Gifts That Make A Difference
Established in 2013, the Give Sonlight To the Next Generation endowment is moving consistently to the goal of 2.5 million dollars. The endowment will provide Sonlight with a consistent revenue stream outside of the operating budget. Capital improvements, maintenance, scholarships and new program will be funded each year as needed.
2015 saw significant gifts and memorial gifts to the endowment. A few of them highlighted here:
In Memory of Kelsey
Counselor In Training (CIT) Program Fully Endowed
In memory of Kelsey McLean: a large gift from Alex McLean has endowed the entire Counselor In Training program from 2016 forward.
The Sonlight CIT program is designed for high school students, to put them in a leadership role with younger campers under the mentorship of a counselor.
Scott and Gennette Erickson Endowed Scholarship
Scott and Gennette Erickson‘s contribution fully endowed a scholarship. Each year the revenue from their donation will provide a scholarship for a camper, based on financial need.
Scholarships are awarded by Winston (the executive director) for families who demonstrate the need for assistance. In 2015, 189 campers received financial assistance totaling to $33,607 in form of subsidy or scholarship. Thanks Erickson’s – your contribution is significant!
Elinor Winchester Endowed Scholarship
Strong in her belief of camp, funds contributed to Sonlight in memory of Elinor Winchester created an Elinor Winchester scholarship fund through the endowment. Elinor lived what she believed: getting outside and being in the mountains is good for everybody. She knew that all kids deserve the opportunity to work and play outside and be in a place where you are valued for who God created them to be.
Large Gifts that Build the Endowment
Large gifts build the endowment in big ways. Joe Gorvetzian and Nancy Croker, Mike Coltrin, Gary and Nina Thayer, Jon and Nicole Dunham, Carol Brown, Winston and Mary Marugg, The Winston Salem Foundation, The Raymond Family Foundation, Kelly and Jodi Teal, Keith and Stephanie Hudson, Chris Phillips and Carol Pierce, Matt and Sarah Charles, the JF Maddox Foundation, Josh and Malea Fowler, Lou and Cathy Montiel Steve and Laurie Walston and an anonymous donor are a few of the many donors, their gifts are significant.