As 2019 comes to a close, we reflect back on our top ten most memorable mission moments of the year. We celebrate all the hard work that has taken place in our community to improve quality of life in McLennan County.
We hope you will celebrate these moments with us!
#10. Communications Co-op: Census 2020
Our number 10 most memorable moment is the recent effort to communicate the importance of a full and accurate Census count. Our Communications Co-op is participating in this collaborative effort that is vital for a brighter future for all Wacoans.
The Co-op helps manage communications for community-wide initiatives and is an ongoing partnership among the City of Waco, the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, Baylor University, Waco Foundation and many others.
#9. Hackathon
Our number 9 most memorable moment was this summer’s “Hackathon,” where we partnered with Lateral Labs and community members to address the challenge of “News Deserts in Communities of Color”.
Participants of the workshop utilized analogical reasoning to find creative ways for news outlets to survive and thrive in the current environment.
#8. Pie Society
Their commitment to impacting our community's future is why #wacopiesociety members rank number 8 on our list of 2019's most memorable mission moments!
#7. MAC College Money Program
In 2019, the MAC College Money Program awarded 41 MAC Scholarships to high-achieving students. Among those recipients, 11 were high school seniors graduating with their associate degree, truly redefining the educational landscape—earning these students the number 7 spot on our top 10 most memorable mission moments.
The MAC Program continues to strive to make college affordable for all McLennan County students.
#6. LeadershipPlenty Institute - Waco
It has been a big year for the participants of The Leadership Plenty Institute Waco, which is why they've landed the number 6 spot on our most memorable mission moments of 2019!
• celebrated the newest round of LPI graduates from Round 8 ?
• received a record number of applications ??
• selected incoming participants for Round 9 ?
• an exceptional start to the newest cohort ?
#5. Race Equity Trainings
Our number 5 most memorable mission moment has been each opportunity to bring the Race Equity Institute to the Waco community, in partnership with Cooper Foundation. We are committed to advancing a thorough understanding of racism and will continue working to facilitate constructive conversations about racial equity in our community.
#4. CF Leads – Equity Learning Opportunity
Landing at number 4 on our countdown is Waco Foundation's participation in CF Leads. The Foundation was pleased to be chosen as one of six community foundations from across the country to participate in a 10-month learning opportunity focused exclusively on equity.
#3. New Website & Donor Portal
Waco Foundation launched a brand new website earlier this year that features an online donor portal fundholders can use to manage their funds, landing it at number 3 on our list of most memorable moments.
#2. Newest Board Members
Waco Foundation's two newest Board Members have landed the number 2 spot on our countdown! In April, we welcomed Dr. Soo Battle and the Rev. Aaron Zimmerman to our Board of Trustees: both bring a wealth of community knowledge and expertise, as well as a shared desire to improve quality of life for all Wacoans.
#1. Over $100 Million in Assets
Thanks to generous donors and a sound investment strategy, Waco Foundation reached a new milestone this year: $100 million in assets, all for the benefit of charitable causes in our community! This made our top spot on the list of most memorable moments for 2019!
What an incredible year it has been in our community. Waco Foundation looks forward to another year of working together to build a better future for Waco!
