Do you remember the Cornwall Community Foundation? The group has been out of the news for a while, but it hasn’t gone away.
Since organizing a testimonial dinner for Coach Glen McGinnis last spring, the group has enlarged its board and increased its membership. On Nov. 15, the Foundation hosted a party at a private home to introduce its first community improvement project.
The goal is to refurbish the middle school track so runners and walkers of all ages can continue to use it. At the party, guests saw a video prepared by 11th-grader Kyle Sullivan. It showed some of the advantages of the track that was recently installed at Valley Central High School.
The Foundation aims to upgrade the track without putting any burden on the school district tax payers. It plans to raise the money by applying for grants, soliciting donations and hosting events.
The Nov. 15 party wasn’t a money-maker, however; it was a “friend-raiser.” It was intended to get people enthused about the project and to enlist their help. The event attracted more than 60 guests, including Assemblyman James Skoufis.
The next event is still somewhat mysterious. It’s listed on the Foundation’s website (www.cornwallcares.org) as a March 7 gala. Visitors to the site are being asked to save the date. Julie Owens and Renee Tobin referred to it briefly when they visited the Local this week.
The gala is sure to be an evening event that will be supplemented by a journal with advertisements.
“We’re looking for projects that will benefit the community,” Mrs. Owens and Dr. Tobin said during their visit to the newspaper. “Our interests are broader than just athletics. We want people to have access to recreation and educational opportunities.”
The Foundation is not focused on any single age group. It hopes to benefit senior citizens as well as school children. People are encouraged to visit the web site to offer their ideas and to learn more about the group and its mission.
FOUNDATION BOARD
The following people are on the Cornwall Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. Visit www.cornwallcares.org to read their biographies. Jean Parsons (President), Allison Barry (VP, grants), Jill Cappa (VP, fund-raising), Julie Owens (VP, communication), Renee Tobin (VP, events) Nicole Roby (Secretary), Leah Johnson (Treasurer), Lisa Benitez (board member), Harvey Sotland (board member).
