More than a dozen nonprofit organizations have some additional funding to put toward caring for the community after the Community Foundation of East Mississippi awarded endowments Tuesday at its annual endowment luncheon.

 

Christin Waters, executive director for CFEM, said endowments for the various organizations were set up at different points throughout CFEM’s 40-year history as residents or organizations wanted to establish lasting support for community causes. A total of 19 endowments were awarded Tuesday, she said, totaling more than $160,000.

 

“That is probably the largest amount we’ve ever given, again in those 40 years, so I look forward to seeing what next year will bring as well and we’ll just continue to celebrate together,” she said.

 

Ricky Hood, executive director for the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi said the endowment supporting his organization was first started with a $100,000 from Manny and Melanie Mitchell, whose family owns Mitchell Distributing. Having that recurring gift that helps fund programs each year is a very special thing, he said.

 

“It is so special to be chosen,” he said. “It is so special.”

 

Ron Collier, director of Multi-County Community Service Agency, which received an endowment for the Frances W. Davidson Memorial Homeless Shelter, said the funds from the endowment awarded Tuesday will go to help the unhoused needing help in the community. Each year, MCCSA serves approximately 300 people at the shelter, he said, and the agency wants to thank everyone who helps support that mission.

 

“We just realize it’s a privilege, first of all, to be able to do what we do,” he said. “And so once again I want to thank you.”

 

Hope Village For Children Executive Director Terri Province said it is an honor to accept the endowment on behalf of her organization. Hope Village is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, she said, and the organization has seen its services grow and expand over the years.

 

“We started with a small emergency shelter to help foster kids that have been abused and neglected, and we now have a complete continuum,” she said.

 

Organizations receiving endowments include:

 

— Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi

— Community of Hope

— Frances W. Davidson Memorial Homeless Shelter

— Free Clinic of Meridian

— Hope Village for Children Inc.

— Kemper Academy PTA

— Kemper County Economic Development Authority

— L.O.V.E.’S. Kitchen

— Meridian Little Theatre

— Meridian Museum of Art

— Meridian Symphony Orchestra

— Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum

— Special Olympics of Mississippi Area 5

— Temple Theater

— United Way of East Mississippi

— Wesley House Community Center

 

For more information about CFEM, its endowments or other community funds, visit cfem.org.