Better Together: Grow Fayette County
It’s officially Spring! Each year, I keep my eyes open for the first daffodils and buds on the trees. There’s something magical about spying those initial signs of growth and awakening. It feels like a time of optimism, and this feeds into my work with the Fayette Community Foundation. Our very purpose is rooted in optimism and growth. In 1986, our original donors planted seeds for the community. Their intent was to support important community initiatives – even if they were not going to be physically here to see the eventual harvest.
Many cultures share sayings about planting and improving the well-being of a community. A Greek proverb states that, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” A Chinese proverb echoes this sentiment: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is today.”
As a farming community, we know firsthand what it’s like to sow seeds and anticipate their growth and the bounty ahead of us. Perhaps that’s why I am eager to see the first signs of Spring: prepping for, witnessing, and enjoying the efforts of growth, life, and harvest are part of my culture and the larger culture of Fayette County. Even when we’re pretty used to instant gratification in the digital age, we still get excited to plant our seeds and wait for things to sprout. We can appreciate that growth takes some effort, patience, and the ability to see a need ahead of time.
What needs do you anticipate Fayette County having in the next few years? I’m curious to know what seeds you’re planting for our future. Perhaps you’re raising well-loved, capable kids. Maybe you’re helping our elderly feel secure and comfortable in their retirement. Maybe the environment is your passion and you’re doing everything you can to ensure our community green spaces stay accessible and clean.
Whatever your mission is, I’d like to invite you to join me in helping to Grow Fayette County. Take that Spring-time optimism and foresight and put it to work with actionable items that make sense to you. Help us grow our endowment funds with a donation – or monthly recurring donations. Attend community events to show your support. Get involved with local organizations by volunteering or stepping up as a community leader when you see a need. Spread positivity and hope about our community. It doesn’t have to be a huge thing: don’t wait for the time and budget to buy the largest, most beautiful tree – plant the acorn now.
Not sure how to get started? First, follow our Facebook page at @FCFConnersville. You’ll find posts about current events, ways to get involved, and community groups that you may want to explore. Next, view our Field of Interest Funds on the givetofcf.com/endowments/ page of our website. This is where you’ll see specific ways people in our community’s past have chosen to support Fayette County. This includes things like art, community enhancement, education, health, wellness, and wildlife. Use it for inspiration. Perhaps one of these topics will cross paths with your own interests and you can assist community efforts in this area. Finally, visit givetofcf.com/donate-now/ to learn how to contribute to these funds and plant some seeds of your own. I’ll be eager to see what the harvest looks like in our future and how beautiful Fayette County can become.
If you would like to explore your options to support Fayette County and the things we do at the Fayette Community Foundation, reach out to us at (765) 827-9966 or email info@givetofcf.com.