The Coral Gables Community Foundation conducted its annual Merrick Society appreciation reception at the waterfront home of Bill and Lynn Kerdyk on May 23rd. Merrick Society members and Foundation board members gathered to celebrate the generosity of Merrick Society level donors.
Dedicated to continuing city founder George E. Merrick’s vision for Coral Gables, the Merrick Society represents the Foundation’s highest levels of giving. Engaging and improving the community, Merrick Society donors are a vital part of the Foundation’s mission. Merrick Society donor support enables the Foundation to award college scholarships to economically disadvantaged students from Coral Gables Senior High School and administer grants supporting charitable organizations among other worthwhile programs the Foundation supports.
During the reception, Coral Gables Community Foundation chair Jack Lowell spoke about the organization’s 27-year history of directing nearly $7 million through charitable contributions in areas such as the arts and culture, education, health, historical preservation and green space. He emphasized the local impact that Merrick Society donors make.
“Our Merrick Society members are such an important part of our giving,” Lowell said. “Their generosity allows us to give back in meaningful ways that add to the footprint of the Foundation and enhances the quality of life in Coral Gables.”
Wells Fargo also awarded the Coral Gables Community Foundation a $5,000 grant for its scholarship programming. The check was presented by Kaiser Ahmed, Foundation board member and Wells Fargo vice president and district manager of Downtown and Coral Gables.
“The generosity of our Merrick Society members, fund holders, Wells Fargo and all of our efforts throughout the year make this possible,” said Mary Snow, executive director of the Coral Gables Community Foundation. “We enjoy our role as the philanthropic liaison in the City Beautiful.”
Led by community leaders, the Coral Gables Community Foundation provides the philanthropic conduit to connect individuals and corporations looking to positively impact the success of the community. For more than 25 years, the Foundation has been at the forefront of the evolving needs of Coral Gables while effectively bringing together beneficiaries and benefactors to fund programs with the greatest impact and benefit to “The City Beautiful.”
For more information, visit www.gablesfoundation.org.
