Dee Vandeventer

Feeling young at fifty; isn't that what we all hope for? Dee Vandeventer, Community Foundation Board Member and local philanthropist, recently decided to honor her 50th birthday by issuing a challenge to her family, friends, and fellow community members to give a total of $50,000 more to non-profits and organizations this year than last. To help accomplish this goal and to provide another opportunity for giving she established a fund at the Community Foundation, "The Fifty is Nifty Fund." The monies donated to this fund will help to build the endowment for the Foundation's youth philanthropy program, Teen Trust.

"Giving to young people helps me to feel and stay young!" said Dee. "Youth leadership is such a critical need for our teenagers and Teen Trust helps to build those leadership skills as well as nurture philanthropic habits in them, and I know firsthand that philanthropy is a learned behavior."

Dee remembers being mentored and encouraged as a young adult to become involved in youth leadership activities and knows it had a positive impact on her life. "As a parent I have seen how this program builds confidence, caring and commitment in young people. My daughter, Megan, was in Teen Trust for the 2001-2002 year and I can give a personal testimonial to what Teen Trust does."

For Dee, her experiences with philanthropy began as a young child. Dee's grandfather supported projects like the local hospital and the safety patrol. "He wasn't a wealthy man and giving was just something he did quietly. How he lived and gave left an impact on my young life," Dee said. Her mother was the one who truly encouraged her to get involved and Dee's first gifts consisted of time. Since her younger years, Dee has increased her giving and now helps others to realize the power of philanthropy.

"When my 50th birthday was approaching I knew I wanted to do something to commemorate this milestone," Dee said. She didn't have time to bike across France or the desire to swim the English Channel. Instead, she examined her passions and philanthropy topped the list. "$50,000 for fifty years had a nice ring to it! Thus the challenge."

Philanthropy is obviously Dee's passion and her birthday challenge has allowed her to encourage others to invest in their own areas of interest. It truly does make giving easy.

Dee and her family (husband Dave and children Megan and Michael) have made this community their home and in the process have made the Cedar Valley a better place to live. Dee has given countless hours to organizations including the Community Foundation. "When asked to join the Board of Trustees for the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, I was honored. The Board truly believes in the power of philanthropy and encourages the spirit of giving." Dee's family and friends can attest that philanthropy is one aspect of her life that will never grow old!