For the past 11 weeks, Common Threads articles have featured endowments that support a variety of community needs. The final article in this series features the Old Ridge Runner Fund, an endowment that supports Tucker Community Foundation operations.
The fund was initiated in 1995 by Herman R. Hebb with proceeds from the sale of his book The Old Ridge Runner. Upon his death, he designated a portion of his estate to endow the fund and provide support for administrative purposes of TCF.
His passion for Tucker County stayed with him through life. Born in 1910 at William, he attended Mt. Olivet and Sugarlands country schools, Parsons Graded School and in 1931 he graduated from Black Fork District High School which was later to be known as Parsons High School. He enlisted in the US Navy and earned the rank of Lieutenant Commander returning to Tucker County for only 3 years but always considering it home making trips back every May for the annual Parsons High School Alumni Banquet.
The Old Ridge Runner columns first appeared in the Parsons Advocate in l985 and continued through mid-1990. They were well received by readers, many of whom had known Hebb as a child. He was 92 years old when the printing company was paid in full for his book and he died in Port Charlotte, FL at the age of 95.
Mr. Hebb was very committed to Tucker County. His support for operations, along with other unrestricted income, allows TCF the flexibility to offer initiatives and programs that benefit our communities as the need arises. His investment, along with other donors who support operations, grow our potential, insure our sustainability, and fuel our creativity and response.
Donors who invest in their community by endowing funds prompted the Tucker Community Foundation to adopt the following Value Statement:
We believe we have the duty to properly steward all donations that are received by the Foundation for the community.
We must use the donations to create resources and benefits now, tomorrow and long into the future.
We are a motivational model for a more productive and sound future through commitment to our community; to teach giving without expecting direct personal benefits.
We believe that promoting and protecting our heritage is so important it should be a part of all decision making within The Foundation.
Our heritage is defined as:
Our social and cultural environment
Self-efficiency coupled with an intense sharing motivation
Family values
Community spirit
Natives frequently returning to the community
Sense of belonging
Rural freedom
We believe in high standards of conduct and ethics; in being open and honest with the community, donors, foundation grantees and ourselves; that avoiding conflict of interest in both acts and appearance is of the utmost importance; and that communicating our values to the public is an important part of our organization and its service to the community.
We believe in being open minded and we value the knowledge gained from the opinion of all people.
We believe that all actions taken by the foundation must yield the greatest benefit for the community that we serve.
If you would like more information on how you can invest in your community contact the Foundation Development Office at 304-259-5008. Visit us at www.facebook.com/tucker.commfound and www.tuckerfoundation.net for up-to-date information about Tucker Community Foundation.
