Jane Webster Receives Community Foundation Champion Award at 2023 Annual Meeting

Jane Webster, a revered leader and dedicated member of the Outer Banks Community Foundation, was recently honored with the Community Foundation’s prestigious Champion Award at its Annual Meeting on March 14, 2023. The award, which was established by the Community Foundation Board of Directors in 2007, recognizes individuals, families, groups, organizations, or businesses that have made significant contributions to the Foundation.

Jane’s tireless efforts and dedication to the Foundation have been an inspiration to many. She served as a member of the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors from 2015 to 2021, and during her tenure, she held the position of Board Vice Chair from 2019 to 2021. Jane’s leadership was particularly critical during challenging times, such as Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic, which created exceptional needs for community support.

In her acceptance speech, Jane expressed her gratitude and highlighted the joy she found in her role as Chair of the Community Foundation’s Grants Committee from 2019 to 2021. In this capacity, Jane and other board members regularly reviewed Community Enrichment grant applications and made grant award recommendations to the full board. Jane reminded everyone that they are all champions and encouraged them to see themselves that way. “I want you to know that when you see your reflection in the mirror, or as you’re passing by a store window, I want you to know that you are champions. It’s not just me, you all are champions,” she said.

Helen Ford, an Emeritus Board member, 2007 Community Foundation Board Chair, and 1999 Champion Award recipient, accompanied Jane to the meeting, highlighting the respect and admiration she has for Jane’s contributions to the Foundation.

At the same meeting, seven new and three renewing board members were voted into their positions, bringing a fresh perspective to the Foundation. The newly appointed members are Cathy Baldwin, Jeff Dowdy, Frank Hester, Tess Judge, Robin Mann, Ronnie Sloan, and Sarah Spencer. In addition, Jean-Louise Dixon, Beulah Ashby, and Avery Harrison were elected to serve on the 2023 Nominating Committee during the meeting. The Community Foundation acknowledged Clark Twiddy, the outgoing director, for his valuable contributions during his tenure as Board Chair, recognizing his leadership and unwavering commitment to the Foundation’s mission.

In addition, the Foundation recognized Ben Wiener of Twiddy & Company with the Bob Muller Award, which was created in 2021 to honor Muller, the Foundation’s interim Executive Director, and a longtime Community Foundation volunteer. Wiener created a stunning 40th Anniversary video for the Foundation, providing a concise and compelling three-minute video that can be viewed here.

The Community Foundation also made a significant announcement during the meeting, unveiling a special 40th Anniversary Impact Grant opportunity of $40,000 for projects aimed at addressing substance abuse and/or youth mental health. Further details regarding this grant opportunity will be announced in the coming days.