The Foundation is in the midst of a flurry of events that demonstrate the broader scope and developing potential for serving Cary. In September the Foundation partnered with Cary to present a community fair, CARY AT SUNSETand forum for not-for-profit organizations to present their programs and projects to the community. Forty organizations joined in the festivities which drew over 2,000 neighbors and featured performances by local groups who provided entertainment from the stage of the Koka Booth Amphitheater.

On November 18^th at the Cary Chamber of Commerce Eye Opener Breakfast Cary Community Foundation announced its second year of grant awardsto community organizations working for the betterment of Cary. Twenty-seven organizations received grants totaling $55,000. A listing of organizations and descriptions of the projects funded is available by clicking the above link.

Another example of how the Foundation will be helping local organizations succeed with their mission will be a workshop which the Foundation will present to organizations January 22nd. The workshop will focus on how those organizations can create endowment funds to help sustain their work over the years.

Additionally, The Foundation has hired a staff person to help with development of new fundsat the Foundation. One new fund has been created by a family this month. Others are in the offing. Two important facts about funds at the Foundation, full confidentiality of the fund and its activity is ensured through the Foundation's strategic alliance with the North Carolina Community Foundation. Second, those who create funds from which they can make grants over the years, may make those grants anywhere in the world. The Foundation's mission is to facilitate and encourage philanthropy by folks in our community, whatever their interests may be and wherever they may wish to make an impact.

November 9th the Foundation held its inaugural event of The Professional Advisors Group. The event itself was a special occasion for lawyers, CPA's and financial planners to learn about tax smart giving strategies in these economic circumstances. The morning highlighted a presentation by Michael Walden, Reynolds Professor at State. The purpose of the group is to facilitate collaborations among the Foundation, professionals and their clients who can benefit by utilizing the services of the Foundation.

The Board is very pleased to be increasing the Foundation's breadth of service to Cary as we approach our fourth year.