In the pioneer spirit, Carl Broughton brought together a group of local philanthropists who then created the Marietta Community Foundation in 1974.  The reason for the formation was the soon to be celebrated Restoration '76.  The Foundation would be a tool to aid in that celebration and a legacy to carry forward the generosity of our citizens. 

Bob Evans was elected the first chairman of the Board of Governors and Paul Theisen  was elected vice-chair.  Other board members included John Burnworth, Charles Heckler and Dr. Deane Northrup.

With 30 years, now 31 under our collective belt, over $7 million has been granted thanks to the generosity of our contributors.  And there remains roughly $7 million in the accounts thanks in large measure to the conscientious fiscal management and oversight of our volunteer Board of Governors. 

Our Legacy Society, which is a group of people who have told us that they have included us in their final plans,  has been entirely too active in the past year or so.  We have lost such good friends as Gertrude Baker, Dick Kremer, Drs. Ken & Mary Owen, F. Isabel Morris, Bob Murray and others who have been generous with their resources.  Many ot them made those commitments in the early days of the Foundation.  They foresaw the future and the lasting contributions that the Foundation could make to the lives of their fellow citizens.

Last year our local floods kept us from celebrating the 30 year milestone.  To quote one of our board members, "I can't see us standing around eating cheese cubes and bon bons while our fellow citizens are out of house and home and lost all they had."

This year Katrina and Rita focused our attention on others and their needs.  And this community responded in grand fashion helping many in need.  We all deserve a congratulatory pat on the back.  When it was needed, we were there with the help.  But not a celebration.

With all that was bad coming from the two storms this year, there is at least one good thing to celebrate.  A special federal tax deduction has been established for gifts given after August 28th 2005. 

While in normal times the deductibility of charitable contributions is limited to 30% of adjusted gross income for appreciated property and 50% for cash; this year, we are permitted a 100% deduction for cash only contributions after August 28th.

You might wonder who would be affected by just such a change.  And it would be those who must have a large IRA total while still having adequate income for their current needs.  This is an opportunity to convert that balance, or part of it, to a contribution to your favorite charity without the restrictive clauses limiting the deductibility.  And it need not be limited to just Katrina relief contributions.  You may choose your recipient charity and enjoy seeing the benefits of your gift while you are still around to enjoy it.

Of course, you should consult your finance professional before making any sizeable contribution.  This promises to be a way to maximize your charitable giving while minimizing your contribution to your favorite uncle, Sam.

At this holiday time of year we are mindful of all we have for which to be thankful.  Let us add our thanks to those who had the wisdom and foresight to create the Marietta Community Foundation that continues to answer needs they could never have anticipated.

Perhaps we should put off any celebratory frivolity until the 40th, or 50th anniversary of our founding.  With a little luck and planning we can do better than cheese cubes and bon bons by then.