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Pendleton Foundation Trust Welcomes Hegarty as Inaugural Executive Director

The Pendleton Foundation Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Tiffany Hegarty as its inaugural Executive Director. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for the 96-year-old organization as it solidifies its commitment to enhancing the well-being of the Pendleton community.

Tiffany Hegarty brings to the Pendleton Foundation Trust a successful career history in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. With a proven track record, Tiffany has consistently demonstrated a passion for creating positive change. As Development Director for the Pendleton Center for the Arts she helped secure approximately $500,000 in grants and contributions in two years with the local arts organization.

“I am honored and excited to join the Pendleton Foundation Trust.” Tiffany said. “This is an incredible opportunity to contribute to the betterment of Pendleton, and I look forward to working closely with the board and community partners to make a meaningful impact.”

Tiffany brings deep experience in philanthropy, with more than 30 years in the sector. In her role as a consultant, she has been instrumental in assisting numerous nonprofit organizations in achieving their missions through strategic planning and resource development. She has worked with several prominent statewide foundations including The Oregon Community Foundation and The Ford Family Foundation.

Beyond her professional achievements, Tiffany, along with her husband Mike, has been a proud resident of Pendleton since 2007, where they have raised two children, Morgan and Reilly. She is a board member of the Education Foundation of Pendleton and previously served on the Children’s Museum of Oregon’s Board of Directors.

As the inaugural Executive Director, Tiffany Hegarty will be instrumental in shaping the strategic vision of the Pendleton Foundation Trust. She will lead the organization in its commitment to fostering community well-being, supporting local initiatives, and building lasting partnerships.

The Board of Directors has expressed their excitement and confidence in Tiffany’s ability to lead the foundation into a new era. “Tiffany Hegarty’s exceptional leadership qualities and dedication to community philanthropy make her the perfect fit for the Pendleton Foundation Trust. We are thrilled to welcome her on board and look forward to achieving new heights under her guidance,” said Board Chair Lonnie Read.

As part of its commitment to sustained growth and impact on the Pendleton community, the Pendleton Foundation Trust is actively exploring opportunities to secure dedicated office space to establish a permanent home to further enhance its capacity for community engagement and collaboration.

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There are many ways to contribute to the Pendleton Foundation Trust!

— PLANNED GIVING —


The moto of the Pendleton Foundation Trust is “Pendleton People Helping Pendleton People.”
Established in 1928 the Pendleton Foundation Trust is the oldest community foundation in the State of Oregon and with over $6 million in assets the Pendleton Foundation grants tens of thousands of dollars yearly to organizations that promote the well-being of the citizens and inhabitants of Pendleton. Countless programs have been supported over the last 93 years.

Leave a legacy of your values and vision to the Pendleton Foundation through naming the Pendleton Foundation as a beneficiary of your will, retirement plan, life insurance policy or other planned giving vehicles. With a planned gift you can, enhance the livability of Pendleton, improve the lifestyle in Pendleton, and strengthen Pendleton for generations to come.

Contact the Pendleton Foundation Trust at 541-276-3331 – PO Box 218, Pendleton OR 97801 or contact your attorney and your financial advisor. Let them know you are considering a planned gift to the Pendleton Foundation. They can assist you in determining what type of gift best suits your personal and financial circumstances. Thank you for your support.


— CREATIVE GIVING —


Did you know there are many ways you can contribute to the Pendleton Foundation Trust? Your accountant or financial professional could help guide you to access funds that you may like to contribute. Most everyone knows they can write a check as a charitable donation to the Trust, but there are other ways that may be a benefit to you when it comes to tax time.

If you’re over 72 you are required to take Required Minimum Distributions from your Individual Retirement Account. Many times these distributions can be directly routed to PFT through your financial professional at distribution time. If you have a portion of your nest egg that you would like to use to offset a tax bill, a good way to do it is to make a charitable contribution to the Pendleton Foundation Trust.

How about proceeds from a well performing portfolio outside of an IRA? You can pay capital gains on the profit, or donate some of the proceeds to the Pendleton Foundation Trust. You can even gift actual shares of stock that you own. Make an appointment with your financial professional today for a consultation on how you can lower your personal tax liability and help your community at the same time, through a creative charitable contribution to Pendleton Foundation Trust!


— DIGITAL GIVING —


Did you know The Pendleton Foundation has updated its ability for offering digital giving? As we saw the growth of digital giving continue to grow, the Pendleton Foundation made an update to its website to make online giving convenient, fast, and secure options for your online donation considerations.

It’s as simple as clicking a button.

