Community Foundation announces new endowments

WASHINGTON — Two new endowment funds, in memory of two special Washington residents have recently been established with the Community Foundation of Washington County.

“These funds will continue the legacies of these individuals and will grow and will provide a steady source of income for the causes they cared about far into the future,” CFWC Executive Director, Millie Youngquist said. “Also, anyone may make a tax-exempt donation to these funds and be eligible to receive an Endow Iowa tax credit for their donation.”

The first, the John Kessell Legacy Music Education Fund was established this year by his widow, family and friends. John grew up in Washington, Iowa. He was very grateful for the music education her received here and making music with others was important to him. He loved working with students and wanted people to find joy in making music throughout their lives. Distributions from John’s fund will be channeled through the Washington Music Boosters and will provide support for the K-12 music programs and students in the Washington Community School District.

Another fund established in the name of a Washington resident is the “Mrs. Driscoll’s Pick and Keep Book Fund,” established in memory of Judy Marshall Driscoll by her husband.

Driscoll grew up in Washington, Iowa and taught in several communities in Eastern Iowa, most recently at Washington’s St. James Catholic School. Throughout her life she was devoted to education and youth in her community. Although she retired from classroom teaching, Judy continued to teach those who knew her lessons of faith, strength, perseverance, humor, and generosity. Judy died in 2021 and this fund, established in her name will be used to support the distribution of books to students at the St. James School in Washington, Iowa.

Individuals interested in making donations to these funds and others can visit the Community Foundation of Washington County’s website: cfwashingtoncounty.org. Click on “Local Partners” and scroll down.