Chesapeake Charities Ushers in New Era

With 10 years under its belt Chesapeake Charities, formerly known as the Foundation for Community Partnerships, looks to the new year with increased opportunity to create more impact to its 73 funds serving seven counties in the Chesapeake Bay region. If 2014 is any indication the Chesapeake Bay area community foundation will reach every goal it sets, and then some.

Over the past year Chesapeake Charities, welcomed four new funds, six new board members, and changed its name and office location. For most public charities those changes alone would be challenging enough. But not for Chesapeake Charities which prides itself for its commitment to community and efficiency of its delivery of services to its funds, using less than 3 percent of donations for administration.

“The foundation has always taken its responsibilities to its fund advisors and to all the communities we serve very seriously,” says Elaine Curl, board chair of Chesapeake Charities. “In this past year, the efforts of our staff and board have enabled us to take our organization to the next level. We look to 2015 with much anticipation and enthusiasm,” she adds.
New board members join Chesapeake Charities

Six new board members were welcomed in 2014. They are:

Kathy Deoudes of Queenstown, who demonstrates her commitment to community service through numerous charitable and civic organizations. Her most recent appointments are being named chair of Compass Regional Hospice, formerly Hospice of Queen Anne’s, and her election to the board of the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health.

Kate Goodall Gray of Chestertown, vice president of KRM Development Corporation. Ms. Gray is a Character Counts Coach and serves on the Queen Anne’s County Economic Development Commission. She previously served on the board of directors for the Queen Anne’s County Chamber of Commerce.

Donna Judy of Queenstown, director of Marketing and Business Development, Queenstown Premium Outlets. Ms. Judy is a member of several chambers of commerce and convention and visitor bureaus, including Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Ocean City, Maryland.

Melissa Palmer of Stevensville, branch manager, First National Bank, Kent Island. Ms. Palmer serves as board member and “Blooms” fundraiser Committee chair for the United Way of Queen Anne’s County, and is a member of the Chesapeake Women’s Network, Queen Anne’s County chapter.

Mark D. Stemen of Queenstown, a homebuilding executive and attorney with more than 30 years experience as a builder/developer in the Washington, D.C. Region. Mr. Stemen served as the Virginia Division President for Lennar Homes and as Mid-Atlantic Division President for K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons Communities.

Paula Warner of Chester, owner of Paula’s Fine Jewelry, and consummate volunteer. Ms. Warner has supported numerous civic and charitable groups. She is past president of the United Way of Queen Anne’s County, member of the Gala Committee for Compass Regional Hospice, and has served as a member of Bosom Buddies Ball Committee of Bosom Buddies Charities, Inc.

“Chesapeake Charities is humbled to have such a wealth of quality board members,” says Linda Kohler, Chesapeake Charities executive director. “Each bring unique qualities and talents to the organization and our funds are definitely benefitting from their contributions,” she adds.

Chesapeake Charities, 101 Log Canoe Circle, Suite “O”, Stevensville, Md., provides innovative leadership and quality services that encourage charitable giving, build community resources, and enable donors to achieve their charitable purposes, making lasting investments in the Chesapeake Bay region. Since 2005 it has invested more than $6 million in the areas of education, health and human services, the arts, animal welfare, and the environment. This past year alone, Chesapeake Charities has awarded grants and scholarships totaling more than $1 million. To learn more about the foundation or to set up a fund, contact (410) 643-4020 or [email protected].