Uncle Sam’s Birthday Party Fund


TYPE OF FUND: Unrestricted

DATE ESTABLISHED: 2011

PURPOSE: General charitable needs

DISTRIBUTION: Upon the recommendation by the Grants Committee and approval by the full Board
of Directors of TCF.

VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and
conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment or inconsistent with the charitable
needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund.

FUNDING: In 2010, the Board of Directors voted to dedicate a portion of USBP proceeds to establish
an endowed fund.

BACKGROUND: provided by Donna Patrick, USBP Committee chair and TCF Board member

In 1989, the original Tucker Community Foundation board members were meeting, planning and
dreaming BIG. My late husband, Dr. Tom Patrick was one of the community members first
asked to serve on the board. I can still remember the excitement in his voice when he returned
home from a gathering of the charter members. He would talk about how they were going to
raise a million dollars to provide scholarships for local students and have money available to
help the community. It seemed to me then, to be an impossible dream. At that point board
members were donating stamps, envelopes, pens, paper and lots of time.

The group needed a plan for a fund raising event that would generate income to purchase
stationary, stamps and perhaps even cover a telephone bill. Tom was inspired and began talking
to dental patients he knew were involved in community service for event ideas. He determined
the event would be an elimination drawing that offered a bigger prize than any other event in the
area. The event would take place as close to July 4th as possible. It would have a patriotic red,
white and blue theme. The event would include dinner, drinks, dancing and the drawing. It
would be called Uncle Sam’s Birthday Party.

From the very beginning only 250 tickets were printed, 249 sold and 1 reserved to auction at the
height of the event. From the very beginning the jackpot was $5000. From the very beginning all
board members were asked to sell, sell, and sell. From the very beginning Canaan Valley Resort
was home to Uncle Sam’s Birthday Party. From the very beginning the event has been a night of
fun and laughter that brings folks back year after year. From the very beginning the “party” has
introduced the work of the Foundation to a captive audience.

Serving as the master of ceremony for eleven years Tom ensured that every year the event grew
with more door prizes, more raffles, more fun…and better fund raising results. Thanks to board
members Amy Barb, David Cooper and Kelly Stadelman, the tradition continues and the event
continues to grow. This year (2014) Uncle Sam will celebrate his birthday in grand fashion. For
the 25 year anniversary the Foundation will be giving away more than $25,000.00 in money and
prizes. It just goes to show…if you start out dreaming BIG…almost anything can happen.