Walker Area Community Foundation

Happy Birthday to Beth Stukes, board member of the Walker Area Community Foundation! Beth, your love for philanthropy and our community is evident in all you do. We are grateful to have you as a member of our team.

Happy Birthday to our Board Chairman, Kevin Callahan! We are grateful to have your vision and leadership on our board as you inspire us all to strive for greatness.

Our October virtual program, "Stories That Stick for Engagement Success," will take place via Zoom on Thursday, October 10th from 12:00-1:00 PM CST with Zach Ebert--Founder and CEO of Ebert Design Company. The one-hour program is FREE thanks to our presenting sponsor, the Walker Area Community Foundation. Registration is required--register today: linktr.ee/carycenterau

Zach Ebert is the Founder and CEO of Ebert Design Company, a brand identity design agency specializing in nonprofits, B Corps, and purpose-driven brands. With over five years of experience, including leadership roles at River Region United Way, Zach helps purposeful organizations create impactful brands through creative solutions. Growing up in his family’s tree service business, he developed a strong work ethic and a commitment to leaving things better than he found them—values that now guide his agency’s work. Zach has spoken at events like the 2024 B Corp Champions Retreat, where he contributed to the Regional Collective Impact Workshop. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Jessica, and their two Goldendoodles, Otis and Murphy.

Contact Brittany Spillman at [email protected] or 334-844-3557 for additional information.

COMMUNITY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT!!!

Community member Joette Kelly Brown understands the importance of shaping young leaders and the impact one individual can have on a community. Her daughter, Kelley Brooke, is a graduate of Youth Leadership Walker County, which opened her eyes to the community's resources and opportunities.

“She came home, and we had great discussions that led to questions, I provided that day. With me being there, it allowed that conversation to continue at home. It is incredible, as both a funder and a mom, to see the difference that one dollar can make with one decision, one person. The change that can be made is incredible,” Joette said.

THROWBACK THURSDAY!!!!

Grateful for an inspiring day at our annual luncheon! 🌟 We unveiled our strategic plan, celebrated the White House on Fifth, and announced the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation. Excited for the future and the amazing possibilities ahead!

Attention Nonprofits!!!

Carrie May, Ph.D., Counselor and Art Therapist for the UAB Employee Assistance & Counseling Center, will present "Managing Responsibilities and Self-Care" at the Cary Center's in person "Nonprofit Training Series" in Jasper at Bevill State Community College, on Thursday, September 26th from 8:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration is $10 and includes a networking lunch sponsored by the Walker Area Community Foundation. Register today at linktr.ee/carycenterau

Dr. Carrie G. May serves as an art therapist, counselor, life coach, and administrative coordinator for the UAB Employee Assistance and Counseling Center. She enjoys working with individuals and groups on matters such as work-life balance, self-care, depression, life management, caregiver stress, and relationship issues.

Dr. May is a board member of the Alabama Art Therapy Association, a member of the American Art Therapy Association, is past President of the Tennessee Art Therapy Association, and a graduate of UAB’s Geriatric Scholar Program. In addition to her work at the EACC, Dr. May works at Alabama Children’s Hospital as a contract art therapist and is an adjunct professor at Saint Mary of the Woods College for the MA in Art Therapy Program.

Contact Brittany Spillman at [email protected] or 334-844-3557 for additional information.

Happy Birthday to Robbin Reed Allen, board member of the Walker Area Community Foundation! Your passion truly makes a difference, and we are incredibly fortunate to have you as part of our team.

Happy Birthday to Pauletta Windham, our Vice President of Community Impact! Pauletta, your dedication to your job and the community is present in everything you do!

ATTENTION NONPROFITS!!!!!

Nancy Rieves, Ed.D., Founder of Fundraising Maximized®, will present "Steps in Securing Major Gifts" at the Cary Center's in person "Nonprofit Training Series" in Jasper at Bevill State Community College, on Thursday, September 26th from 8:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration is $10 and includes a networking lunch sponsored by the Walker Area Community Foundation. Register today at linktr.ee/carycenterau

Nancy Rieves is a fundraising coach and the creator of Fundraising Maximized® --Your Ultimate Guide to Major Gift Fundraising. Nancy provides nonprofit leaders with a roadmap to raise more money through major gifts. With a proven step-by-step process, she removes the overwhelm and guides nonprofit leaders to become more confident and successful with fundraising.

Before becoming a fundraising coach, she was the founding executive director of an education-related foundation. During her 10-year period, she guided a development team in raising over $16 million for their nonprofit. She knows what it’s like to start from square one, raise millions, and guide a team in fundraising success.

In addition to her front-line fundraising experience, Nancy wrote her doctorate dissertation on analyzing fundraising activities. Her biggest discovery from her research was revealing -- too many nonprofits focus on small revenue-generating activities and never get past offering fundraising events as a primary focus. This discovery, along with her own success with large gift fundraising, led to her emphasis on teaching others how to secure major gifs for their nonprofit.

Contact Brittany Spillman at [email protected] or 334-844-3557 for additional information.

Happy Labor Day from the Walker Area Community Foundation! Today, we honor the hard work and dedication that build our community. Take a well-deserved break and enjoy the day!

