For Immediate Release
Kim Savasuk, Board of Directors Chair
Charlotte Community Foundation
(941) 637-0077
Connecting People Who Care with Causes that Matter
Punta Gorda, FL, [date] – The mission of the Charlotte Community Foundation can be summed up in a simple but profound phrase: “Connecting people who care with causes that matter.” Our purpose is clear – we aim to make life better in Charlotte County by linking individuals, families, businesses, and organizations with the causes they hold dear. We are here to establish enduring charitable funds, bolster local nonprofits, and champion projects that offer innovative solutions to the challenges and opportunities in our community. The recent generous bequest of Mrs. Mildred Hill of 2.9 million dollars to the Foundation will forever leave a positive mark on our beloved Charlotte County. Funding from the Robert R. Hill and Mildred D. Hill Legacy Fund will benefit community nonprofits dedicated to health and wellness, innovation, youth support, homelessness alleviation, and environmental preservation.
Mildred, affectionately known as Milly, was a retired nurse, while her husband, Robert R. Hill, was an engineer. Milly graduated from Syracuse University, and Robert from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York. After many years, they made Charlotte County their home, sharing 70 wonderful years of marriage before Robert’s passing. They made a decision early in life that allowed them to create lasting legacies to aid those who needed it most. One of the outcomes of their generosity is the grant initiated by Milly in 2019, specifically aimed at helping the homeless, with a strong focus on the youth of Charlotte County.
This gift created the “Keep Kids at Home” program supported by the Homeless Coalition of Charlotte County and Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity. The Bridges Out of Poverty curriculum addresses some of the root causes of generational poverty and allows participants to apply new knowledge, skills, and attitudes at their own pace. This program offers permanent and realistic solutions to long-term financial issues.
Both Mildred and Robert held a deep desire to support students and children. Robert’s dedication was evident through his involvement with the Clarkson University “Speed Program,” which provided engineering students with the opportunity to build cars and compete with other universities. They also established a scholarship program at Clarkson University to further their commitment to education.
Milly’s compassion, honed through her years as a nurse, shone brightly in her determination to ensure no one had to endure homelessness, no child went without shoes, and no one faced hunger. She envisioned a world where everyone had a warm bed to sleep in.
Their desires and commitment to making a difference remind us of the human side of philanthropy. Behind the “business” side, with its legalities, meetings, and paperwork, are individuals who recognize a need and choose to act, just as Mildred and Robert did. They made heartfelt decisions to improve the lives of others, leaving a legacy that enriches the quality of life for everyone in our community.
We are profoundly grateful for their support throughout the years and deeply admire their compassion for our community. They have left a legacy that will forever enhance the lives of all who call Charlotte County home.
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Charlotte Community Foundation (CCF) envisions a community where all have equal opportunity to thrive. As a center for Philanthropy, CCF initiatives include grant-making and community partnership development, with an emphasis on higher education. The Foundation focuses exclusively on enhancing quality of life for Charlotte County residents and provides personalized donor services to help establish tax-advantageous charitable funds that support Charlotte County nonprofits. Established in 1995 as a 501c3, tax-exempt, public, charitable organization, Charlotte Community Foundation’s mission is “Connecting People Who Care With Causes That Matter.” To learn more, visit charlottecf.org or call 941-637-0077.