Philanthropy and a heart for charity begin at home.
On August 23, East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) will help the region’s households start family-based dialogues about ways to make charitable giving a vibrant part of family and community life.
As a community foundation serving 25 counties in the region through provision of grants and scholarships, ETF has awarded more than $223 million to individuals and in grants to nonprofits throughout its 30-year history. These resources are funded by donors and the more than 400 different philanthropic funds ETF manages.
As East Tennessee Foundation celebrates 30 years of service this year, the Foundation has a renewed focus on the next generation of charitable giving. Based on the teachings of the book Generous Genes: Raising Caring Kids in a Digital Age by author Susan Crites Price, the Foundation will host a day-long series of signature events in Athens, Knoxville, and Johnson City, entitled “Generous Genes (How Family Philanthropy Can Transform a Region).”
Best described as a “philanthropy road show,” each city site visit will include keynote comments by author Susan Crites Price, who will then facilitate a multi-generational panel discussion with philanthropists from each community’s own local area.
Panelists will discuss the power of family dialogue and collaboration toward thoughtful charitable giving. They will also share their personal perspectives and resources that are available to families, particularly in our digital age, that encourage youth to give — making communities stronger and lives better.
“Generous Genes (How Family Philanthropy Can Transform a Region)” will incorporate the entire East Tennessee region by providing three stops that include discussions with notable individuals or experts in the following cities:
– 7:30 a.m. breakfast event in Athens, Tenn., at Tennessee Wesleyan University with event beginning promptly at 8:00 a.m. with panelists Paul Willson, chairman of the board of Citizens National Bank and ETF board member and his son Hugh Willson.
– 11:30 a.m. lunch event in Knoxville, Tenn., at The Foundry with event beginning promptly at 12:00 p.m. with panelists Jeff Becker, chair of the ETF board, retired Head of UT Microbiology, and founder of the B’nai Tzedek youth philanthropy program; Deborah Oleshansky, executive director of the Knoxville Jewish Alliance; and father-and-son Steve West and Charles West of West Chevrolet in Blount County.
– 5:30 p.m. dinner event in Johnson City, Tenn., at the Johnson City Country Club with the event beginning promptly at 6:00 p.m. with panelists Fielding Rolston, chairman of the Tennessee Board of Education and chairman of the Board of Directors of Eastman Credit Union; Roger Mowen, former senior vice president at Eastman Chemical Co., who currently serves as chair of Healthy Kingsport and chair of the finance committee on the Wellmont board of directors.
Parents, grandparents, students, and those interested in family philanthropy are encouraged to attend a road show stop in their area. Each event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required by August 15, 2016. Reserve places for you and your guests at the location of your choice by emailing Samantha Amick at [email protected] or calling (877) 524-1223. Signed copies of Susan’s book will be given away at each site as supplies last.
“This event marks a huge milestone for ETF as we celebrate our 30th anniversary,” said East Tennessee Foundation CEO and President Mike McClamroch. “Our team is excited to take part in this major thought leadership initiative to spotlight family philanthropy.”
About East Tennessee Foundation:
Established in 1986, East Tennessee Foundation is a public, nonprofit, community foundation created by and for the people of East Tennessee, where many donors join together to make the region they love a better place, today and for future generations. A wide variety of assets in any amount can be accepted to serve almost any charitable purpose. ETF is a collection of hundreds of individual charitable funds and supporting foundations established by individuals, families, businesses, and other non-profits and foundations. For more information on East Tennessee Foundation, visit www.easttennesseefoundation.org.