New foundation formed to aid Quitman area

Posted 11/12/14

Mineola has the Meredith Foundation and Golden has Harold Simmons. Now, Quitman has an organization that will promote the general improvement of the city and the surrounding Lake Country area.

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New foundation formed to aid Quitman area

Posted

Mineola has the Meredith Foundation and Golden has Harold Simmons. Now, Quitman has an organization that will promote the general improvement of the city and the surrounding Lake Country area.

The Quitman Lake Country Charitable Foundation is seeking to bring together an entity that has several committees in various areas of concentration which will use donations to help alleviate the effects of poverty and economic hardship through charitable relief and assistance.

The foundation got its start when someone went to Dr. Randy Bennett wanting to donate money to animal care. Bennett became involved and enlisted others in his quest to begin the foundation where people could donate to various causes.

The idea grew from the desire to have a legal and functional group that could receive donations and then funnel those donations where needed or directed.

"We wanted to have a group which could come together, a place where people could come in time of need," Wisdom said. "It's a one for all and all for one kind of thing. We would like to alleviate suffering and have common goals within the community. We want to be in a place where we can help this community grow and develop."

The foundation recently received it's non-profit 502 (3) (c) status after months of diligent effort.

Current board members are each a chairperson for various committees.

"For each of the areas we want to reach, a board member is the chair of that committee," Wisdom said. "Donors can specify the area where they want their contribution to go. Each committee will decide where the donated money will be spent."

Quitman Mayor J.R. Evans is the head of Community Development-Facilities. The principle role of this committee is to serve as a fund for donations to be used for enhancing public facilities in the Quitman Lake Country area. Gordon Stone heads up Community Development-Activities, a unit which will enhance public activities within the area such as community theater, an art show or festivals of various natures.

The Education committee is led by Orval Lindsey. This committee is intended to enhance educational opportunities including scholarships and educational grants for students and educators. The Work Force Development committee is being led by Troy Robinson which is intended to enhance the workforce in the area through training, workshops and employability seminars.

The committee concentrating on the well-being for people is headed by Dick White. This committee oversees funds donated to help in times of distress including the payment of medical bills and financial aid for food, water and clothing for temporary relief.

Wisdom is leading a committee for the well being of animals in our community through temporary relief during times of distress including help with veterinarian bills and financial aid for food, water and medication.

The foundation is working directly with Quitman Develop Corporation which supplied seed finances to get off the ground.