DOUGLAS, Ariz.-Douglas-area residents are being asked to support a new, permanent charitable fund aimed at developing and supporting leadership, youth and entrepreneurial programs in the Douglas area.

The Douglas Area Community Fund, a permanent endowment, is being established in response to a challenge last spring by the Cochise Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Arizona Community Foundation, to the residents of Douglas to raise $50,000. The challenge was part of the Hometown Competitiveness conference held at Cochise College last March. Hometown Competitiveness is a framework for community development based on the philosophy that rural communities can control their destiny by investing their own time, talent and money in small business development, leadership development, youth engagement and local philanthropy.

By raising $50,000 from residents, the Douglas Area Community Fund is eligible to receive a matching $50,000 grant. The Ford Foundation, through the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Project, will provide funds for the matching grant, along with ACF and CCF.

The Fund is guided by a local advisory board made up of seven interested citizens. Current advisory board members include Chuck Hoyack (chair), Lucia Spikes (co-chair), Morris Eckhardt (treasurer), Victor Gonzalez (communications secretary), Sister Mary Kirkhoff, Susan Krentz and Olga Ramirez de Miquez. Other staff and volunteers include Del Cabarga and Jim and Carol Huddleston.

The Advisory Board sets the direction for and ensures effective management of the Fund, ensures that applications for grants meet established criteria and acts on behalf of community stakeholders. Board members have received extensive training from ACF and CCF.

"Douglas-area residents have a strong commitment to this community; we have a history of giving and participating in philanthropic activities," says chairman Chuck Hoyack. "Through this fund, the people of Douglas can invest in the futures of our children and grandchildren. Supporting our young people, developing strong leaders for tomorrow and contributing to economic development are keys to the future of our community."

Hoyack emphasizes that the Fund will reduce the area's reliance on government, schools or other entities to provide for essential needs. "We look forward to talking to community residents about the DACF and to those who are interested in supporting this effort by making contributions," Hoyack says, adding that all of the money raised for the Douglas Area Community Fund will stay in Douglas and surrounding areas to benefit the community.

For more information about the Fund or to discuss how you can help, call Chuck Hoyack at 364-5417 or Lucia Spikes at 805-1794.