Fund Vignettes

Five years ago, I began my journey to the priesthood. During that time, I was blessed with the financial independence to move from my corporate career in the broadcast media industry and begin attending seminary full-time. Unfortunately, not all clergy are able to have that same experience.

Barb Drozdz fondly portrays her late husband, Jim, as an individual driven by a perpetual thirst for knowledge and personal growth. Describing him as an embodiment of passion, Barb emphasizes Jim's unwavering commitment to causes he held dear, going above and beyond to lend his support. While Jim was born in Chicago, his true sense of belonging resided in West Central Illinois. Jim dedicated himself to serving the Illinois State Police from 1983 to 2004. During that time, he pursued and successfully obtained his master's degree from Western Illinois University in Macomb, a law degree from Southern Illinois University and doctorate from the University of Iowa. Following these accomplishments and many others, Jim assumed the esteemed role of Hancock County State's Attorney. "Jim was not drawn to the allure of bustling urban environments," Barb shared. "He found solace in the charm of downstate Illinois, reveling in its rural ambiance and small-town atmosphere." In addition to his noteworthy professional achievements, Jim actively contributed to the community, selflessly serving as a paramedic for the Pike County and Hancock County Ambulance Service and as a firefighter for the Hamilton Fire Department. Beyond these noble endeavors, Jim delighted in playing the bagpipes at local events, imparting knowledge on criminal law and instructing EMS and EMT classes. Jim also received his CDL through John Wood Community College’s Truck Driving Training program. His adventurous spirit led him to embark on various travels and engage in numerous other pursuits. "Jim was always in pursuit of more," Barb fondly recalled. "He continuously sought personal growth, endeavoring to better himself and inspire others to do the same. This profound motivation inspired me to establish the Jim Drozdz Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation, ensuring that Jim's legacy of benevolence lives on."

The Doc and Regina Preston Fund is dedicated to the goal of providing funds for purposes which promote the things Dwain and Regina dedicated their lives to: community, faith, the arts, learning, kindness, and generosity. It was their firm belief that humanity is not perfect, but we can always strive to be better and our goal with the Community Foundation is to foster those ideas that leave the world a better place than we found it.

Bill established several different funds with and for a variety of local, educational, and service organizations as a way to honor Peggy’s interests and the life he and Peggy built together. One of those funds was the William E. and Margaret E. Durall Family Endowment, an unrestricted endowment at the Community Foundation.

When reflecting back on the reason(s) why Bill and Lynda Keller decided to start a fund with the Community Foundation, the Quincy couple often referred to the proverb - ‘It’s better to give than to receive.’

Each donor at the Community Foundation has their own reason “why.” For Quincy resident Deborah Hutter, her reason for starting the P.A.W. Fund – Promoting Animal Welfare dates back to 1971 and her attempt to right a terrible wrong that plagued her family for years.

The idea of ‘forever’ is visionary, but that’s exactly what an endowment is. The Hansen Spear Funeral Home Endowment will continue to enhance the quality of life throughout the region, forever.

Since 1986, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois has been providing a place in central Illinois for families to stay while their child is receiving medical care. In addition to their location in Springfield, IL, RMHCCI opened a house in Peoria in 2019 to service families with children being treated at any medical facility. The creation of the Fund will support financial needs of RMHCCI so it may continue its important work in our community.

It is said that a library, especially in rural communities, is more than books and computers. They are essential components of communities—worth fighting for and worth funding. Which is why, after Jean’s passing, Sam decided to start the Canton Public Library Fund. In his mother’s memory, the endowment fund will help ensure the future sustainability of the library.