What can we say about 2020 that hasn’t already been said? What we do know is that while the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc of unimaginable proportions, there was a silver lining in the clouds. In fact, the Foundation had its most successful year in terms of both funds raised and grants provided to the community, and are using that momentum to carry us forward energetically into what has the potential to be an impactful 2021. 

Through the Dublin Has Heart Fund, the Foundation raised and distributed more than $100,000, thanks to the efforts of our Board members and the generosity of the Dublin community. It is a privilege for all of us at the Foundation to partner with our local nonprofit organizations, the City of Dublin, Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Dublin City Schools, corporate sponsors, and Dublin residents to make such a positive difference in our community. 

A cornerstone initiative of the Foundation in 2020 was providing a $10 gift card from a local business to each of the 2,255 teachers, administrators, and staff of Dublin City Schools. Initiated by a personal donation by Dublin resident Mrs. Kathy Beyl, the campaign was nurtured by the Board of Governors and ultimately received support from more than 30 corporate partners and residents, quadrupling the original donation.

Foundation President, Harry Kamdar, extends his heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Beyl and the rest of the corporate and individual donors for their generosity on behalf of the Board, “The kindness shown by the Dublin community toward our Dublin City Schools educators will forever remain etched in our hearts.”

Similarly, the Foundation received many thanks from recipients of the gift cards.  “I want to thank you for the generous gift card this holiday season – as a teacher in Dublin City Schools, I’m honored to serve the students of our community each day, and your gift to us teachers is a kind and welcomed gift we are thankful for. Much appreciated!”

In addition to showing our sincere gratitude to the school district team for their commitment during this most difficult year, the Foundation also supported a variety of other nonprofit organizations that made an immediate impact on the Dublin community. 

During the Fall of 2020, the Board the Dublin Arts Council’s Arts & Wellness Initiative and the flagship event of TEDxInnovationDr. These two programs had a common theme of “connection,” both in their own way encouraging the Dublin community to connect with their neighbors and the broader community. After all, research shows that it is when we connect with ourselves and others in ways that positively impact mental, emotional, and social well-being. 

Understanding the particularly difficult situation that our frontline workers are facing during the pandemic, the Foundation also supported Syntero’s Backing Our Frontline initiative in early 2020 that enabled them to offer 4-6 confidential, virtual counseling sessions free of charge for all first responders and frontline workers working or living in Dublin.

Additional grants were made to the Dublin Food Pantry, Welcome Warehouse, Good Medicine, Neighborhood Bridges, and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, all of whom, in one way or another, supported Dublin residents and businesses as they navigated challenging times. 

Of course, none of these grants would have been possible without the immense generosity of the Dublin community and its corporate partners through their contributions to the Dublin Has Heart Fund. 

As we look forward to 2021, we will continue to work with our donors and local nonprofits to identify the needs of the community and how best we can help.

How do you think the Dublin Community Foundation can make the most difference in our community? We would love to hear from you!