Heritage Harbor of Ottawa homeowners demonstrated the philanthropic “Spirit of the Harbor” recently at a launch party for their Starved Rock Country Community Foundation (SRCCF) fund.
A bell was rung during the evening to symbolize the fund’s birth, and guests rang the bell after each subsequent donation. The launch party raised over $3,600 for the “field of interest” fund promoting community giving by Heritage Harbor homeowners, boaters, and friends.
Heritage Harbor Ottawa Managing Partner Tom Heimsoth established the Spirit of the Harbor Fund to provide a vehicle for homeowners, boat owners, and other friends of the Harbor to collectively make financial contributions to support local charities throughout Starved Rock Country.
The Community Foundation will oversee distributions from the fund and assist donors in directing their philanthropy. A committee will be formed to select nonprofit causes that benefit from the fund.
Promotional material stated, “We are delighted to unveil The Spirit of the Harbor Charitable Fund. This initiative is born from our commitment to uplift and support … nurturing community programs, scholarships, and economic growth.
“Hand-in-hand with Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, we embark on a journey of purpose. Their legacy in philanthropy is a bridge between aspirations and achievements. We will become stewards of progress, channeling kindness into meaningful action.”
Beckett said SRCCF has invested over $1.8 million into the community and created nearly 90 funds since 2015.
“These are not just funds; they represent the hopes and dreams of their creators,” Beckett told the audience. “They represent the passion, generosity, and caring heart of each donor.”
SRCCF CEO Fran Brolley said together, Heritage Harbor and SRCCF “Can be a powerful force for good.”
Heritage Harbor Ottawa is a 150-acre resort community along the Illinois River east of Ottawa, featuring a 32-acre marina, 190 boat slips, and approximately 175 homes.
For information or to learn how to create a SRCCF fund, contact Brolley at (815) 252-2906, ext. 1, or fran@srccf.org.