Get those wheels turning!
On my drive into work, I’m often listening to podcasts; the most recent one being an episode of the Mel Robbins Podcast, “A Process for Finding Purpose: Do THIS to Build the Life you Want” with guest Jay Shetty. I resonated with Shetty’s definition of purpose: “passion combined with expertise, used in the service of others.” It ties together everything we do at the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) of Sedona.
Do you have an idea that involves providing services to others that has been spinning around in your mind? If so, ACF of Sedona is your go-to destination! Let me explain why.
Every workday, Chelsea Buck-Leilich and I have the privilege of learning about people’s passions, whether that is from potential donors, fundholders, nonprofit leaders, or scholarship providers.
We listen to service concepts and/or charitable intent and suggest solutions. We can always reach out to our fellow ACF staff, over 70 people statewide, to utilize our collective expertise, knowledge, and connections to brainstorm options for putting your charitable idea(s) into action.
Depending on details, implementation can be relatively simple and put into place within days, or it may take years. Giving terms and conditions can be extremely general or extremely specific. Sometimes one idea blossoms into many. Here’s an example of all the above.
In 2018, Kevin Adams, currently serving as an ACF Board of Advisor, helped found a nonprofit called Wheel Fun. He readily admits, “We had no idea what we were doing and where it was going,” but knew providing free mountain bike programs to underserved rural youth would create community.
In 2022, Kevin worked with ACF of Sedona’s former Regional Director, Jennifer Perry, to create a scholarship for the students who participated in Wheel Fun. Kevin named the fund, “Logan’s Hero Dirt Scholarship Fund.” Logan is a student who inspired the fund’s establishment, and Hero Dirt is a mountain bike term referring to the ideal soil conditions for a ride.
Setting up the scholarship was simple and fast; however, Kevin chose to wait until 2025 before accepting applications. This way, scholarships could potentially be awarded to the first group/graduating class of students involved in Wheel Fun.
This Spring, Kevin attended a graduation party for one of the eight students who were part of Wheel Fun’s inception at Oak Creek School in Cornville in 2018. Kevin had the honor of hand-delivering the ACF scholarship letter to one of his former students, Witten (shown in the photo front row right). When the Witten read the letter out loud, he visibly flinched as he realized he was awarded $22,000! Kevin recalls how touching the scene was and snapped a picture of Witten and his parents.
The following morning, Kevin received a text from Teddy, Witten’s mom, “Coach, I will be honest, my husband and I stayed up late… just talking about the blessings you have brought to our family. We truly have no words. Thank you, thank you for taking care of our family.”
Kevin shares, “Somehow it [Wheel Fun] worked, and this scholarship is just one of the many programs we offer to public school students. Witten was the first of many scholarship recipients. Wheel Fun will be operating in 50 public schools in 10 Arizona counties this coming fall, with plans to be in all 15 Arizona Counties by 2029! As Wheel Fun grows, the Logan’s Hero Dirt Scholarship will aid in changing lives across Arizona forever.”
This is a beautiful full-circle example that shows the impact an idea, put into motion, can have on a young person, a family, a school, a community, and a few years later – a state! What’s your purpose? Do you have an idea? Let’s talk!
Contact Chelsea Buck-Leilich to discuss how ACF can help you turn your philanthropic passions into community impact. Please consult with the appropriate professional for your estate planning. Information contained in this article is not intended as legal advice. Please contact an appropriate professional to answer questions regarding the creation of a will or trust.