An event at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden on Friday showcased the power of collective philanthropy as representatives from more than a dozen local nonprofits gathered for the Kernersville Foundation’s Impact Breakfast.

The event highlighted how the foundation’s grants strengthen essential services across the community, from crisis assistance to domestic-violence response to workforce development and beyond.

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Board chairman Duane Long opened by recognizing the foundation’s late founder, Arnold King, calling him a “unique individual” whose influence continues to shape Kernersville

King not only established the Kernersville Foundation but also helped launch a host of other beloved community institutions including the Spring Folly and Leadership Kernersville.

“He could come up with a great idea and then he also had the skill set to see it through to fruition,” Long said. “Those are two very different skills.”

Outlining how the foundation evaluates grant applications, conducts interviews with community leaders, and relies on the insight of its board to determine where funds will have the greatest impact, he emphasized that each of the 13 nonprofits it supported this year went through “a thorough evaluation process” to ensure donations are used “for the right reasons.”

Vice chair Kevin Bugg introduced two of the nonprofits represented at the event, underscoring the value those donations bring to the community: “The impact you make on our community is unreal. Kernersville is a pretty special town.”

Margaret Elliott, executive director of Crisis Control Ministry, offered an update on the organization’s ongoing construction of its “client-choice” food pantry. The redesigned space will feature aisles in a small-grocery-store layout intended to bring a sense of familiarity and freedom to families in crisis.

“Thank you for believing in dignity, for offering hope, and for strengthening this community,” she said.

Next Step Ministries executive director Alexandria Hicks highlighted the group’s expanding domestic-violence services, including mobile advocacy efforts and a new initiative for expectant mothers designed to address financial abuse and heightened vulnerability during pregnancy.

Financial advisor Larry Redfearn of Edward Jones provided an overview of recent tax-code changes that could benefit charitable donors, while Kernersville Foundation treasurer Dona Neal explained how the foundation manages both its permanent funds and donor-advised funds.

She emphasized the group’s flexibility and transparency: “Our goal is to make your dollars work for you in your community. “

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The Kernersville Foundation was created to support nonprofit organizations that serve Kernersville residents, channeling donations and investment earnings into grants that strengthen their operations.

Founded by Arnold King in 1999, the organization has grown into a key philanthropic engine driving the community’s nonprofits.

The recipients of grants this year represented local contributions including crisis assistance, youth development, arts and culture, education, historic preservation, and senior services.

In addition to Crisis Control Ministry and Next Step Ministries, foundation grants supported programming and restoration work at Korner’s Folly, along with senior services, arts engagement, heritage preservation, and more through groups such as the Shepherd’s Center, the Kernersville Little Theatre, the Kernersville Museum, and the LAMB Foundation.

Educational and youth development initiatives also received support, including literacy, leadership, and after-school programs, local arts organizations, community event organizers, youth athletic programs, and historic preservation efforts.

Other nonprofits listed in the annual report include the Salvation Army, YMCA Bright Beginnings, Kernersville Christmas Stocking Fund, CareNet Counseling, Center of Hope, Friends of the Library, and the Kernersville Auto Museum.

The foundation maintains a board representing a range of community perspectives and distributes grants both directly from community contributions and interest on investments in its permanent fund.

Click here to learn more about the foundation’s work and the organizations it supports.”

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