The Spirit of Philanthropy Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Putnam County Community Foundation board members and recognizes outstanding philanthropic achievement within the community. This honor is not awarded each year, but after careful consideration, the Board selected two recipients in 2020: Todd Lewis and Vivian Whitaker.
“We recognize Vivian and Todd for their dedicated service to Putnam County and the Putnam County Community Foundation,” said Brandon Wells, Executive Director. “Our county is better because of their vision and leadership.”
They are committed to the town of Cloverdale and specifically to the Cloverdale Dollars for Scholars program. Todd currently serves as the program’s Treasurer, and Vivian serves as Secretary.
The Cloverdale Dollars for Scholars program strives to expand access to educational opportunities for Cloverdale Community High School students through scholarships and academic support. The ultimate goal is to ensure that every student in our school has access to higher education and the benefits of completing a postsecondary degree affords.
Vivian and Todd played an integral role in raising over $12,000 in pledges during the Dollars for Scholars 9th annual Phone-A-Thon in 2020. Their fundraising efforts enabled Cloverdale Dollars for Scholars to award more than $470,000 in scholarships to 503 Cloverdale graduates.
Both Vivian and Todd are past Board members and have been named Honorary Board Members. Todd served for a total of six years and was President of the Board for two years. Vivian has served for six years and continues to serve on the Governance and Youth Philanthropy Committee.
Vivian and Todd are also active in a number of organizations and charitable initiatives.
Todd is involved in the Cloverdale Lyons Club and the 100 Plus Men Who Care program. Vivian serves on the Cloverdale School Board and is actively engaged in EDGE 21, a Putnam County-based 501c3, to increase eligible students’ enrollment in the 21st Century Scholarship Program.
On behalf of Putnam County, congratulations Todd & Vivian! Your commitment to this county is exemplified each and every day!