Video: Annual Meeting Of CREATE Foundation Encourages Philanthropy, Recognizes Those Making A Difference

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – It has been a banner year for the Tupelo based CREATE Foundation. 2016 is the second highest year in contributions, so far, in the foundation’s 44 year history. Also, the CREATE Foundation topped one hundred million dollars in total assets.

Those were just two of the highlights mentioned during CREATE’s annual meeting. Since 1972, CREATE has joined forces with individuals, families, organizations and businesses to provide grants to non profits that help meet a wide range of community needs.

“The goal of CREATE is to give people the vehicle to accomplish their philanthropic dreams,” said Robin McCormick, chairperson of the CREATE Board of Directors.
CREATE also serves as the financial administrator for non profits such as Itawamba Crossroads Ranch. It is one of many special projects of CREATE and will serve as a residential community for high functioning developmentally disabled adults.

The annual meeting is also a time to recognize those who are making a lasting difference in their communities.

The CREATE Foundation McLean Award for Philanthropy was presented to the Dalrymple Family. The Monroe County family has supported the Amory Museum, donated an organ to First Baptist Church of Amory and purchased a K 9 for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, along with many charitable endeavors.

“My great grandfathers, great grandmothers all believed in the Bible, which says those who are given much, much is required and it was said today, the fact the more you give the more you truly receive,” said Martha Dalrymple, receipient of the “McLean Award.”

CREATE’s Community Affiliate Award went to Tippah and Ripley Growing Excellent Together, also known as TARGET. The organization has awarded nearly 60 thousand dollars in grants since its beginning 15 years ago.

“This is a great thing for us, not only the recognition, the cash prize also, there’s a 2 thousand dollar bump that goes directly into our endowment, courtesy of CREATE, so that’s obviously very meaningful to us,” said Bob Glover, executive director of TARGET.

All guests at this meeting were encouraged to do their part to help make their communities a better place to live.

CREATE serves 17 counties in the region.

www.createfoundation.com