Folks at Home Receives Major Gift

Folks at Home (F@H) has established an endowment fund after receiving a very generous gift. “Last April one extraordinary, totally unexpected response to our annual fund-raising letter came from David and Debra Humphreys, who live in Missouri,” said Laurence Alvarez, the secretary-treasurer of F@H. “David’s connection to Sewanee is that he is an alumnus of the College and former chair of the University’s Board of Regents.”

Alvarez reports that Humphreys sent a note saying “We are happy to help Folks at Home in their good work” and included a check for $50,000.

With the consent of the couple, the F@H board decided to use this money to begin an endowment. “The money now has been invested long-term for income and growth,” Alvarez said.

Kris Gosling, president of the F@H board, said “the gift affirms the long-term future of Folks at Home. It provides financial security in volatile economic times.”

“Folks at Home has grown from a grass-roots vision and a sponsored project of Otey Memorial Parish to a serious partner and important resource, connecting community and coordinating access to care and services in the Sewanee and the South Cumberland region. In 2011 we effectuated over 866 services, compared to 500 in 2010, which was our first year in operation,” stated Kathleen O’Donohue, executive director.

Folks at Home is a local nonprofit organization developed for and dedicated to assisting its members in continuing a dignified and comfortable lifestyle in the community through coordination of services they need during elder years. For more information, contact F@H at 598-0303, email or drop by for a visit in the “Blue House” at 400 University Ave.