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6/3/2008 - Autauga County Foundation awards local grants

By Wade Hurst
Progress staff writer


May 31, 2008

An Autauga County organiz­ation focused on community or­ganizations in the county held its annual banquet May 22 at the Prattville Chamber of Com­merce, giving away $27,667 in grant money.

Established in 1998, the Au­tauga Area Community Founda­tion (AACF) the Foundation has awarded more than $300,000 in grants to organizations in the county. Through these grants, the foundation has contributed to a wide variety of needs, such as education, human services, health, cultural arts, beautifica­tion and many other civic con­cerns.

Darrue Fank is the executive director of the Autauga Family Support Center and has served as the chairperson for the AACF for the past three years, her fam­ily support center has received AACF grants in the past.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my three years as chairperson of such a worthwhile cause, and all the money raised stays right here in Autauga County to bene­fit those in the community," she said.

According to its Web site, the AACF offers citizens in Autauga County the opportunity to build long-term support for their com­munity. Individuals may estab­lish new funds to support specif­ic purposes or organizations, or they may contribute to existing funds.

The charitable funds provide grants to area nonprofits to im­prove the quality of life in Au­tauga County. AACF's Advisory Board of area citizens oversees an annual grant-making pro­gram that determines the best investment of these community dollars.

Grant recipients were from various organizations across the area, including: Autauga In­terfaith Care Center, Autauga-Prattville Public Libraries, Eas­ter Seals of Central Alabama, Autauga Character Coalition, Autauga Humane Shelter and Prattville Kiwanis Club.

The Autauga-Prattville Pub­lic Library was awarded $2,500, providing matching funds to a federal grant that will be used to purchase audio books for librar­ies throughout Autauga County.

"We were able to purchase audio books, mostly in the fic­tion genre, ranging from chil­dren to adult classics," said Li­brary Assistant Director Karen Milton, "Our other branches in Autauga County did not have an audio book collection, so they were having to borrow from us."

The Autauga County Hu­mane Shelter was awarded $2500 dollars and plans on upgrading outdoor animal containment areas, including; creating com­partments, securing fencing to prevent escape, and adding en­hancements to protect from weather elements.

"We desperately needed to expand our outdoor area be­cause it allows the animals to enjoy fresh air and sunshine, so they don't feel like they're in jail," said Humane Shelter Di­rector Shirley Moxley. "The grant was a total surprise and we greatly appreciate the help in caring for our furry friends."

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