Community Foundation Celebrates Local Giving

The Placer Community Foundation honored its donors and nonprofit partners last Wednesday night at an event held at the Blue Goose Fruit Shed in Loomis. Approximately 115 people attended to hear the many ways people gave back to community through the Community Foundation in 2011.

Jeff Birkholz, Chairman for the Placer Community Foundation warmly announced that 53 charitable funds managed by the Foundation distributed $610,000 in grants last year. “These grants took the form of scholarships to our youth, support to our seniors, our returning soldiers, our poor—care to our animals, protection of our open space, and support of a vibrant arts community,” he stated. Guests then had the opportunity to hear from some of the donors and grant recipients themselves. This was an emotional highlight of the evening that reinforced the notion that giving back is a personally gratifying experience.

Eileen Bellotti spoke eloquently about the impact her and her husband Vincent’s fund has, and will continue to have, on local youth. Their Stephanie Bellotti Teen Fund at the Placer Community Foundation provides scholarships for youth to attend a driving safety and car control clinic.

“The Stephanie Bellotti Teen Fund was named in memory of our daughter who died in an unnecessary accident,” she stated. “We think the efforts we are making may keep other parents from going through what we experienced and that is a gratifying and wonderful feeling for us. We want every young person to survive their teens.”

Other speakers included people who have benefitted by grants received from the Community Foundation. One such person is Dirk Ellena. Dirk is a Peer Facilitator for the nonprofit organization, The Soldiers Project. The Placer Community Foundation, in partnership with the County of Placer, awarded a grant to The Soldiers Project through its Community Wellness program. Dirk humbly revealed to the audience his experience as a veteran returning from service in Iraq. He explained the personal hardships and emotional turmoil he struggled with upon coming home and how The Soldiers Project helped him to communicate his feelings in a safe setting.

“Coming back to civilian life was tremendously difficult for me,” he said. “I had to learn a whole new language and set of rules. I was alone and, through word of mouth, heard about The Soldiers Project. I was able to meet with someone one-on-one and then enter into their Family Ties program, which brings you together with soldiers, their spouses and other family members. I’m now in nursing school and have married a wonderful woman. Life is great and I owe it all to The Soldiers Project.”

Additional speakers included local artist Deanna Marsh, a performance by Brandon Scott from Hip Hop Congress, and Fred Yeager, President of the Board of Directors for Placer Land Trust.

Guests enjoyed locally produced wine served by Carpe Vino and food prepared by Chef Laura Kenny. Chef Laura is the co-author of Placer County Real Food cookbook. The entire evening was sponsored by SAFE Credit Union.

“It was wonderful to hear from a variety of people and causes supported through the Placer Community Foundation,” stated Henry Wirz, President and CEO of SAFE Credit Union. “It gave me a sense of the many nonprofit staff and volunteers who are serving the needs of the community. SAFE Credit Union is proud to sponsor an evening celebrating people giving back.”

To learn more about the Placer Community Foundation and the many ways you can give back to your community, contact us.

Send Us Feedback

Was this helpful?
No Very

Name (optional)

Website (optional)

Email Address (optional)

Please fill in the text in the image in the box below

Comment (optional)