Youth programs receive $13,805 from Otte Fund
By Rodney Hart
Family and friends celebrated the late Samantha Otte’s 16th birthday this morning by handing out 11 grants from the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund.
The Community Foundation of the Quincy Area awarded the checks totaling $13,805. Samantha Otte died at age 10 in March 2000 after a liver transplant necessitated by cystic fibrosis.
This marks the sixth year for the grant awards. As of today, 61 grants totaling $81,770 have been distributed from the fund since it was established with the Community Foundation in late 2000.
The primary purpose of the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund includes organizations which maintain and enhance community betterment and artistic, leadership and humanitarian opportunities for young people.
The Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund is supported by funds raised during the annual Sammy Event organized by the Sammy Fund, a group of family and friends. Every year in October, several hundred people participate in a golf tournament, auction and dinner to honor Samantha’s life.
First Bankers Trust Co. has served as major sponsor of the event from its October 2000 start. Refreshment Services Pepsi joined as a major sponsor in 2002, with the Quincy Herald-Whig and WGEM in 2003.
This year County Market joined the lineup of major sponsors. Bryan and Donna Smith served as the Sammy Event’s 2005 honorary chairmen.
Check recipients were:
Big Brothers/Big Sisters, $1500 – Purchase a projector for use in programs for Adams County children in BB/BS activities and in community presentations promoting BB/BS
Camp Callahan, Inc., $1000 – Funds scholarships for one-week sessions of summer camp
Community Foundation, $1225 – Funds the Unrestricted Endowment use of the Quincy Area for grants and programs
First Tee of Great River, $500 – Support Life Skills training programs for income-eligible children and to purchase SNAG golf equipment
Friends of the Trails, $300 – Assist in launching a citywide bicycle-lending program for children, families and adults who do not have access to bicycles
Girl Scouts, $2500 – Support in-school and outreach of Two Rivers Council, Inc. programming for approximately 150 income-eligible Girl Scouts
Jackson-Lincoln Pool, $2000 – General operating expense support for the swimming complex for the 2006 season
John Wood Community College, $1500 – Funds to enable low-income children to attend College for Kids
Quincy Humane Society, $750 – Support responsible pet care educational programs for approximately 400 Girl Scouts
Quincy Family YMCA, $1500 – Provide Learn to Swim lessons for approximately 550 Head Start children
Walter Hammond Day Care, $1000 – Purchase two computers for students and for day care staff.