2021 Lake Rabun Foundation Spring Update

In 2020 Lake Rabun Responded: In a difficult year filled with unanticipated challenges the Lake Rabun community responded with uncommon generosity. While the pandemic altered many things we take for granted, the LRF experienced a record year for contributions from LRA members. In turn, the LRF was able to donate at a record level to worthy causes in Rabun County.   Thanks to our membership’s largesse the LRF has provided $106,000 in college scholarships to our Lake Rabun Scholars. Additionally, the Foundation supported several students attending North Georgia Technical College. The Foundation made grants totaling $73, 000 to charitable organizations, church ministries, and schools in Rabun County. The spring Covid-19 Relief fund request raised $26,000 which went to the Rabun County Family Connection Partnership which serves families in need. Larger grants were also made to FAITH, the Mountain Branch of the Food Bank, and Rabun Habitat.   Lake Rabun Foundation Grants Reach $2,000,000: Since inception and a single scholarship award of $1,000 in 1967, your LRF has provided $1,259,085 in scholarships and $733,565 in outreach grants to local recipients…some $7,350 short of $2,000,000 in total contributions. The LRF Trustees recently voted to surpass the $2,000,000 level of giving with a $10,000 grant to FAITH.   FAITH is a non-profit organization that provides free and confidential services to the victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse in NE Georgia. Over the past year FAITH has experienced greater demand for assistance while having to cancel its major fundraising event. Forced to consider reduction in staff, the LRF is pleased to extend assistance to this worthy organization!   In responding to the LRF grant, FAITH Executive Director Caroline Wells wrote “Rabun County has been blessed having such an engaged and caring LRA. Since day one the LRA has assisted FAITH both monetarily and by providing many hours of volunteer service. I feel like the LRA has been the cornerstone allowing FAITH the ability to grow our programs as to best serve the community. I am very thankful for everything your lake families have done and continue to do to help make Rabun County the best it can be.”   In Closing: Mentioned and appreciated but unquantified is the tremendous amount of time and energy LRA members contribute to volunteerism in Rabun County. Our members chair, preside, and serve in numerous non-profits and give benevolently directly to charitable entities. One thing that I find particularly gratifying is knowing that in Rabun County the LRA and LRF have truly made a difference…positively affecting lives for over 50 years here in the Blue Ridge.   On Behalf of the Lake Rabun Foundation, Dick Newkirk