Helping donors support causes in their community that are important to them is an integral part of the Community Trust Foundation’s (CTF) work. Each donor has a unique experience that has sparked their interest in being charitable, and the initiatives they support can be just as distinctive.
Colleen Peterson has been involved in our regional community for decades including serving as Vice President for University Advancement at Frostburg State University and Executive Director of The Greater Cumberland Committee. She has devoted considerable time to serving on the boards of many organizations and loves her mountain community.
Colleen is also an animal lover. “In the course of my lifetime, I’ve adopted dozens of animals, mostly cats and dogs but an occasional baby bird and even rabbits. My love for animals has been a constant in my life since I was a young child. If my mother were alive, she would tell you that I probably brought home every stray in our town, and she would be right.”
Peterson’s concern for all animals led to an interest in humane population control initiatives. She turned to CTF to help her create a fund to provide financial support for charitable no-kill animal population control initiatives like spay and neutering services and trap, neuter, and release programs in CTF’s service area of Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral Counties.
“While there are wonderful organizations dedicated to supporting my passion for animal welfare, and I contribute to many of them, I felt that my specific interest in humane animal population control was best achieved through establishing a fund to focus on this issue in the region and CTF afforded that opportunity.” Peterson added, “I feel like they are my partner in this endeavor.”
Fund naming rights is a coveted privilege for donors and in Colleen’s mind there was only one name that would do, Gray-C. The Gray-C Fund memorializes a particularly special kitten that found its way into her home and heart. “I was leaving my house for a walk and a young boy was passing by with what looked like his pet kitten. I commented on the kitten, and he responded by telling me it wasn’t his cat but one that had followed him up the street. He left, but the kitten stayed. I took her to my back patio and told myself that if she were there when I returned, I would keep her. 2 hours later, I returned, and she had made herself at home on a deck chair. She was so beautiful and incredibly friendly. I fell in love with her instantly. She became “my girl” very quickly despite the fact there were 3 other animals in our house. Sadly, she died last October. I cried for months. While each animal I’ve had was special in their own way, none has touched my heart like Gray-C.”
CTF and Colleen’s wealth advisor worked together to help establish her fund with a Required Minimum Distribution from her IRA. “People should know that if they made investments and they are over the age of 72, they can reduce their tax liability with a gift to charity,” said Leah Shaffer, executive director of the foundation. “You can accomplish something philanthropic while offsetting your financial burden at the same time, it’s a win-win!”
Community Trust Foundation (CTF) is your local community foundation created with gifts from generous people committed to local causes. The Foundation grants to local nonprofit organizations working to build a stronger community. Connecting philanthropy with community good in Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral Counties.