VERNON, CT — A group of prominent citizens on Thursday announced the formation of the Vernon Foundation, an organization that hopes to make contributions available to just about any service and sports association in town.

The announcement was made at the Rockville office of local lawyer Martin Burke. Joining him in making the announcement were Lisa Moody, the former chief of staff for Gov. Jodi Rell; Town Council member Julie Clay; former state legislator and Rockville Public Library Chairwoman Thomassina Clemons and Probate Judge O. James Purnell III.

They will be joined as charter board members by probate court clerk Thomas Smith, former Rockville Bank Chief Executive Officer William McGurk; CNC Inc. Chairman Mark Summers; and former United Bank branch Manager Kathy Stavens.

“We are a group of of committed residents,” the board said in an introductory statement. “Some of us grew up here. Some of us own and operate businesses here. And all of us love our town.”

The foundation has completed the necessary paperwork to become a 501c(3) non-profit entity with the state and the Internal Revenue Service.

Moody and Burke were quick to point out that it is not the aim of The Vernon Foundation to compete with established funds for potential donors, but to supplement other benefactor organizations. Therefore bequeathals through wills and those wanting to donate personal wealth to a foundation will be two primary focuses, board members said.

The library has signed on as a “financial sponsor,” and has agreed to help funnel donations to The Vernon Foundation, Clemons said.

The intent is to build, over time, a “substantial amount of funds” that can serve as an endowment, Moody said. The interest then can be used to assist community based and athletic organizations in town, she said.

“In essence, the Vernon Foundation will be an endowment fund for the common good,” board members said. “The assets of the fun will be invested wisely and the returns will go back to the community as grants to help various non-profits, large and small, met community needs.”

There is about $1,800 in the fund so far, a start-up number funded by board members, Burke said.

“While Vernon has changed much over the years in terms of population and development, the very face and fabric of the town never has,” board members said. “Helping one another has never gone out of style in Vernon.”

Click here to view The Vernon Foundation Facebook page and here to view the organization’s website.

The address for donations is PO Box 3254, Vernon CT 06066.

Photo Credit: The Vernon Foundation

Dehnel, Chri. “Formation of ‘The Vernon Foundation’ Announced Thursday.” patch.com/connecticut/vernon/formation-vernon-foundation-announced-thursday.