The Hamilton College Town-Gown Fund received donations of approximately $150,000 during the past year. Total gifts to the endowed fund, which has a goal of $1 million and is identified as one of the priorities in the college's current capital campaign, now approach $700,000.
Richard C. Tantillo, vice president for communications and development at the college, said the majority of the past year's increase came from two sources: gifts in memory of Professor of Economics Emeritus Sidney Wertimer, who died in February, and the annual solicitation of companies that do business with the college.
"In many ways, Sid Wertimer personified the relationship that Hamilton and Clinton aspire to on so many different levels," Tantillo said. "Recognizing that, the Wertimer family directed that gifts in Sid's memory be made to the Town-Gown Fund. Hundreds of donors responded and nearly $80,000 was raised in honor of Sid."
In addition, Tantillo said the annual solicitation of companies that do business with Hamilton resulted in 35 contributions totaling more than $41,000 for the fund.
"Many of these companies are based in our community or have employees who live in the Town of Kirkland," Tantillo said. "One way they demonstrate their commitment to the vitality of our community is by supporting this fund."
The balance of the $150,000 added to the fund's endowment in the past year came from a variety of sources, including contributions from Hamilton employees who designate the Town-Gown Fund as the beneficiary of their gifts.
Each year, the fund's income, which is calculated to be 5 percent of its market value, is used to make grants to noteworthy community projects. During 2004-05, the fund made eight grants totaling $30,015 to area police, fire and educational institutions in the Town of Kirkland. More than $84,000 has been disbursed from the fund since grants were first awarded in 2001.
The Hamilton College Town-Gown Fund was established in 2000 to foster goodwill and communication between the college, the town of Kirkland and the village of Clinton.
Later this year, due in part to the generosity of companies that do business with the college, the fund will be able to increase the dollar amounts of grants made to agencies and organizations that serve the greater Kirkland community.
Richard C. Tantillo, vice president for communications and development at the college, said the majority of the past year's increase came from two sources: gifts in memory of Professor of Economics Emeritus Sidney Wertimer, who died in February, and the annual solicitation of companies that do business with the college.
"In many ways, Sid Wertimer personified the relationship that Hamilton and Clinton aspire to on so many different levels," Tantillo said. "Recognizing that, the Wertimer family directed that gifts in Sid's memory be made to the Town-Gown Fund. Hundreds of donors responded and nearly $80,000 was raised in honor of Sid."
In addition, Tantillo said the annual solicitation of companies that do business with Hamilton resulted in 35 contributions totaling more than $41,000 for the fund.
"Many of these companies are based in our community or have employees who live in the Town of Kirkland," Tantillo said. "One way they demonstrate their commitment to the vitality of our community is by supporting this fund."
The balance of the $150,000 added to the fund's endowment in the past year came from a variety of sources, including contributions from Hamilton employees who designate the Town-Gown Fund as the beneficiary of their gifts.
Each year, the fund's income, which is calculated to be 5 percent of its market value, is used to make grants to noteworthy community projects. During 2004-05, the fund made eight grants totaling $30,015 to area police, fire and educational institutions in the Town of Kirkland. More than $84,000 has been disbursed from the fund since grants were first awarded in 2001.
The Hamilton College Town-Gown Fund was established in 2000 to foster goodwill and communication between the college, the town of Kirkland and the village of Clinton.
Later this year, due in part to the generosity of companies that do business with the college, the fund will be able to increase the dollar amounts of grants made to agencies and organizations that serve the greater Kirkland community.
