Local foundations help fund student leadership training

Members of the 2012-2013 MC Students in Philanthropy club with trustees from the Abell-Hanger Foundation and the Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust

By Rebecca Bell
Dean of Community Relations & Special Events

Many Midland College student organizations believe in “giving back” to the Midland community, and the MC Students in Philanthropy (SIP) club is certainly no exception to this rule. Through dedicated fundraising efforts and the generosity of two local foundations that sponsor this organization, MC students are able to improve the quality of life for many Midlanders.

The club’s main objective is for members to learn about the importance of philanthropy and the role of nonprofit organizations in the community. Each year, SIP students raise funds through various means—one of which is the annual Holiday Evening Frito Pie Supper scheduled for December 6. Proceeds from these fundraising projects are then used to award grants to local nonprofit agencies. By doing so, the students gain leadership and stewardship training through a structured program designed to educate, support and promote philanthropic leadership in the community.

Up to 20 students are selected each year during an intensive application and interview process led by the club’s sponsor Julia Vickery, MC coordinator of student development. These students then participate in the program activities for a full academic year and attend weekly meetings designed to enhance their knowledge of the nonprofit and philanthropic communities.

Michael McCarver lights candles during MC Student in Philanthropy Commissioning Ceremony

On Thursday evening, October 11, SIP members observed their annual commissioning ceremony. The purpose of the ceremony is for the SIP members to formalize their commitment to their sponsoring organizations, Abell-Hanger Foundation and Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust, and to each other. It is also an expression of their appreciation to these foundations, a demonstration of how seriously they take their stewardship and the commitment to the “call of their heart.”

SIP Students and Abell-Hanger Foundation staff.  Pictured from left to right are Sarah Eaton, Hannah Eaton, Abell-Hanger Foundation SIP Coordinator Suzanne Thomas, Tyler Fincher and Allison Brown

Both the Abell-Hanger Foundation and the Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust contribute funds for SIP club operations at Midland College, Odessa College The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, and Midland County and Ector County public high schools. In addition, the two sponsoring foundations match the proceeds from student fundraising efforts. SIP members use these funds to award grants to local nonprofit agencies. Last year, the MC Students in Philanthropy club raised $8,000. This represented the largest amount raised by any SIP club ever! Abell-Hanger Foundation and Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust matched the funds with $10,000, which meant that 11 nonprofit agencies benefitted from $18,000 worth of grants!