The History of The Dobson Foundation
Several Friends formed a committee in 2017 for the purpose of a Surprise Birthday Party for me. Because they all felt that I didn’t need anything, they came up with the idea of a foundation to support the continuation of my philanthropic projects. In order to keep it a surprise they went through Chesapeake Charities to create the foundation.
The Big Night came and though I knew something was happening for my 70th Birthday, I had no clue that the event would be so spectacular. Most of all, the seed money for the Foundation was $35K. I was absolutely speechless over the amount and the people. What a honor and to be able to experience the tribute was mind boggling to me! It was announced at the event that it was their intention to have people donate to the foundation instead of bringing hostess gifts to all of the functions that I host. And I was once again thankful for their vision.
I applied for a 501(C)(3) Philanthropic Foundation to the IRS in November, 2017 and received approval in August, 2018. Since approval, we have created the mission statement and have procured the necessary bank accounts. We are in the process of creating the website and hope to have it in service prior to the end of the year.
One of the main goals is to give scholarships to individuals that are truly interested in higher education but cannot afford it. When I was young, I grew up in an environment that girls did not need higher education because they should be pregnant and barefoot. Though I do not have a formal education, I attended many college courses at night along with numerous seminars throughout my career. I always regretted not getting the sheepskin. Additionally, there are many local charities that I support: the KIVFD, the QAC Centre for the Arts, KI Library, UMMC Shore Regional Health Emergency Room, Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, Haven Ministries, Compass Regional Hospice, just to mention a few. In addition to the above, I am contemplating a way to benefit my four-legged friends.