O'Fallon Community Foundation outlines funding for traffic-box wraps and local grants

Commissioner Goings gave the commission a presentation on the O'Fallon Community Foundation (OCF), describing its origin, mission and current programs and funding priorities.

Goings said OCF was established in 1998, initially to support restoration of Fort Zumwalt. He said the foundation's mission is "to maximize the quality of life in the city of O'Fallon by developing funding for and supporting charitable works and cultural activities." He outlined OCF programs including Project Home (emergency home repairs and accessibility work), recreation scholarships for swim lessons and day camps, police-week support to send officers to the National Peace Officers' memorial events, and other community grants.

Goings described OCF's role in the traffic-box program: sponsors donate to OCF, which contracts with manufacturers and installers; the commission retains design authority to decide whether an image is appropriate for O'Fallon history. He said the foundation has funded seven wraps to date and has funding for an additional eight; he added that after the March 3 meeting's approval, that number effectively becomes nine more boxes available for wrapping.

Goings discussed OCFfundraising, including a mayor's charity ball that increased unrestricted funds and enabled expansion of scholarship programs. He invited commission members to suggest fundraising or partnership ideas and to nominate historic photographs for traffic boxes.

Members asked practical questions about copyright releases, vendor costs and vendor choices; Goings said recent wrap prices have been as low as approximately $550 including installation for lower-cost vendors, and he named local vendors the commission has used. The presentation concluded with a brief Q&A and commission appreciation for the foundation's support.