Awards & Recognition

The Robert M. Rainey Philanthropy Award

Recognizing Individuals Who Are Passionate About Our Community

The Robert M. Rainey Philanthropy Award is presented to a philanthropist in the Oconee, Pickens, and Anderson county area who has made significant contributions to the betterment of the community by raising awareness for charitable causes, selflessly contributing personal resources, advocating for needs in the community, and inspiring others to have the same benevolent spirit.

The award is named after longtime president of the Foothills Community Foundation, Robert M. Rainey, who took the helm as President of the Foundation in March of 2001. Robert is passionate about the community and has been instrumental in local initiatives including the TBA 100 beautification projects, the Brighter Christmas Fund, The Spirit of the American Doughboy and others.

Foundation Board Chairman Lujack Orr pointed out that “Robert is known as someone who quietly gets things done for the community.” This award is presented to an individual who similarly labors on behalf of worthy causes, advocates for those less fortunate, and inspires others to work toward a better community.

Criteria for Selection
  • Philanthropic Leadership and Impact
    Provides leadership and fosters philanthropy in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties
  • Community Engagement
    Invests personal and professional time and resources to foster positive community improvement
Eligibility Requirements
  • Nominees must be current residents of Anderson, Oconee or Pickens County
  • Nominees must be in good standing ethically, possess a strong sense of integrity and good character.
  • Nominees will demonstrate philanthropic leadership, whether through direct service, personal benevolence or drawing attention to a community need.
Past Rainey Award Recipients
William Law Watkins Legacy Society

The Board of Directors of the Foothills Community Foundation recently announced the creation of the William Law Legacy Society. Mr. Watkins, a respected attorney, had a vision shared by others that our area would benefit from a Community Foundation. His bequest challenged the community in the formation of the Foothills Community Foundation and was the first planned gift received by the Foundation.  All planned gifts make lasting impacts.

This charitable gift society recognizes others who have either made a planned gift or have made provisions in their estate plans to make a planned gift through the Foundation – and create their own Lasting Charitable Legacy.  All planned gifts, regardless of size, make lasting impacts.

Planned gifts may be made by Will or Revocable Trust, beneficiary designations of IRA’s, Retirement Plan assets or Life Insurance, Charitable Remainder Trusts, Charitable Lead Trusts and Retained Life Estates.  Estate gifts can be left directly to the Foundation, any Fund at the Foundation or used to create a new named permanent Fund. Legacy Society gifts touch lives in our community–forever.

If you have made provisions for a planned gift through the Foundation or would like more information about creating your own lasting charitable legacy, please contact our office.  We would like to add your name to the William Law Watkins Legacy Society.

Members
  • Loyd & Mazie S. Burkett*
  • Dennis Burt
  • Irvin L. & Jorene J. Cauthen*
  • Francis Ann Friend*
  • Myrtle Gillespie*
  • John & Sue* Greene
  • Lily Hall
  • James Douglas Huff, Sr.*
  • Beverly Lee*
  • Jonny K. Lyons*
  • David & Saunders McCollum
  • Cindy & Tom McDonald
  • John & Julie Miller
  • Kelly Smith O’Quinn*
  • J. Roy Pennell, Jr.*
  • Robert M. Rainey
  • Araluen “Clinky” Seabrook*
  • Mr. and Mrs. William Law Watkins*
  • Foothills Community Foundation also thanks our donors who have made anonymous planned gifts.  If you would like to have your name listed as a member of the William Law Watkins Society, please notify our office.

* Deceased

Robert M. Rainey Philanthropy Award
The Robert M. Rainey Philanthropy Award

Recognizing Individuals Who Are Passionate About Our Community

The Robert M. Rainey Philanthropy Award is presented to a philanthropist in the Oconee, Pickens, and Anderson county area who has made significant contributions to the betterment of the community by raising awareness for charitable causes, selflessly contributing personal resources, advocating for needs in the community, and inspiring others to have the same benevolent spirit.

The award is named after longtime president of the Foothills Community Foundation, Robert M. Rainey, who took the helm as President of the Foundation in March of 2001. Robert is passionate about the community and has been instrumental in local initiatives including the TBA 100 beautification projects, the Brighter Christmas Fund, The Spirit of the American Doughboy and others.

Foundation Board Chairman Lujack Orr pointed out that “Robert is known as someone who quietly gets things done for the community.” This award is presented to an individual who similarly labors on behalf of worthy causes, advocates for those less fortunate, and inspires others to work toward a better community.

Criteria for Selection
  • Philanthropic Leadership and Impact
    Provides leadership and fosters philanthropy in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties
  • Community Engagement
    Invests personal and professional time and resources to foster positive community improvement
Eligibility Requirements
  • Nominees must be current residents of Anderson, Oconee or Pickens County
  • Nominees must be in good standing ethically, possess a strong sense of integrity and good character.
  • Nominees will demonstrate philanthropic leadership, whether through direct service, personal benevolence or drawing attention to a community need.
Past Rainey Award Recipients
William Law Watkins Legacy Society
William Law Watkins Legacy Society

The Board of Directors of the Foothills Community Foundation recently announced the creation of the William Law Legacy Society. Mr. Watkins, a respected attorney, had a vision shared by others that our area would benefit from a Community Foundation. His bequest challenged the community in the formation of the Foothills Community Foundation and was the first planned gift received by the Foundation.  All planned gifts make lasting impacts.

This charitable gift society recognizes others who have either made a planned gift or have made provisions in their estate plans to make a planned gift through the Foundation – and create their own Lasting Charitable Legacy.  All planned gifts, regardless of size, make lasting impacts.

Planned gifts may be made by Will or Revocable Trust, beneficiary designations of IRA’s, Retirement Plan assets or Life Insurance, Charitable Remainder Trusts, Charitable Lead Trusts and Retained Life Estates.  Estate gifts can be left directly to the Foundation, any Fund at the Foundation or used to create a new named permanent Fund. Legacy Society gifts touch lives in our community–forever.

If you have made provisions for a planned gift through the Foundation or would like more information about creating your own lasting charitable legacy, please contact our office.  We would like to add your name to the William Law Watkins Legacy Society.

Members
  • Loyd & Mazie S. Burkett*
  • Dennis Burt
  • Irvin L. & Jorene J. Cauthen*
  • Francis Ann Friend*
  • Myrtle Gillespie*
  • John & Sue* Greene
  • Lily Hall
  • James Douglas Huff, Sr.*
  • Beverly Lee*
  • Jonny K. Lyons*
  • David & Saunders McCollum
  • Cindy & Tom McDonald
  • John & Julie Miller
  • Kelly Smith O’Quinn*
  • J. Roy Pennell, Jr.*
  • Robert M. Rainey
  • Araluen “Clinky” Seabrook*
  • Mr. and Mrs. William Law Watkins*
  • Foothills Community Foundation also thanks our donors who have made anonymous planned gifts.  If you would like to have your name listed as a member of the William Law Watkins Society, please notify our office.

* Deceased