CAFF MISSION
The mission of the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation is to improve the lives of those in need by awarding grants to non-profit organizations in the areas of education, human services, and health and hospitals.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The Trustees of the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation deeply believe that the Foundation is not, nor has it ever been, about us; the Foundation, its staff or trustees. The Foundation is about those who are on the front lines daily addressing the pressing issues facing America. It is about serving those who are diligently working to aid those who are less fortunate and in need of a helping hand. It is about assisting those who are developing new ways of dealing with complex issues. It is about listening to agency leaders as they assist those they serve.
Society is confronted with the problems of AIDS, poverty, hunger, health care, children’s welfare, the needs of the working poor, quality education for all, shrinking government budgets with increasing demands. Our grantees continue to answer the call and hammer away at these concerns. They inspire us!
We will all continue to learn and respond to the needs of an ever changing society. The changes will bring even more questions: How can the most economically vulnerable adjust to the rapidly increasing energy costs while their wages remain stagnant? How will increased college tuitions and continued cuts in federal student aid impact individuals and institutions? What impact will the billions of dollars being spent on the War on Terror mean for the budgets of service providers? How are the needs of returning veterans going to be met?
NON PROFIT PARTNERS
The weight of these pressing issues can be overwhelming, yet you continue to answer the call. You don’t give up, but instead continue to aid, nurture, serve and love those in need. Because of your work, the Foundation’s trustees and staff are truly grateful to have the opportunity to get to know you and the amazing services you provide. We are lucky to witness the positive and profound difference you are making in the lives of so many. Thank you for all you do and continue to plow ahead undeterred by unforeseen circumstance in your service to others!
When giving a public speech, my sister often tells this story of the starfish.
THE STARFISH STORY
Original Story by: Loren Eisley
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!” After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…” I made a difference for that one.”
Today, I hope that all of you who are working so very hard and selflessly will take a sense of pride in your accomplishments. Yes, there are still families hungry, there are still people suffering from illness, there are still families wanting desperately to provide a better life for their children and the list goes on and on. Make no mistake, it makes a huge difference to the last person you offered assistance. You, your work, and what you hope to accomplish matter a great deal to the next starfish that walks into your office, your soup kitchen, your lab, or your life.