Chamber Vision January 2014 | Page 25

Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau January 2014 25 organizations. Another example comes from Nancy Keller, a former Chase County resident now located in Arizona, who established an endowed fund with ECF to assist with maintenance and improvements to the Chase County Courthouse. Since its inception in 1995, over 100 funds have been established with ECF by individuals, families and organizations that have provided assistance to many charitable causes.  By definition, community foundations are tax exempt, autonomous, non-sectarian, philanthropic institutions created by and for the people of a local area. Their long-term goal is to serve local communities by building permanent funds supported by many donors. Community foundations also act as trusted knowledgeable leaders in assisting individuals, families and businesses with their charitable giving decisions. Whether you are a potential donor, a professional advisor, a local non-profit director, or someone who’s simply concerned about the future of the community (like Mr. Sauder and Ms. Keller), connecting with the Emporia Community Foundation is the first step toward a better tomorrow not only for your community but also for the state of Kansas. Through the “Keep 5 In Kansas” program, we all have an opportunity to build a better future for our citizens. By keeping just five percent of the wealth currently being transferred we can strengthen the places we call home, improve our quality of life, and create a legacy that will benefit generations to come. In years past most families lived in the same community and thus wealth was easily passed from generation to generation and it stayed locally. That lifestyle has changed. Many families now live hundreds of miles apart. Once the family wealth leaves a community, it may never return. Community foundations hope to encourage residents to designate a portion of their estates, or 401 (k) and IRA accounts, commodities such as grain or oil leases, life insurance policies, securities, permanent endowments and more for charitable causes through a fund established with the foundation. This is a wonderful way to leave family legacies and to support the area the donor has loved so much for so long. 728 Mechanic St. Emporia, Ks 66801 620-342-2092 1-800-362-3543 FAX 620-342-8652 www.navrats.com Emporia’s ORIGINAL home, school & office supply store! by Spellman, Inc. 821 Commercial Street 821Emporia, Kansas 66801 Commercial Street Emporia, (620) 342-2122 Kansas 66801 (620) 342-2122 To learn more about the Keep 5 in Kansas campaign and how the Emporia Community Foundation can help you with your charitable bequests, contact Shirley Antes, Executive Director, at 620-342-9304, or visit the campaign website at www.keepfiveinkansas.com. Presentations to clubs and organizations can also be arranged by calling the ECF office.