Slaton Area Endowment Advisory Board Member Spotlight: Richard Edwards

What made you want to get involved with the Endowment?

The Slaton Area Endowment was conceived in the mind of Mark Meurer. He asked me to become involved as a board member because of my experience working with non-profit organizations. Confessing some doubts about the success of such an effort, I was willing to participate because Slaton has been home to my family from its earliest days. Slaton has long faced the challenges of other small communities in West Texas, such as poverty, lack of jobs, racial discrimination, loss of its young people to larger cities, etc. If a group such as ours could even in a small way begin to address some of these needs, it would be time and money well-invested.

What is the most rewarding part of being on the board?

Without question, the most rewarding part of being on the board is the satisfaction that comes from awarding grants. Someone serving on the front lines of an organization or cause identifies specific needs in the community, then asks us to partner with them to meet those needs. When we are able to do that and can observe positive outcomes--well, it's been a good day!

What is one thing you wish people knew about the Endowment?

Regarding one thing I wish people knew about the Endowment, I hope for the day that we can convincingly communicate the message that everyone can be a philanthropist. I want to somehow make it clear that even the smallest of seeds can produce a flourishing shrub or even a tree! For the Endowment to succeed, we need widespread participation, not just a few large donors.

To support the Slaton Area Endowment and Slaton area non-profits, donate here: slatonareaendowment.org/donate-now/.