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60 | M A C O N M A G A Z I N E D E C E M B E R / J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8 14 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA O ur parents taught us philanthropy by example," says Mike Brutz, "even though we come from humble backgrounds. They didn't talk about giving; they did it by helping a neighbor cut grass or by preparing a meal for them." Mike and his wife, Lynda, established the Michael and Lynda Brutz Family Fund of the Barnesville-Lamar Community Foundation (BLCF). "At Thanksgiving when we're feeling grateful and blessed, we sit down with our children and choose charities to support. It makes our holiday," explains Lynda. "It's a wonderful feeling to see our children's excitement and to give back in honor of our parents." Lynda and her sister, Becki, also have established a separate fund in memory of their parents, Bobby and Margie Caldwell to honor them "for working hard to raise and educate us, and for their countless sacrifices." Because education was important to their parents, they have made grants from both the Brutz and Caldwell funds to many children's causes, such as the Ferst Foundation of Lamar County. Sharing family philanthropy with their children is important to Mike and Lynda, too. Their fund at BLCF provides that opportunity. "A donor advised fund is an excellent teaching tool for passing down the art of philanthropy to the next generation," says Mike. "Our children are practicing now by giving smaller amounts of money so that when they advise the family fund, they will be experienced philanthropists." Mike was a founding member of the board of the Barnesville-Lamar Community Foundation. It was Mike's work with BLCF that inspired them to create their family funds at the Community Foundation. He is convinced of the value that a community foundation offers to a community. "The dependable funds that a community foundation injects into a community, for perpetuity, demonstrates the vitality of that community and promotes confidence in a better future for all its citizens." And Lynda concludes, "I just can't say enough about how thorough, professional and supportive the Community Foundation staff is. They research any organization that we show an interest in and ensure our grants happen with ease." Barnesville-Lamar Community Foundation (BLCF) was founded in 2007 by a group of civic-minded citizens to encourage charitable giving and enhance the work of local nonprofit organizations in Lamar County. At BLCF's 10th Anniversary in 2017, it was announced that donors had given more than $2 million in contributions to create 17 funds, which had awarded more than $275,000 in grants benefiting Barnesville-Lamar County. Through its donors who make grants to local charitable organizations, BLCF is making Lamar County a better place to live and work. TEACHING PHILANTHROPY Michael and Lynda Brutz Family Fund Mike and Lynda Brutz (center) with their children and grandchildren. Donor Advised Fund / Lamar County