Richmond
2012 Director’s Community Leadership Awards
| Richmond |
Doris Buffett |
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The Richmond Division is pleased to honor Doris Buffett, philanthropist and founder of the Sunshine Lady Foundation, as a recipient of the 2012 Director’s Community Leadership Award. The Sunshine Lady Foundation, a private family foundation, was founded in 1996 by Ms. Buffett and funded through her generosity. The foundation provides grants to organizations and programs dedicated to advancing education and well being for disadvantaged people and families in crisis. In 2008, Ms. Buffett made a $1 million challenge grant that boosted fundraising for the development of a ballpark in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area. The ballpark, Sunshine Stadium, was built with assistance from the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation (this year’s Baltimore Division DCLA winner). The complex includes a turf-lined baseball stadium, a grass field, an ability field for disabled competitors, and an education center with restrooms and concessions. The Exploration Command Center, built next to the fields, is part of a nonprofit immersion learning program and allows children to interact electronically with scientists. Among her many other roles, Ms. Buffett has been a first grade teacher, domestic violence crusader, political activist, mother, and grandmother. Since its inception, the Sunshine Lady Foundation has awarded more than $100 million in grants. |