Inaugural Banquet of the Greater Jefferson County Foundation

 The Inaugural Banquet of the Greater Jefferson County Foundation of Fairfield Iowa was held September 9, 2010. The program consisted of recognition of retiring Board Members, recognition of current Board Members, Scholarship Award recognition and Presentation of Grants.

Foundation President Tom McMahon was Master of Ceremony and presented opening remarks. Dr. Bob Wiegert is co-chairperson of the Scholarship committee and presented those scholarship winners present with their parents. Guest speaker was James Gibson, who is a  Neurobiologist at the University of Iowa. James tendered a poignant account of how his scholarship was so important to his education and his future.

Following Scholarship recognition, Grant co-chairperson David Eastburn presented the Grant awards. 32 organizations in Jefferson County were awarded over $143,000 in funds for capital projects and a few operating expenses, some by Endow Iowa, of which the Foundation is an affiliate.

This inaugural evening proved to be a great success! Dinner (by Top of the Rock Grill) consisted of Prime Rib or Mile-High Chicken, a delicious vegetable medley and garlic potatoes, followed by a wonderful raspberry/lemon sorbet dessert.  Delightful Autumn decorations were designed by Board Member Linda Pettit. The evening gave the Board the opportunity to visit with scholarship recipients and their parents to discuss college plans. One student will be studying abroad in Australia, beginning in January!

In order to keep the evening short, no 'mike time' was given to the grant recipients, but their comments prior to the ceremony told the story that without the Greater Jefferson County Foundation, many of these organizations and the services they provide would not be available to the citizens of Jefferson County. From the Batavia Volunteer Fire Department to the Helping Hands Loan Closet, the grant funds will be put to good use!