GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) – Friday morning, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF) announced the establishment of the new Rodger Wilder Legacy Fund and presented three checks at its annual Donor Appreciation Breakfast at the Knight Nonprofit Center.
The event also kicked off GCCF’s 35th-anniversary celebration and unveiled new GCCF branding.
As of October 10, $36,500 had been raised to establish the Rodger Wilder Legacy Fund, which honors GCCF’s chief executive officer and founding member. This fund will focus on addressing child welfare needs across the six counties served by GCCF: George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River and Stone.
GCCF also presented a $50,000 check to the Stone County Community Endowment Fund. This match donation will enable the fund, established in 2023, to support different charitable needs in Stone County.
The Biloxi Wade-In Fund, established in 2023, also received a $50,000 check. This fund will support the design of the Biloxi Wade-In Memorial at the site of the historic series of protests that spanned from 1959 to 1963.
“It’s an amazing way to start the celebration of 35 years of impact by unveiling the Rodger Wilder Legacy Fund and presenting significant contributions to the Stone County Community Endowment and Biloxi Wade-In funds. These donations represent our commitment to empowering communities and preserving history,” said Dr. Christen Duhé, GCCF president and executive director. “We also kicked off our rebranding with a new logo that reflects our vision for the future and how GCCF will continue to serve as a catalyst for positive change.”
See a spelling or grammar error in this story? Report it to our team HERE.
Copyright 2024 WLOX. All rights reserved.