Happy Birthday to Barbara Brown Medders, Coordinator of the Bankhead House & Heritage Center! Your hard work, dedication, and love for our community heritage make Walker County a better place. Thank you for all you do.

ATTENTION NONPROFITS!!!

Join us at Bevill State Community College a month from today for our Nonprofit Training Series hosted by our friends at Cary Center!

Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies

Do you qualify for roofing assistance? See below!!!

William Haig Wright II, of Jasper, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 17th, surrounded by his family. He was 64 years old. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Farm at Pineywoods, 4416 Old Pineywoods Road, Jasper, AL 35504, on Thursday, August 22nd, at 5:00 p.m., with a reception to follow.

Haig is survived by his wife, Robin Wright; children, William Haig Wright III (Emily), Oliver Lyndon Wright, Molly Wright Ruble (Brandon), and Amy Bette Wright Salter (Daniel); grandchildren, Eva Wright, William Haig Wright IV, and Anne Oliver Ruble; sister, Dean Anastasi (Robert); nieces and nephews, Peter Anastasi Jr. (Erin), Caroline Anastasi Bottinelli (Paul), and Deana Anastasi Davis (Kasey). His mother, Betty Wright, passed away just hours after Haig's death.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Earl Wright Sr.; brother, Richard Earl Wright Jr.; grandparents, John Franklin Greene Sr. and Eva Musgrove Greene, and Robert Raymond Wright, Sr., and Elizabeth Booker Wright; and uncle, Franklin Greene Jr.

Born in Guin, AL, Haig grew up in Jasper and graduated from Walker High School before earning his degree from the University of Alabama in 1982, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He started as a Broker at Primm-Wright Insurance, became President of Byars|Wright in 2010, and CEO of Byars|Wright and WRM Group in 2022. He was named CEO of the Year by Birmingham Business Journal and praised as a top CEO by Reagan Consulting Group. Under his leadership, the company grew significantly, made several acquisitions, and received multiple awards, including Best Companies to Work For by Business Alabama. He also served as President of the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents.

Haig was deeply committed to his community. He served on the Bank of Walker County Board and the Jasper Water and Sewer Board. His connection to the ARC of Walker County was particularly meaningful due to his relationship with his brother Richard, who had special needs. Haig aimed to build a vibrant community for young families, which led to his role on the Walker Area Community Foundation board. He was also a dedicated supporter of the University of Alabama, serving as President of the University of Alabama National Alumni Association from 2019 - 2020.

Haig led with his infectious laugh. Once you heard it, you never forgot it and always could tell when he was in a room. His enthusiasm and joy for life were best seen outdoors, spending time with his family and friends at the Farm at Pineywoods and Big Swamp.

He was a dedicated member of First Methodist Church, where his family has long been active, and Haig taught Sunday School for years. He served as an Administrative Board Member and the Chairman of Finance for the United Methodist North Alabama Conference. Haig often spoke of his profound love for God, his wife Robin, and his children. Devoted to helping others, he lived by his belief that people should always be ready to assist those in need. In his final year, the support of his friends and family’s prayers provided him great comfort. He consistently shared his love for those around him and his deep love for Jesus, always reminding everyone of Jesus’s boundless love for all of us.

Honorary pallbearers include Chris Birdsong, Lacy Brakefield, Robert Blevins, Eddie Canaday, Gabe Clement, Hoyt Elliott, Jr., Lawson Murphy, Mike Pilling, John Gregory Simmons, and Nolan Sparks.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Jasper First Methodist Church, 1800 Third Avenue S., Jasper, AL 35501, or the Walker Area Community Foundation, P. O. Box 171, Jasper, AL 35502.

COMMUNITY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT!!!

Dr. Talia Gates is an OB/GYN in Walker County who understands the importance of finding community in small towns. She highlights the significance of pouring love into a community and fostering improvement together, no matter its size.

“It is so unique for a community of this size to have a foundation of that magnitude, and it touches every part of Walker County and the surrounding counties,” Dr. Gates said. “Every dollar is well taken care of. They really hone in and dig into the things they give to, to ensure they are being responsible with your donation.”

ATTENTION NONPROFITS!!!!

If you are applying for our Collective Grant Cycle, your application must be in by midnight tomorrow!

Please call the Foundation for more questions at 205-302-0001

Happy Birthday to W. Haig Wright II. Your vision, commitment, and contributions make a tremendous impact on our community!

Happy International Friendship Day from the Walker Area Community Foundation! Today, we celebrate the bonds that bring us together and the friendships that make our community strong. Tag a friend you’re grateful for!

Happy National Intern Day from the Walker Area Community Foundation! We are grateful for our amazing interns who bring fresh perspectives, energy, and dedication to our community. Thank you for all you do!

Happy Birthday to our Executive Vice President, Cristy Moody! Your dedication, leadership, and passion for our community inspires us every day. Wishing you a year filled with joy, success, and unforgettable moments.

Congratulations Paul Kennedy!!!

Paul graduated from the Appalachian Regional Commission Leadership Institute today!

"The Appalachian Leadership Institute is a leadership training opportunity that equips Appalachian community leaders to use economic development as a tool to drive positive change."