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12 Community Foundation of Central Georgia Joe Edwards knew that a community foundation would have a lasting impact for the community he loves. "There are so few things that outlive you; this is one of those," Edwards said. Edwards and the founding board members had several clear goals for the community when they shared the vision for the Barnesville-Lamar Community Foundation (BLCF) and one was to build endowment funds to support quality education. When then Lamar County Schools Superintendent Bill Truby approached the newly formed BLCF about supporting local education, Edwards immediately helped to determine the best approach. "Our county is only as good as our school system," said Edwards. "We have a wonderful modern campus here, but there are still some things that can make a difference – things that county, state, and federal funds don't provide. That's where philanthropy can help." In 2007, the Lamar County Schools System Endowment Fund was established to provide a permanent way to support the public school system for years to come. It has proven particularly helpful for Lamar County Schools' involvement with the REACH Georgia scholarship program. The REACH Georgia program is a unique needs-based mentoring and scholarship program that pairs state dollars with local donations to provide promising students with support to graduate high school and achieve postsecondary success. In fact, the school system must raise $2,500 for each of the five eighth grade students the year they are selected. Each REACH Scholar who successfully completes the program receives a minimum $10,000 post-secondary scholarship. Reaching for the Future Lamar County Schools System Endowment Fund EXEMPLIFYING EXCELLENCE INTENTIONAL, STRATEGIC GIVING THAT CREATES MEANINGFUL CHANGE REQUIRES TRUST. THAT'S WHY CFCG COUPLES OUTSTANDING PERSONAL SERVICE AND POSITIVE COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP WITH RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT. 12 Community Foundation of Central Georgia