2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25100802D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 479

Offered January 14, 2025

Commending the Community Foundation of the New River Valley.

—————

Patrons—Obenshain, Arnold and Williams; Senator: Hackworth

—————

WHEREAS, the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, an organization with the mission to encourage charitable giving, nurture collaboration, and invest in lasting solutions that enhance the quality of life for all in the New River Valley, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024; and

WHEREAS, the Community Foundation of the New River Valley (CFNRV) established its founding board of directors in 1994 with Peggy Eaton as its first executive director and held its first annual meeting on May 25, 1995; and

WHEREAS, the CFNRV established its first endowed fund, the Gerus Blieszner Fund, between 1996 and 1997, achieved tax-exempt status shortly thereafter, and by 2002 had created its first scholarship fund, the T. Scott Eaton Scholarship Fund; and

WHEREAS, the CFNRV awarded more than $400,000 to 140 different organizations in its first decade and has since then seen this figure rise to $8.4 million in grants and scholarships, with more than $18 million in assets available to support future programs and initiatives; and

WHEREAS, the CFNRV has generously assisted the local nonprofit community over the years through various endeavors, including grant writing and other capacity-building workshops, community forums, and its nonprofit accelerator; and

WHEREAS, the CFNRV founded the Fund for the NRV in 2014 to advance community efforts in the areas of early childhood education and care, hunger and food security, aging in the community, and nonprofit leadership; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of its accomplishments as a member of the New River Valley Aging in Place Leadership Team, the CFNRV was presented the Secretary's Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2016; and

WHEREAS, the achievements of the CFNRV are a result of the visionary leadership of its founders, the hard work and commitment of its staff and volunteers, the lasting and productive partnerships the organization has formed with several area nonprofits, businesses, schools, and individuals, and the unwavering support of the New River Valley community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Community Foundation of the New River Valley on the occasion of its 30th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Community Foundation of the New River Valley as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's legacy of service and best wishes for its continued success.