Establishing a strong foundation for our community’s future is a vision shared by donors who have endowment funds at The Dayton Foundation. The following funds are some of the new endowments established by donors in recent months to support their special charitable causes and our region, now and in the future.
Fletcher Austin Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the life of Fletcher Austin, who was known for his positive spirit, quick intellect and witty sense of humor. The fund awards scholarships to a graduating senior from the Dayton Region who plans to major in an arts-related field.
Camm Family Scholarship Fund is awarded to a Miami Valley School senior who embodies the traits set forth by the school’s mission, which challenges students to become self-sustaining learners and compassionate global citizens. Peter Camm, an MVS French teacher and theater director from 1982 to 2018, and his spouse, Anne, have children Matthew (‘99) and Emily (‘02), who thrived at the school thanks to close teacher relationships, challenging academics, immersion programs and lasting friendships.
Dave Christie Oak Harbor High School Athletic Scholarship Fund honors Coach Dave Christie’s legacy of leadership, sportsmanship and dedication to developing young athletes on and off the court. The fund provides financial assistance to one male and one female student-athlete who are graduating seniors from Oak Harbor High School in Northwest Ohio, have earned a varsity letter in a sport for at least two years and have maintained a 3.0 grade point average.
Civitan Club of Dayton Fund benefits organizations that provide programs or services for individuals with disabilities or at-risk youth. Established in 1921, the Civitan Club of Dayton is dedicated to improving the community through service fellowship.
Drive Electric Dayton
Drive Electric Dayton Investment Fund provides support for the Ohio chapter of the Electric Vehicle Association, North America’s leading volunteer-driven organization advancing the adoption of electric mobility.
Willie Doris Dunson
Willie Doris Dunson Memorial Music Scholarship Fund supports a female student who is either returning to college or starting college later in life, preferably over 50 years of age. Like the students this scholarship aims to support, Willie Doris Dunson had a passion for music and used her talents to make a positive impact on others throughout her life.
Tina Gillespie and family
Tina Gillespie Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to provide students from Versailles High School with the support they need to fully pursue their academic dreams and opportunities. The fund memorializes Tina Marie Gillespie, a 1986 graduate of VHS and longtime supply chain analyst. Tina was a dedicated volunteer for several organizations, including Mad River Local Schools and St. Peter Catholic Church and School, where she took on various leadership roles in her children’s activities.
Kettering Police Foundation Fund serves as a vehicle to accept donations made in honor of the work performed by Kettering Police Department employees and uses them to provide support to local police officers, assist individuals in extraordinary situations and grant college scholarships to students committed to serving their community.
Maji International Agency Fund supports this Vandalia-based organization dedicated to providing water hygiene education and home-based water filters to families throughout Kenya.
MLK Dayton Foundation Fund awards grants to help promote and advance the mission of MLK-Dayton Incorporated through activities, such as community dialogues, workshops, dinner celebrations, concerts and marches, aimed to inspire citizens to act on the vision of social justice created by the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Bear Monita
Bear Monita Memorial Scholarship Fund provides annual income to the Sinclair Community College Foundation to support student scholarships. A longtime area resident, Bear believed in serving his community through volunteer work and as an employee and partner of LWC Inc. for 28 years. He made a significant impact on numerous nonprofit organizations, including serving as a past board chair of the Dayton Art Institute and Sinclair Foundation, as a board member of Kettering Health Foundation and as a commissioner of Five Rivers MetroParks.
Amy and Mike Parks with seven of their grandchildren
The Michael M. and Amy S. Parks Designated Fund provides unrestricted operating income to The Dayton Foundation and the YMCA of Greater Dayton. The fund was created by current Dayton Foundation President Mike Parks and his wife of 43 years, Amy. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2002, Mike served the YMCA for 22 years, most recently as the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Dayton.
The Play4Payne Scholarship Fund
The Play4Payne Scholarship Fund helps graduating Bellbrook High School seniors, specifically one football player and one soccer player, who demonstrate leadership and meet other criteria to further their education. Payne Sigman, a 2015 graduate of BHS who was a soccer team captain and kicker on the football team, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury after a single-car accident on his way to church. His successful recovery has been an inspiration to others.
Donna and Phil Prather
Prather Family College Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to a graduating high school senior or current college student majoring in education or nursing. Donna Prather, a nurse for more than 50 years, and her late husband, Phil, an administrator for Dayton Public Schools for 33 years, dedicated their lives to serving and educating others.
Dr. Patrick Reynolds
Dr. Patrick Reynolds Music Scholarship Fund honors the 27-year tenure of Dr. Patrick Reynolds, associate conductor of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, and his 25 years of leadership with the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. The fund awards scholarships to help current or former members of the Youth Orchestra continue their musical involvement in orchestra or band at the college or university level.