Bartlesville Community Foundation

Bartlesville Community Foundation is pleased to announce a grant award to Samaritan Counseling and Growth Center of Bartlesville.The grant enhances the center’s capacity to provide quality mental health services to women who are under insured, without insurance, or without financial resources.

Samaritan Counseling and Growth Center offers counseling to families, adults, and children.In 2008, Samaritan provided over 4,000 counseling hours to individuals in need.Through its services, Samaritan helps the people of our community to lead full, productive lives, increase their ability to manage the stresses of daily life, and overcome the hurdles of life crises.

The matching grant, made possible through the Counseling and Mental Health fund established with Bartlesville Community Foundation by directors of the former YWCA, provides essential funding to the program.“Nothing grieves us more than to know there’s greater need in the community than we have the capacity to address,” says Keith Sheffield, Executive Director of Samaritan.“We are honored that Bartlesville Community Foundation has entrusted these funds to us so that we can increase our capacity and provide counseling services to even more women in need.”

“We join Samaritan in celebrating their success is raising the funds necessary to qualify for the $10,000 matching grant,” reports Julia Crouch, BCF Executive Director.“It’s a testament to the giving spirit of our community.When the people of our area know of a need, they respond with genuine generosity.It’s a privilege for BCF to extend this grant and play a part in Samaritan’s success.”

Bartlesville Community Foundation was established in 1999 to provide a simple way for the people of Bartlesville to do good works.By enabling donors to establish customized funds, or give to funds already in place, BCF makes giving convenient and effective.The Counseling and Mental Health Fund exemplifies BCF’s commitment – to ensure that funds are utilized in a manner that honors the intent of the donor and achieves a significant impact in the community.For more information about BCF, contact Crouch at 918.337.2287.

Bartlesville Community Foundation is pleased to announce that a grant cycle for Fall 2009 has launched.The Bowerman Family Fund, a component fund with BCF, is making grant awards of up to $3,000 available in a number of program categories. �

Charlie and Corky Bowerman established a fund with BCF several years ago.“Bartlesville Community Foundation provides an outstanding opportunity for us to contribute to our community in a meaningful way,” says Charlie Bowerman.“Through the foundation, we have the opportunity to consider a number of different programs that are addressing critical needs in our area, all while taking advantage of the community expertise and administrative ease that BCF offers.We love Bartlesville and are committed to doing what we can to make it an even better place to live and work – BCF allows us to achieve that objective.”�

The grant cycle provides awards, up to $3,000 each, in three key areas:Community Spirit, Legacy Building, and Future Focus.Community spirit focuses on programs/initiatives that bring the people of Bartlesville together, elevating the sense of community and contributing a tangible end-product that will enhance community spirit and pride.Legacy Building involves programs/initiatives that honor the history of the community, or encourage civic and community service in sustaining the quality of life in Bartlesville, leaving a legacy for future generations.Future Focus relates to programs/initiatives that seek to identify key components of our community’s future vitality and advance efforts toward achieving that vision. � �

“It’s an honor for us to work with the Bowerman family to achieve their charitable objectives,” reports Julia Crouch, executive director for BCF.“Through the community foundation, the Bowermans are able to identify specific areas of interest to their family and make grants available through this customized grant cycle, all while utilizing the services and support provided by BCF to make the process as efficient and effective as possible.” �

Grant applications can be obtained through BCF’s website homepage at www.bartlesvillefoundation.com or by contacting BCF at 918.337.2287.The deadline for grant applications in October 16, 2009.BCF is a charitable organization providing a simple way for the people of Bartlesville to do good works.Through a customized design, donors can establish a fund that grants money to programs that are achieving the type of work most dear to the donor.Further, donors can give to over 50 funds that already exist to support key community projects and organizations.More information about BCF can be obtained by contacting the BCF office.�

With the summer sun still bearing down, it is hard to believe plans are underway for the inaugural Jingle Bells for Basal Cells event, a 5k and family fun run set for Saturday, Dec. 5.The event is sure to bring hundreds of people to downtown Bartlesville, but serves an even greater purpose – creating awareness of the condition of basal cell carcinoma nevus syndrome and raising critical dollars for research and education.The community has rallied around this valuable cause and sponsorships are going fast.The deadline to sponsor the event is Sept. 15.

Basal Cell Carcinoma Nevus Syndrome is a genetic disorder afflicting approximately 1 in 67,000 children.The condition is an inherited, genetic condition resulting in multiple and early onset basal cell carcinomas and other tumors.Other physical manifestations include jaw cysts, a broad forehead, fluid on the brain, bifid ribs, scoliosis, and palmar and plantar pitting. Patients must often undergo countless surgeries throughout their lives to combat the effects of the disorder. �

Jingle Bells for Basal Cells focuses on educating the community about the disorder and raising funds for organizations like Basal Cell Carcinoma Nevus Syndrome Life Support Group (www.BCCNS.org), an agency dedicated to supporting those with the condition and advancing education within the medical community. � �

“As many people now know, the Jingle Bells for Basal Cells 5k Run was established in honor of our son, William, who was diagnosed shortly after his birth in May, 2008,” says Christen Gullatt.“As the event plans have crystallized, it is so encouraging to see the enthusiasm and support of the people of our community who want to make a difference.” �

Jingle Bells for Basal Cells has partnered with Bartlesville Community Foundation (BCF) in structuring a mechanism for tax-deductible donations to benefit the event.Through a fund established with BCF, donors can easily give in support of the event.

“We’ve already been contacted by a number of local businesses and individuals who have extended their support to this great cause,” reports BCF executive director Julia Crouch. “As preparations for event publicity and set-up are finalized, those who want to sponsor the event should act quickly.”For more information about the event or to make an on-line donation, visit www.jinglebellsforbasalcells.com.Donations can also be sent directly to BCF.