You will be able to choose how you support the foundation online with your donations as well. You have the ability to designate your gift as a general donation, a memorial gift, in honor of someone or to celebrate an occasion. And did you know that your donation supports community organizations in Pendleton, never leaving our community! Scholarships awarded through the Pendleton Foundation Trust are given to students who have attended and graduated from Pendleton School District. Your donations support local nonprofits and people right here in our community, leaving a lasting legacy.

Another way we have improved our website is by offering a convenient, fast, and secure option for those who are applying for grant funding. And again, it is as simple as clicking a button and following the prompts which walk you through the application process.

If you are a student or know a student you’ll find the scholarship application form streamlined as well. Just go to our website.

The Pendleton Foundation Trust is a non-profit, charitable organization that was founded in May 1928. Its purpose is to assist, encourage and promote the well-being of the citizens and inhabitants of the City of Pendleton, Oregon. In line with this purpose, it receives gifts of money and property from interested persons and organizations. In turn, it invests this money and property and receives and expends the income produced by this money and property annually for the benefit of the City of Pendleton and its inhabitants.
www.pendletonfoundationtrust.com

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2020-21 Dudek Scholarships

During the 2021 academic year, seven students from Pendleton received $13,200 in scholarships to attend Blue Mountain Community College or Eastern Oregon University as a result of the Lee Dudek estate gift to the Pendleton Foundation Trust. Baum Hunter is “very thankful” for his $3,000 award as he completes an AS Degree in Fire Science with BMCC, to prepare for employment in wildland fire control, with the BIA or US Forest Service. A 2018 PHS graduate, he plans to finish his degree spring term, 2021 and wants to live and work in eastern Oregon. Jessamy Lamont expects to receive her AAOT spring term, 2021 from BMCC, then will transfer to OSU to pursue a psychology degree to work as a childlife specialist in a children’s hospital. A 2019 PHS graduate, she thanks the Trust for the $2400 award and for investing in her education. “It is greatly appreciated and I will be sure to make good use of my education.” Other BMCC scholarship recipients include Ceisey Castaneda Martinez, Alorah Kaplanovic and Kyra Ford. Grants of $3,000 were awarded to two Eastern Oregon University students, Madison Parker, a senior completing a degree in elementary education and Drew Lunny, a 2018 PHS graduate pursuing his goal of teaching high school history. Madison plans to stay in the Pendleton community “to teach and provide her students the same positive opportunities I experienced.” Drew, a former BMCC student and ambassador, noted the award helps him in these difficult and troubling times as students complete degrees during the pandemic.

Creative giving to the Foundation Trust

Did you know there are many ways you can contribute to the Pendleton Foundation Trust? Your accountant or financial professional could be the key to accessing funds that you may like to contribute. Most everyone knows they can write a check as a charitable donation to the Trust, but have you thought of other ways? If you’re over 72 you are required to take Required Minimum Distributions from your Individual Retirement Account. Many times these distributions can be directly routed to PFT through your financial professional. If you have a portion of your nest egg that you could use to offset a tax bill, a good way to do it is to donate to the Foundation Trust. How about proceeds from a well performing portfolio outside of an IRA? You can pay capital gains on the profit, or donate some of the proceeds to the Pendleton Foundation Trust. You can even gift actual shares of stock that you own. Make an appointment with your financial professional today for a consultation on how you can lower your personal tax liability and help your community at the same time, through a creative charitable contribution to Pendleton Foundation Trust!

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Forever in Blue Jeans

I am often asked why I live in Pendleton. I usually respond that I prefer “the small-town feel” or “the slower pace of life,” but the question deserves a deeper, more thoughtful answer. For the most part, I am here because I was born and raised in Pendleton. According to the US Census Bureau, 72% of Americans live in or near the place where they grew up. Beyond the statistics, why do I choose to live in a small Oregon town, not lured away to the opportunities of the big city or the year-round warmth down south? If you Google the benefits of small-town living, you see reasons from brighter stars in the night sky to less traffic and fresh air. All these are good reasons, but I haven’t hitched my wagon to Pendleton to see brighter stars. For me, it’s a blue-jeans thing. You know, when you find that pair of pants that really fit you, you just want to wear them every day. Even though you can buy another pair the same size, it’s just not the same feel. With Pendleton, it’s about our unique identity.

