[1]The Lee Wetherington Foundation: A Donor’s Generosity Increases Despite The Economy.
Lee Wetherington, founder and president of Lee Wetherington Homes has often been recognized for his decades of philanthropic activities. Wetherington has contributed a portion of proceeds from home sales to charities almost since he began building homes in 1979. In 2002 Wetherington established the Lee Wetherington Foundation which is administered by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. During the first three quarters of 2009, the Lee Wetherington Foundation awarded grants of $79,000, slightly ahead of the $108,500 total for all of 2008.
Wetherington funded his foundation’s operations with three gifts of $1 million, contributed in 2002, 2004 and 2005. As a result, while many builders ceased operations completely and most–including Lee Wetherington Homes–instituted painful cutbacks, the Lee Wetherington Foundation has continued to underwrite critical community programs. “Fortunately we’re seeing an uptick in home-buying interest, but even though the economy may be turning, it will take time for benefits to trickle down. We can’t cut back on helping those in need,” Wetherington says.
Wetherington established his Foundation primarily to help those whose needs are not addressed by other governmental or charitable entities, with a focus on the less fortunate and especially on disadvantaged youth. The grants are awarded through a formal application process overseen by the Community Foundation, but Wetherington, the immediate past chair of the Community Foundation, personally reviews many requests.
Since its inception the foundation has awarded $760,899 according to Stewart Stearns, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “Lee Wetherington’s Foundation within the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has made a significant impact on the community in many areas, from children’s issues to environmental concerns, and I know personally that his generosity has not stopped with his Foundation. He also gives generously of his time to specific projects and has, from his own resources, accomplished many significant projects for the disabled and others without seeking or even expecting recognition. Lee cares deeply about all the people in our community and does everything he can to help.”
Photo: Lee Wetherington
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