Uncle Sam's Birthday Party Fund
The Uncle Sam’s Birthday Party Fund, established in 2011 from event proceeds, provides unrestricted funding to support general charitable needs, continuing the legacy of the annual fundraiser that has sustained the Tucker Community Foundation since 1989.
TYPE OF FUND: Unrestricted
DATE ESTABLISHED: 2011
PURPOSE: General charitable needs.
DISTRIBUTION: Upon the recommendation of 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 Uncle Sam’s Birthday Party (USBP) proceeds to establish an endowed fund.
BACKGROUND: In 1989, the original Tucker Community Foundation board members were meeting, planning, and dreaming big. Dr. Tom Patrick, a founding board member, was among those who envisioned raising a million dollars to provide scholarships and community support. In the early days, board members donated their own office supplies and time, but they needed a sustainable fundraising event.
Dr. Patrick proposed an elimination drawing with a grand prize larger than any other local event, scheduled around July 4th with a patriotic red, white, and blue theme. The event—Uncle Sam’s Birthday Party—would include dinner, drinks, dancing, and the drawing, with only 250 tickets sold annually and a $5,000 jackpot. From its inception, Canaan Valley Resort has hosted the event, and it has introduced the mission of the Foundation to attendees while growing year after year.
For eleven years, Dr. Patrick served as master of ceremonies, expanding the event with more raffles, door prizes, and fundraising success. The tradition continues, thanks to board members Amy Barb, David Cooper, and Kelly Stadelman. In 2014, the 25th anniversary event gave away more than $25,000 in money and prizes, proving that big dreams can lead to even bigger realities.