We have a strong sense of community and history here in Pendleton. The story of the “Old West” is kept alive by our Pendleton Underground Tours, Umatilla Historical Society, and the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute; they remind us of where our town came from. The Pendleton Center for the Arts and Crow’s Shadow enrich our lives with world-class art and the Oregon East Symphony fills our ears and hearts with beautiful music several times a year. New events are being added every year including the Cattle Barons Weekend, Pendleton Whisky Music Fest, the Old Iron Show and Oktoberfest Pendleton. And, of course, you can’t hear the name “Pendleton” without thinking of the Round-Up and the Woolen Mills.

Even beyond these cultural attractions, we have a different approach to living here. The bonds between neighbors here are stronger and the sense of belonging is more profound than you might find in the big city. In Pendleton, people make the difference and volunteerism is at the heart of being a Pendletonian. If you are not finding Pendleton as enjoyable as you would like, get involved in our community. I urge you to volunteer your time and your talents and you can also volunteer by donating. Help out and contribute to your favorite non-profit organization or simply volunteer to help your neighbor. Pendleton has a plethora of causes and organizations to support. I guarantee that you will benefit just as much as those you serve and our community will be better for it.

Getting involved and staying engaged keep our community bonds strong and together we all make Pendleton a remarkable place to live. So, just like putting on that comfy pair of blue jeans, we can all get up every day, support our community, and be thankful we are at home here in Pendleton.

– Lonnie Read, Director, Pendleton Foundation Trust Board

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Dudek’s Legacy Lives on Through Scholarships

Sometimes the simplest act of kindness can have the most profound long term impact on a community.

Clelan “Lee” Dudek was truly a renaissance man. Lee was a World War 2 Veteran, 1966 Las Vegas World Champion Gem Faceter, 1958 NRA 38 Caliber Short Range Champion, Private Airplane Pilot and much more. Regardless of what the project was, Lee was a person of many talents and knowledge. Lee and his wife Luella, built their dream home, refurbished his antique airplane to mint condition, grew his own vineyard, fashioned his own distillery and created his own unique wines and brandies. Lee and Lu often traveled to Baja Mexico to find gems, tile, and other materials to decorate their home. Lee truly could do it all.

Lee and Lu owned and operated Lee’s Refrigeration Company for over 50 years, serving countless businesses in the Pendleton area with expert service and instillation of commercial refrigeration and cooling systems. Lee had immense pride in doing any job right. Lee passed away at the age of 92, barely 3 months after losing his beloved wife. Lee and Lu decided that their worldly assets should be left to start a scholarship fund for young people in the Pendleton area. Lee was adamant that young people should learn a skill or trade. Lee often said “there was much satisfaction in learning how something worked and in how to fix it.”

Lee and Lu had no children, but that’s not the end of the story. The Dudek story will live on forever with the Dudek Scholarships through the Pendleton Foundation Trust. The Pendleton Foundation is honored to be the recipient of the Dudek’s generosity and foresight to provide several scholarships to Pendleton students that will make a lasting impact in our community.

One has to ask the question. What is our legacy, and how can we make a difference that will last forever?

Lee and Lu Dudek

How to: charitable donations via IRA

Shirley and Dale Moll

The Pendleton Foundation Trust has been serving and supporting our community for over ninety years. The Molls’ history in Pendleton started well before the creation of Pendleton Foundation Trust when Cornelius “Gus” Moll moved from Missouri to the Pendleton area with three rowdy boys in the late 1800s. The family was not only involved in ranching, but Gus became Mayor of Pendleton in the early 1900s and the Moll family ran the local UTOCO Oil Company for several years. Two generations later, Dale Moll was born and raised in Pendleton by one of Gus’s rowdy sons. After graduating from Pendleton High School, Dale attended Linfield College to study business, where he met a big city girl from Portland by the name of Shirley Stewart. Shortly after graduating from Linfield, Dale was drafted into the Army and served in Germany, but before he left on his tour of duty, he married Shirley; that was 63 years ago. Shirley was not able to join Dale during his active duty, but after he completed his tour with the Army, Shirley flew to Europe for their belated, but extended honeymoon.

Within days of returning to Pendleton, Dale was offered a job with the US Bank, to which he loyally devoted himself for more than 30 years. In the meantime, Shirley was busy running the household, raising two children, working several jobs, and giving her time to host civic organizations.

During these years in Pendleton, the Molls formed a strong group of friends which they continue to enjoy today. Shirley’s philosophy is to take care of family first, then church and community, and then everything else falls into place. Following this philosophy, the Molls have generously donated not only their time and talents to our community, but they have donated financially as well. By taking advantage of qualified charitable distributions from their IRA accounts, they have made more tax-free dollars available to the local charities that they support. Shirley says she likes to contribute to the Pendleton Foundation Trust because she knows that the PFT Board will do the hard work of investigating how to best use those funds. She is confident that the donations they make to the Pendleton Foundation Trust are well cared for. She said,

“It’s an honor to give to the Foundation; it’s the right thing to do.”

