Stories of giving and receiving
Residents and friends of all ages with all kinds or interests make gifts to the Upper Arlington Community Foundation. We're grateful to all the kind, committed people who demonstrate how much they care about the city we love.
Sharing the Experience of Play
The Parks and Recreation Department says its partnership with the Upper Arlington Community Foundation has allowed them to share their love of the city with more of its residents. Because of generous community members and funds like Recreation FUNd, the Parks and Recreation Department can help families facing financial barriers enjoy a number of our amenities.
“We are grateful to our community members that want to share the experience of play with their neighbors. Over the past two summers, a total of nine families have been gifted season pool passes and/or swim lessons through this program.”
— Debbie McLaughlin, Director of UA Parks and Recreation
Partnering with the Upper Arlington Senior Association
The UA Senior Association is dedicated to providing residents with the resources they need to feel engaged and cared for in the community. In partnering with UACF, the UA Senior Association can continue to grow its programs, services, and facilities.
“The Upper Arlington Senior Association is proud to partner with UACF in support of its mission to improve the quality of life for residents in UA.”
— Sally Gard, UA Senior Association
Providing Peace of Mind for Loved Ones
The Upper Arlington Community Foundation has repeatedly been called upon to assist the UA Commission on Aging in meeting its needs. The UACF provided the start up funding for a number of safety programs including Project Lifesaver, File of Life, and Kind Call. These programs save lives and help residents maintain their independence in the community they’ve called home for decades.
One of our Project Lifesaver caregivers recently said,
“I promised my wife I would always take care of her but her dementia makes it hard to do. Through Project Lifesaver I know she is safe and I can find her with the help of UA Police if she and I are separated.”
Making Dreams a Reality with the UA Special Olympics
UACF gave a grant to Leadership UA that helped Upper Arlington Special Olympics take an idea and make it happen! Participation and support continues to grow, with nearly 80 athletes currently involved.
“We are totally reliant on funds we raise and donations. Without Leadership UA taking on our project, and UACF funding it, it probably never would have happened.”
— Jill Hess, UA Special Olympics
Engaging in Conversation with World-Renowned Authors
The Upper Arlington Public Library furthers UACF’s mission to inspire, engage, and create through the Upper Arlington Author Series event. Thanks to this partnership, we’re able to bring world-renowned visiting authors right to Upper Arlington.
“The dedication and generosity of the Upper Arlington Community Foundation have helped make the Upper Arlington Author Series a signature community event.”
— Chris Taylor, UA Public Library
Exploring Creativity in our Community
For UA Cultural Arts, engaging the community’s creativity is one of their primary goals. Having a partner as supportive and dedicated to the arts as UACF has allowed us to offer a variety of cultural endeavors for everyone to enjoy.
“Having a resource like UACF is what sets Upper Arlington apart from other communities. Thanks to UACF, we have the resources to build a community where creativity is nurtured and supported.”
— Lynette Santoro-Au, Cultural Arts Division, City of Upper Arlington