The Richard Lowry Memorial Fund with the Community Foundation of Dickinson County recently awarded a grant to St. Andrew’s Elementary School in the amount of $7,473.00. Fund advisor, Robert H. Royer, Jr. presented the check to the fourth and fifth grade classes with Andrea Wilson, teacher, Christina Bacon, principal of St. Andrew’s Elementary, and Kristine Meyer, president of the Community Foundation also in attendance.
The grant is given for educational enhancements and was awarded to the school for its determination of the most effective way to address the most pressing needs.
“We are so grateful for the continued support that the Richard Lowry Memorial Fund gives to the children of our school,” Bacon said. “Mr. Lowry's generosity has brought tremendous blessings to our students, and has allowed us to provide special educational opportunities that we would otherwise not be able to fund. It is our hope that Mr. Lowry's legacy will continue to grow as children benefit from the opportunities provided through his gift and then in turn become responsible, caring, and productive citizens themselves. We also greatly appreciate the assistance of the Community Foundation of Dickinson County and Mr. Hank Royer in helping bring this gift to our children.”
In 2005, an estate gift from Abilene native Richard Lowry established a fund in his name with The Community Foundation of Dickinson County for the benefit of the citizens of Abilene.
Born in 1925, Lowry graduated from Abilene High School and eventually moved with United Utilities from Abilene to Kansas City in 1965; however, he still considered Abilene his home.
“Richard knew Abilene was a great town that has traditionally provided an environment and opportunities for its children to become the leaders of tomorrow,” Royer said. “He dedicated a portion of his estate to enhance that environment and its opportunities.”
The Community Foundation currently stewards over $7 million in charitable assets – the result of contributions from families, individuals and businesses that care about our community. Established in 1999, the Foundation makes charitable giving easy, flexible and effective, and for a limited time, offers matching funds on most endowed gifts. For more information contact Meyer at 785.263.1863 or visit www.communityfoundation.us
