The power of one

Do you have a story or example of something one person did that accomplished so much? They had the motivation and drive to take that first step, which became the next step, and eventually led to a monumental change.

As a community, we see this power of one in many ways.

One Vision: Every day, we feel the impact of individuals who came together to establish the Community Foundation, an organization that has touched thousands of lives over the past 31 years. Just imagine if they had thrown up their hands, said it wasn’t their concern, or didn’t believe in the power of one?

One Act of Kindness: Single acts of kindness happen throughout our community every day. Groceries from an emergency pantry, school supplies for kids, a scholarship that secures a place in college, after-school support and education, emergency and crisis response. What would our community look like without the collective efforts of every one of our nonprofit partners?

One Enduring Legacy: For years, a local donor named Larry Rescoe quietly used a donor-advised fund through the Community Foundation to support local causes. Before his passing, he chose to endow his fund, ensuring his assets would continue to feed, shelter, and educate people in Lake County in perpetuity. What began as one man’s regular charitable habit is now a permanent pillar of community capital.

You do not have to fix everything all at once to change a life. Helping one student can influence a family. Supporting one nonprofit can touch hundreds of lives. One gift can set so much more in motion.

Every time you contribute to a fund, mentor a student, or support a local initiative, you are tossing a starfish back into the ocean. It might seem like a single drop in the bucket to the rest of the world. But to the person whose life you just touched, it changes everything.

Thank you for being the one who makes a difference in South Lake County.  We all feel better when we help others.

Paula Hoisington

Chair | Board of Directors