Mineral County Community Foundation selects new officers

By MONTE TURNER

Mineral Independent

The Mineral County Community Foundation was created in 1994 when a generous donor gave a $95,000 gift to the community at the closing of the Crown Pacific Mill.

The entire amount was placed in an endowment fund and along with the generosity of other supporters and professionally management, it has grown by more than 60%.

"Promoting sustainable development of human and natural resources for the benefit of Mineral County communities" has been their mission and a couple of the dividends are the playground equipment in the Eva Horning Park and the Old School House Rock Car Show through June of this year.

Along with scholarships to four high school seniors and supporting over 30 county not-for-profit organizations in our county, the board of directors honors the past but are focused on the future of hope and promise.

They strategically review current, tangible projects that will make a positive impact which requires teamwork from residents, businesses and corporations from mile-marker 0 to mile-marker 77 along Interstate 90.

“We are all adjusting to changes due to a microscopic virus, and MCCF is no different. Our last several meetings have been held in the Old School Gym, which allows for great social distancing, although the acoustics aren’t the best,” said Liz Gupton, who has been with the foundation from the inception.

At the October meeting, several changes were proposed and approved by unanimous vote: Sheelia Miller accepted a nomination and was elected to the positions of Vice President and Chair of the Legacy Committee.

Elaine Sedeora accepted a nomination and was elected to the position of Treasurer. Miller has been involved in MCCF’s activities and projects for six years and was an integral volunteer to see the playground equipment development and expansion at Eva Horning Park in 2016.

Elaine has been with MCCF for nearly two years.

The recent changes came about from Gupton’s frustration with a lack of progress on the growth of the Foundation’s endowment, which has been stagnant for years.

Gupton, and others, believes Miller’s commitment to MCCF’s Legacy of a county-wide, community-based endowment will help find donors to “grow” the fund.

“Believe you can make a difference. Join us to get things done!” said Miller.

MCCF continues to seek grants for the construction of a swimming pool in Eva Horning Park, and an application is nearing completion with the USDA Rural Development program.

The history of 26 years accomplishments is on Facebook: Mineral County Community Foundation, and their webpage is mtcf.org as new people with fresh ideas are encouraged to become involved.