By Linda Stinnett

Uncorked, the Derby Community Foundation’s new fundraiser, will help provide the nearly $10,000 given annually in grants to local organizations.

Uncorked will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Derby Public Library. It will feature wine-tasting, fine chocolates from Cocoa Dolce, appetizers from area caterers and restaurants, and silent and live auctions.

The grant program began in fall 2007, after an early summer strategic planning session by members of the foundation’s board of directors. As the board members listed their dreams for the foundation during the planning session, Bill Smith caught the board’s imagination.

“I want to give money away,” he said, according to Theresa Hearn, executive director of the Derby Community Foundation.

That evolved into a goal to create a grant program and by fall, the foundation was holding its first fundraiser. In November it awarded its first Community Enrichment Grants.

“Bill had a passion and the others felt that way, too,” Hearn said.

The grants are awarded in two funding cycles each year. Grassroots not-for-profits and government entities “doing innovative and meaningful work” are eligible for up to $1,000. The foundation also looks at the applicants to ensure the requested grant fits within the foundation’s mission to inspire vision and generosity, enrich the community or responds to an immediate need within the community.

To-date, the foundation has awarded $36,455 in grants. Among the grant recipients are:

• Derby Middle School – Sign Language Class, $700; Lego Robotics Enhancement, $1,000.

• Optimist Club International of Derby – Unsung Heroes, $1,000.

• Swaney Elementary School – Bullying Prevention Program, $500.

• Boy Scouts of America/Quivira Council – After School Program DMS, $500.

• Derby Community Coalition Promoting Healthy Choices – After Prom, $1,000.

• St. Mary School – CPR/First Aid Training for Staff, $500.

• The Opportunity Project South – Reading Rainbow DVDs, $975.

• Girl Scouts of the Kansas Heartland – Book-A-Palooza (Literacy Day), $500 .

• Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas – Caregiver Resource and Support Group, $1,000.

• Derby Rotary Club Foundation – Dictionary Project, $1,000.

• Victory in the Valley – Derby Area Cancer Support Group and Patient Assistance Project, $1,000.

• Derby Band Boosters – Marching Band Show 2008, $1,000.

• Derby High School – Derby Football Big Brothers Mentoring Program, $500.

• Derby Recreation Commission – Project After School, $966.

• Wichita Lifeline, Inc. – Indigent Subscriber Fund (Derby area), $500.

• Derby USD 260 Parents As Teachers – Cookie Bookie Club, $500.

• Derby USD 260 Science Department – Charles Hubbard Environmental Laboratory Revitalization, $1,000.

• Derby Senior Services – Caregiver Resource and Support Group,  $1,000.

• Derby Middle School – Therapy/Service Dog, $1,000.

• Derby Recreation Commission – The UnSinkables, $950.

• Cooper Elementary School – Uniting Families Through Books, $400.

• City of Derby – Winter Wonderland Lights, $400.

• Derby USD 260 – Wichita Children’s Theatre Professional Touring Company Performance, $1,000.

• Derby High School – Information Meetings for Spanish Speaking Parents and Students, $240.

• Derby USD 260 – Adaptive Technology for Visually Impaired Students, $645.

• Derby Fire and Rescue – Repair Fire Safety House, $1,000.

• Derby High School – Rachel’s Challenge, $1,000.

• United Methodist Youthville – Foster Fund for Derby, $500.

• Derby Public Library/Arts Council – Public Concert, $500 – 180

• City of Derby – Derby Area Veterans Memorial, $1,000.

• Derby Sixth Grade Center – Lifeskills for Special Needs Students, $400.

• Home Technology Solutions – Indigent Subscriber Fund, $500. 

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