My name is Jeremy Conrad and I am the President of the Pearce Foundation Board of Directors. Pearce Community Center has always held a special place in my heart, and I am very excited to share with our community the importance of this foundation and how it supports our community center.

The Pearce Foundation was established in 1995 thanks to a generous gift by our benefactor, Barb Truitt. The mission of the Pearce Foundation is to attract financial resources for the purpose of providing long-term financial security to Pearce Community Center. Over the last 28 years, support has grown through generous gifts and Pearce Foundation Memberships.

Since its inception, The Pearce Foundation has distributed more than two million dollars to Pearce Community Center for major projects, remodels, and expansions. The biggest project to date was the half-million-dollar pool renovation in 2019 that made essential repairs needed for the indoor pool. Additional projects have included window replacements, updated lockers, new computers, as well as entertainment for the kids in the exergame room, and updated air conditioning systems. In addition to keeping the Center’s building in tip-top shape, the Foundation also supports our Summer Camp kids, ensuring all kids in our community have a fun and safe place to spend their summer.

In May of 2023, The Pearce Foundation hosted its first fundraiser, Beef and Bourbon, with the goal of bringing awareness and funding to the Pearce Foundation. The highlight of the evening was a steak cooking demonstration from World Steak Cookoff Champions, Tim and Sandy Brown of Stress Relief BBQ. The night also included music from The Unemployed Architects, and Bourbon… lots of bourbon from tastings to raffles and auctions, there was no shortage of bourbon. None of this would have been possible without the hardworking volunteers and sponsors. We look forward to the event in 2024, so be on the lookout for details coming soon!

There are a number of ways you can support the Pearce Foundation. The easiest way? Joining Pearce as a Foundation Member. Not only do Foundation Members receive general membership benefits, but there are added discounts, guest privileges, and a tax-deductible donation. You can also consider adding Pearce Foundation to your estate planning, which makes an incredible impact on future generations of Pearce families.

Pearce Community Center is a gem in Chillicothe and a pillar in the community. I invite you to learn more about Pearce Community Center and its Foundation by visiting pearcecc.org or stopping by for a tour.