Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of Promoting Better Future

by Julia Love

(July 26, 2007) Although the Resource Foundation is an organizations committed to building better futures in Latin America, its roots have been planted firmly in Larchmont for over twenty years. On Friday, June 22, longtime friends and supporters of the Foundation gathered at the Larchmont Yacht Club to celebrate the organization’s twentieth anniversary at its annual gala, Dancing on the Water. The event honored the contributions of many individuals, including many Larchmont residents, who have been critical to the success and growth of the Foundation since it began.

Among the honorees this year were Larchmonters Lucy and Joe Maloney and Silvia and Tom Muldoon who hosted early fundraising events in their homes and helped establish the Foundation in the Larchmont and Westchester County areas. Larry Prince, another Larchmonter and one of the Foundation’s first donors, served as its first chairman and remains an active member of the board. It was Judy Prince who named the event Dancing on the Water when the first gala fundraiser was held in 1991. Fellow Larchmont residents Alain and Marie Francoise Concher also supported the Foundation since its inception; Mr. Concher remains an active member of the Foundation’s board. Bill and Frances Hockman were also honored for their continued support and contributions.

Enjoying the Gala: seated, (l-r) Barbara Flickinger, Carla Volpe Porter, (Resource Foundation Board president) Steve Robling. Standing, Kim Christiansen, Tim Porter, Michael Seligman, Laura Harris

The Foundation story began in Larchmont in 1987 in Loren Finnell’s basement. Since the 1960’s, Mr. Finnell had worked with nonprofit agencies across the globe providing assistance and leadership for development projects. In 1987, he concluded that the time had come to empower local agencies in the developing world rather than continuing to export assistance from the US. He decided to take action, and The Resource Foundation was born. The Foundation pioneered the movement towards supporting locally driven development initiatives by partnering with well-respected nonprofit agencies in Latin America and the Caribbean that implement sustainable, self-help programs. Today, the Foundation has a network of 40 leading organizations implementing high-impact programs related to microenterprise, vocational training, education, health, the environment, potable water and sustainable agriculture.

Diane Silverman, Alain Concher (Resource Foundation Board member), Marie-Francoise Concher  

The Resource Foundation also builds strong partnerships with individual, corporate and institutional donors such as Citigroup, Dow Chemical Company Foundation, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer, among others, in order to enhance the quality of life of low-income individuals. Since 1987, the Foundation has raised more than $24.5 million to support 402 programs in 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2006, more than 4.68 million men, women and children benefited from these projects. In 2006, The National Peace Corps Association recognized Mr. Finnell’s achievements, leadership, and commitment to service with the Sargent Shriver Award for Distinguished Humanitarian Service.

Pillar Finnell and Loren Finnell, Resource Foundation founder

Mr. Finnell particularly enjoyed this year’s Dancing on the Water gala. “It was a very memorable occasion because many of The Resource Foundation’s longtime supporters joined in the celebration. I am grateful that these friends continue to support the work of the Foundation and that they have made it what it is today,” he said.

Lucy Maloney was also touched by the Foundation’s continuing supporters. “One of the most exciting things for me was to see all the many people who have supported [The Resource Foundation] since the beginning and who still believe in its work,” she said. “It is the strong sense of loyalty and an unbelievable dedication that we’ve seen from Loren which has motivated us to continue our support. Twenty years ago it was Loren’s dream and vision, and it amazes me that it has grown to this extent in 20 years. So much has happened since the beginning when I had a fundraiser at my house. I am very pleased to see that the dream still lives.”

Lucy Maloney, longtime supporter of the Resource Foundation.

Guests admired the water views as they strolled on the lawn and danced late into the evening to the sounds of Metro Music. “I had a great time, met many warm people, and it was all for a good cause,” said Juan Pablo Campana. The event’s corporate sponsors including Continental Airlines, L’Oréal USA, MasterCard International, and Pfizer Inc.. Martha Clara Vineyards, James Beard House, Peter Greenberg and Continental Airlines also provided valuable gifts for the silent auction. For the first time, guests also helped to build a home for a Colombian family displaced by political violence and helped to sponsor an abandoned child in Venezuela.