlotte Generosity Fund, a fully endowed fund under the umbrella of the Eaton County Community Foundation and Capital Region Community Foundation. In three years, organizers of the event have raised enough money to establish the endowment as well as provide four $1,000 grants to local non-profits that show a willingness to collaborate to make great things happen in the community.
This year’s event, will help further the mission of the Charlotte Generosity Fund. The fund is designed to assist the community based on the 7 Elements of a Health Community — arts and culture, basic needs, economy, education, environment, health and wellness, neighborhoods and communities — by working with organizations that place an emphasis on collaboration.
“John’s hope was that everyone in our community would come to learn that a small gift, when combined with other small gifts, has the power to create enormous opportunity,” said Christi Dutcher, Charlotte Generosity Fund advisory chair.
2015 marks the final year for the “spendable” portion of the endowment that was created with the establishment of the Charlotte Generosity Fund. In the future, all grants will come from the interest generated by the fund.
“If we are to make significant grants within our community, it is imperative that we all participate in the fundraising,” Dutcher stated.
The 4th Annual John Gaedert Generosity Celebration will take place Friday, Feb. 6 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Eaton Area Senior Center. Pre-sale tickets are $20 and may be purchased at the Eaton Area Senior Center, Fay’s Evelyn Bay, Fulton Lumber and The County Journal. Tickets are available at the door.
“It’s a really fun evening of chatter, awesome food, good music and, best of all, those dedicated to making our piece of the planet a better place.”
Spirit of Gaedert’s generosity endures with annual celebration
