WILLIAMSBURG — The Williamsburg Community Foundation recently recognized two local philanthropists with its Founders Award for Vision and Excellence.
According to WCF, this year’s recipients, Linda T. Baker and John R. Curtis Jr., were each selected for their respective contributions to the community, as well as their leadership and dedication to the foundation from its earliest days.
“Thank you for including me among those visionaries who have loved our community,” said Baker. “I stand on their shoulders and have endeavored to follow the path they forged.”
The Founders Award for Vision and Excellence was created in 2014 to honor individuals whose involvement with the Williamsburg Community Foundation shows a commitment to supporting the foundation’s mission and vision for greater Williamsburg, it said.
“When the Community Foundation was created, we had a vision of the variety of ways it could help local residents. I am pleased to have taken part over the last 25 years in its growth and evolution into a philanthropic leader,” noted Curtis.
Past recipients include John C. Jamison, Mildred “Millie” B. West, and Hope and Bobby Beck, whose support ranged from scholarships for local students to grants that improve health, education, the arts and more.
The Founders Award is not given on a regular schedule, WCF noted, it is reserved for those whose contributions embody the foundation’s mission and make a significant, visible, lasting impact in Williamsburg, James City County and York County.
“The Founders Award celebrates leaders whose generosity and vision inspire others and improve our community in meaningful ways,” said Alison Lennarz, Chair of the Board of WCF. “We are proud to honor Linda and John for their dedication to making Williamsburg a place where everyone has the chance to thrive.”