Grant funding in review

In September of 2016, the Pendleton Parks and Recreation applied to the Pendleton Foundation Trust for a grant for assistance with replacing and updating playground equipment at Aldrich Park, May Park and Sherwood Park. Some of the playground features had become unsafe, and newer, safer equipment was very much in need. This is a fine example of the kinds of grant requests that fit very well into our mission of the Pendleton Foundation Trust.

This particular project was of the “bundle” variety, a process that the State of Oregon uses when processing grants as an option to reduce the cost of similar projects by attempting to complete them all at the same time. This option is used commonly for curbing or street paving or similar capital projects. This was only the second successful bundling of playground equipment projects on record.

The process was not an easy one. To qualify for larger State of Oregon grants, private funding was also sorely needed in order to complete the projects. With assistance from the Pendleton Foundation Trust, the $145,000+ project budget was secured and the quest for new playground equipment was completed. Part of the urgent need of the project was recognizing the availability of playground equipment in local neighborhoods. All three parks needed attention not only due to the safety of the equipment available, but also the location of the parks and the ease of accessing nearby equipment for neighborhood children. Playground equipment technology has vastly improved over the years, replacing older unsafe spring operated equipment with safer, more appealing swings, climbers and slides.

The new equipment is wearing well, and should have a life of fun and accessibility for many years to come.

Capital projects like this one, along with the determination and creativity of our local city officials and citizens goes a long way to making Pendleton a great place to live. The many ways of accomplishing that are wide and varied. The Pendleton Foundation Trust takes your donations and ideas and strives to be uniquely suited to help your project in the future, and to help make Pendleton a fantastic community for our citizens of all ages.

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Where are they now? 2011 Pendleton Foundation Trust Scholarship Recipient, Hannah Breen

Hannah (Hale) Breen

Hannah (Hale) Breen graduated from Pendleton High School in 2011, where she was Senior Class President. After high school, Hannah continued on to Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education. She then attended Eastern Washington University earning her Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Hannah was married in June 2019, and currently resides in Spokane, Washington with her husband Aaron and golden retriever, Norman. She is a Speech Language Pathologist in Central Valley School District, and loves her work with young children.

Hannah truly appreciates the support of Pendleton Foundation and the opportunity to pursue her education. She is grateful for the wonderful experiences she had while growing up in Pendleton, and for the many people who supported her along the way. Hannah finds it extremely rewarding in her career as a Speech Language Pathologist, as she works hard to make a positive impact and build a strong foundation for her students and their future.

Giving in a pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Directors met virtually to decide on Spring 2020 grants – a meeting that would have been together in a board room.

During these difficult times, and always, we are dedicated to aiding organizations in need with financial grants. Because of our donors and efforts made by our longstanding Board of Directors, we are able to fund a number of grants to numerous non-profit organizations in Pendleton, Oregon.

Lonnie Read, who serves on the PFT Board of Directors writes,

“I feel a sense of pride to be part of an organization that is helping other non-profits in Pendleton.  Working with a strong board who is dedicated to the task of making Pendleton better, gives me a deep satisfaction that I am doing my part. 

Many non-profits are operating on a shoestring and are is desperate need of funding special projects.  That is where the Pendleton Foundation Trust can step in and help.”

This spring, we announced allocations totaling $97,320.00 to 13 organizations and 7 memorial trust funds. Though our board room environment looked a bit different (we met virtually), the pandemic didn’t stop us from coming together – as we usually do – to go through applications from incredible organizations in our community. It has been the board’s focus to always map back to our purpose.

  • To assist civic and educational undertakings whether now supported by private gifts or public taxation.
  • To improve educational and scientific research.
  • To improve living conditions or to provide recreation or recreational grounds for all classes.
  • For such other civic or public purposes as will best make for the mental, moral and physical improvement of the inhabitants of the city of Pendleton.

Every time we go through the selection process, we are reminded of how proud we are to live in this community. So many people are working tirelessly to make our world – our Pendleton – a better place to live. If you haven’t already, take a look at our Spring grants for 2020, and learn about the inspiring organizations in our community. Advocating for not-for profits financially in Pendleton is in our DNA. We are Pendleton people, helping Pendleton people.

If you’d like to learn more about making an impact on Pendleton by donating to the Pendleton Foundation Trust, please click here.