May,2009
Letter from Leslie J. Haggstrom:
As I look back upon my 8 years as President of the Allegany County Area Foundation, I am reminded of what a ride it has been! Talk about highs and lows!! We have seen a significant increase in the number of new donors, as well as scholarship and grant recipients, only to be followed by a global economic crisis. These are certainly challenging times. The Board of Directors continues to work diligently to preserve capital, meet our obligations and be a community resource.
This past year the Foundation provided resources to enable the Greater Allegany County Chamber of Commerce to get started, the Tri-Region Science & Engineering Fair to hold its first fair in Allegany County, and the CORE (Creating Opportunities for Rural Education) project to begin its initiative. Since CORE’s first meeting in December, 2008, the Literacy West NY initiative has secured from NY State a $600,000 grant over the next three years to create the CORE Learning Center in Allegany County. These and many other initiatives have become a reality through assistance from the Foundation.
Implementing our leadership rotation system, on May 1st, 2009, the Foundation Board of Directors appointed Carolyn J. Miller of Scio as our new President. Carolyn, a member of the Board for 24 years, has served as Vice President for the past 2 years. Her many years of dedication and service to her community will benefit the ACAF as she assumes her new leadership role. Michael Ronan of Rushford is our new Vice President.
I will continue as a member of the Board of Directors, a position I have held since the Foundation was created in 1983, as an indication of my on-going commitment to this worthy organization. Please join me in helping the Foundation serve our community by becoming an associate member, joining a committee, or by passing the word along to your friends and co-workers. I would also encourage you to support the Foundation with your donations in memory of loved ones. Gifts of any size are needed. Perhaps you would like to establish a designated fund or a scholarship. I welcome you to check out our website at www.alleganycountyareafoundation.org. You can download forms and even make secure online donations. Allegany County Area Foundation is YOUR community Foundation; you can create a legacy right here at home and join us as we look forward to a bright future.
Leslie J. Haggstrom, out-going President