Giving Societies of the Literacy Council of Frederick County Announced at Special Reception
The Literacy Council celebrated the start of its 56th year by hosting a special reception to thank friends and community representatives for their support of the organization’s adult literacy programs. Board of Directors Vice President Richard Haney announced the new initiative:
In honor of three remarkable women, Dolly Engle and Kay Mackley, who founded the Literacy Council of Frederick County in 1963, and Caroline Gaver, our long-time President, now Board Member-Emeritus, the Board of Directors recently established The Giving Societies of the Literacy Council of Frederick County.
These Giving Societies recognize the generosity of individuals, businesses, foundations and community organizations whose support has enabled the Council to empower over 8,500 adults to become literate – not only improving their overall quality of life and increasing their economic opportunities, but also contributing to the overall economic vitality of our community. The Board honored donors for their lifetime giving by naming them to the Leadership Giving Society, and those who have decided to designate the Literacy Council in their estates by naming them to the Legacy Giving Society.
Inaugural members were inducted into each of the Giving Societies in recognition of their financial gifts and their service as goodwill ambassadors for the Council by encouraging and inspiring others to give generously. Their support makes it possible for the Council to expand its services and help end illiteracy in Frederick County.
Each of those honored received a copy of the Literacy Council’s new literary magazine Reflections – Voices of English Learners. Prior to presenting Reflections, eight Literacy Council students read from their published work, sharing their personal stories and connections with the Literacy Council.
The Caroline Gaver Giving Society recognizes individuals who have given $500 or more in the last fiscal year.
The Dolly Engle Giving Society, named after one of co-founders, recognizes businesses that have given $500 or more in the last fiscal year.
The Kay Mackley Giving Society, also named after a co-founder, recognizes foundations and organizations that have given $1,000 or more in the last fiscal year.
The Leadership Giving Society recognizes those individuals, businesses, foundations community organizations who have given $5,000 or more over their lifetimes.
Individuals, businesses, foundations, and community organizations who have supported the Literacy Council through financial gifts over many years were recognized as members of the new Recognition Giving Society.
Supporters who contributed to the Betty Seligmann Literacy Endowment Fund through the Community Foundation of Frederick County were also thanked.
Contributors who are leaving a legacy for our community through supporting literacy by naming the Literacy Council as a beneficiary in their estates were recognized as members of the new Legacy Giving Society.
Richard Haney spoke of the recent death of a beloved long-time Literacy Council volunteer, Joyce Routzahn, and announced that Joyce had made a significant gift to the Literacy Council through her estate.
Learn more about ways to support the Literacy Council’s mission and programs. Please contact Laurie Fisher, Executive Director, at (301) 600-2066 or lauriefisher@frederickliteracy.org for more information.