Colonial Beach Community Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of Impact and Service

Colonial Beach Community Foundation

Michele Inderrieden

communications@cbcommunityfoundation.org

CBCommunityFoundation.org 

301.646.8827    

Colonial Beach Community Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of Impact and Service

COLONIAL BEACH, VA — The Colonial Beach Community Foundation (CBCF) recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, honoring two decades of generosity, leadership, and local impact. The November 8 celebration brought together donors, supporters, community partners, and past and present board members to highlight the Foundation’s enduring contributions to the community.

Founded in 2005 by a group of residents who envisioned “a foundation built by its people, for its people,” the Colonial Beach Community Foundation has become a cornerstone of local support. Over the past 20 years, CBCF has invested more than $1 million back into the community—funding scholarships for local students, sending youth to 4H camp, beautification and cultural projects, and nonprofits that strengthen the fabric of Colonial Beach.

“Tonight, we’re not just celebrating 20 years—we’re celebrating 20 years of impact,” said Dan Wildman, President of the Colonial Beach Community Foundation. “Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, donors, and partners, the Foundation has supported countless local initiatives—from student scholarships and park improvements to cultural programs and community services.”

Over the years, CBCF grants have supported projects such as the War Memorial restoration, the LOVE Golf Cart, the Community Garden, WWER Radio Station, AED installations for local businesses (in partnership with the Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad), and the Colonial Beach Community Center, among many others.

The anniversary celebration brought together the many people who make the Foundation’s work possible—donors, volunteers, community partners, and grant recipients—to reflect on how their collective efforts continue to strengthen life in and around Colonial Beach.

The evening also featured remarks from community partners who shared firsthand how Foundation grants have made a difference. Scott Lush, Principal of Colonial Beach High School, and Ann Flaim, representing St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry, both spoke about the positive impact of Foundation funding on students and families in need.

Chris Bruch, Chair of the Foundation’s Fundraising Committee, announced a new, convenient way to support the Foundation through donations of cars, motorcycles, and boats. He also explained that the Foundation can accept gifts of stocks and bonds to help donors avoid capital gains taxes and reminded attendees that Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from IRAs can be designated as donations.

The event recognized the Foundation’s founding and current board members, past presidents, and emeritus members whose vision and commitment have guided the organization’s growth.

In a highlight of the evening, the Foundation reintroduced a beloved local tradition—the Community Impact Award, formerly known as the Citizen of the Year. This honor recognizes Colonial Beach residents who exemplify outstanding community service. This year’s award was presented to one of the Foundation’s founding members, Dr. Peter Fahrney. A longtime past president and now an emeritus member of the Board, Fahrney’s passion for Colonial Beach, leadership, history, and wisdom have helped shape the Foundation’s vision and mission.

Attendees were treated to food samplings generously donated by area restaurants, including Colonial Beach Brewing, El Toro, Guacamole II, Ice House Brewery and Kitchen, Ledo Pizza, Lenny’s, Los Hermanos, Margarita’s, Orchid Thai Cuisine, Raven’s Point, Riverboat on the Potomac, Sunflower, and Willy’s BBQ.

“The Colonial Beach Community Foundation is, at its heart, a promise,” Wildman said. “It’s a promise that every generation here will have the resources they need to thrive—a promise made possible by the volunteers and donors who are the heartbeat of this organization.”

As the Foundation looks ahead, it remains committed to serving as a steady partner for a growing and evolving community. “For 20 years, this Foundation has reflected what makes Colonial Beach so special—neighbors helping neighbors, people stepping up to make a difference, and a community that truly cares about one another,” Wildman said. “The future of Colonial Beach is bright, and together, we’ll keep finding new ways to make an impact.”

About the Colonial Beach Community FoundationThe Colonial Beach Community Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in and around Colonial Beach through charitable giving, grants, and community partnerships. Since 2005, the Foundation has supported local projects in education, culture, recreation, health and safety, and beautification.