Community Foundation of the Ozarks

Congratulations to the St. James Area Community Foundation for receiving a $10,000 grant from the James Foundation to assist with the cost of a feasibility study future options for the St. James community swimming pool. The St. James Area Community Foundation raised another $4,200 to cover the additional costs of the study.

The Community swimming pool was originally built by the James Foundation I the 1960s, and the community recreational facility is need of several major repairs and upgrades in order to continue to provide St. James families with a summer time recreational activity. The study will determine what the best options for the facility’s future are. For the next step in the process, the St. James Area Community Foundation will conduct a community awareness campaign and seek input from residents.

The work of the St. James Area Community Foundation here is good reminder of the unique position foundations are in to meet important community needs through leadership and asset development.

Stephen Reagan and John Cooper of the Harry Cooper Supply Company were presented with the Bridge Builder Award at the affiliate conference for their commitment to making possible the Harry Cooper Supply Company Campaign for the Ozarks. Mr. Reagan represented Harry Cooper, who was unable to attend. This regional effort will allow CFO to work with 37 rural community foundations to build and strengthen community-based philanthropy. Thanks to the Cooper’s generosity, local foundations will develop sensible and appropriate strategies for engaging local donors.

The Harry Cooper Supply Company and the Cooper family have been regional leaders in volunteerism, charitable giving and community involvement, a legacy that spans four generations. There’s a particular harmony to this as the Coopers established the very first funds with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. John Cooper is currently a member of CFO’s board of directors.

“The Cooper family and Harry Cooper Supply Company are most deserving of this year’s Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ Bridge Builder award,” said Gary Funk CFO President. “Their generous support of the Harry Cooper Supply Company Campaign for the Ozarks will greatly enhance the ability of regional community foundations to make appropriate grants and promote local philanthropy.”

Above: Stephen Reagan (left) and John Cooper ( right center) of Harry Cooper Supply Company accept Bridge Builder awards from Sally Baird (left center), CFO board of directors chair-elect, and James Leon Combs (right), CFO board of directors secretary.