Commanders Message

Memorial Day is not just another holiday on the calendar for me; it’s a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by countless brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. As I reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day, I’m reminded of the profound debt of gratitude we owe to these courageous individuals. Their selflessness and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms deserve our utmost respect and remembrance.
For me, Memorial Day is a time to pause and honor the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s a day to pay tribute to their bravery, valor, and unwavering dedication to duty. These individuals represent the best of us, embodying the values of courage, honor, and sacrifice. Their willingness to lay down their lives for their fellow citizens is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Moreover, Memorial Day serves as a poignant reminder of the true cost of freedom. It’s easy to take our liberties for granted, but behind every right we enjoy, there are countless sacrifices made by those who came before us. Their sacrifices serve as a reminder that freedom is never free and that we must remain vigilant in defending it. Memorial Day compels us to reflect on the sacrifices of the past and to recommit ourselves to upholding the principles for which they fought.
As we gather with family and friends on Memorial Day, let us not forget the solemn purpose of this day. Let us take a moment to honor the memory of the fallen, to express our gratitude for their service, and to offer support to their families who carry on their legacy. Let us pledge to never forget their sacrifices and to ensure that their memory lives on in our hearts and minds.
In conclusion, Memorial Day holds a deep and personal significance for me. It’s a day to remember, honor, and pay tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage and sacrifice will forever be etched in our hearts, and on this Memorial Day, let us pause to honor their memory and reaffirm our commitment to the ideals for which they gave their lives.
Scott Morse
Commander

100WomenStrong Announces $639K in Nonprofit Grants

The 100WomenStrong organization on Tuesday announced the award of grants totaling $639,000 to 51 nonprofits headquartered or providing services in Loudoun County. Since 2009, their philanthropic giving has provided more than $4.6 million to support charities addressing shelter, health, mental health, hunger and education.

Founder and President Karen Schaufeld stressed the need for broad engagement in addressing community challenges. “Small acts, when multiplied by many, can make a huge impact,” she said.

Schaufeld launched the program with 12 other founding members and provided two grants totaling $28,600 during the first year.

The 2024 100WomenStrong grants are as follows:

  • A Farm Less Ordinary – $10,000
  • A Place To Be – $20,000
  • All Ages Read Together – $25,000
  • Boulder Crest Foundation – $10,000
  • BRAWS – $15,000
  • Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties – $10,000
  • Crossroads Jobs – $10,000
  • Dulles South Food Pantry – $12,500
  • Dulles South Neighborhood Closet – $2,000
  • Every Citizen Has Opportunities (ECHO) – $24,000
  • Food for Neighbors – $5,000
  • Friends of Loudoun Mental Health – $12,000
  • Galilee Backpack Buddies Program – $2,500
  • Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia- $5,000
  • Greater DC Diaper Bank – $3,750
  • Hunger Response Team of Sterling – $5,150
  • Inova Health Foundation – $15,000
  • Just Neighbors – $12,000
  • LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services – $20,820
  • Legacy Farms – $20,000
  • Leonard W. Kidd Memorial American Legion Post 2001 – $15,000
  • Loudoun Cares – $10,500
  • Loudoun Club 12 – $12,000
  • Loudoun Coalition on Women and Girls – $7,000
  • Loudoun Education Foundation – $15,000
  • Loudoun Free Clinic – $8,800
  • Loudoun Hunger Relief – $25,000
  • Loudoun Literacy Council – $20,000
  • Loudoun Serenity House – $20,000
  • Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Foundation – $7,200
  • Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers – $24,000
  • Loudoun Youth – $5,000
  • Love, KK – $3,500
  • Mobile Hope – $10,000
  • Morven Park, Inc – $5,000
  • NAMI Northern Virginia – $13,250
  • Northern Virginia Family Service – $10,500
  • Opportunity Scholars – $12,500
  • Ryan Bartel Foundation – $10,500
  • St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church – $15,000
  • SCAN of Northern Virginia – $14,000
  • Seven Loaves Services – $12,600
  • Shelter House Inc. – $20,000
  • The Arc of Loudoun – $25,000
  • The Fenwick Foundation $15,000
  • The New AG School – $12,000
  • The Salvation Army of Loudoun – $7,200
  • Vine and Fig Tree – $6,700
  • Virginia Hunters Who Care, Inc. – $3,000
  • Women Giving Back – $25,000
  • Youth for Tomorrow – $9,000

Today, the group has 68 members, with membership capped at 100.

“100WomenStrong is always looking for new members to become participants in helping our community of Loudoun to thrive.  With more members, our giving circle of concerned philanthropists can do more for Loudoun,” Managing Director Pam Ray said.

Eligibility for membership includes the ability to make an annual contribution of $10,000. Individual and corporate memberships are welcomed.  Donations are tax deductible and may be paid annually, semi-annually, quarterly or monthly.

Learn more at onehundredwomenstrong.org/join-us/ or contact Ray at pam@onehundredwomenstrong.org

100WomenStrong is a component fund of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties.

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