In honor of Samantha Otte, twenty-nine local nonprofit organizations received grants to support programs that will positively influence the lives of hundreds of area youth through creative, leadership-focused, and humanitarian initiatives. A total of $79,500 was awarded this year from the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund, managed by the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri. The grant presentation took place at the Quincy YMCA, a 2026 grant recipient. Founded in late 2000, the fund continues to carry forward Samantha’s legacy and reached a meaningful milestone this year, marking 25 years of grantmaking. “On behalf of the Sammy Fund group, along with our family and friends, we are deeply grateful to all of the organizations here today working with at-risk children,” said June Otte, Samantha’s mother. “These blessings are only possible because of the amazing efforts of so many incredible supporters, including the Sammy Fund board, Gem City Breakfast Kiwanis and countless individuals and businesses who have generously supported our mission.” The Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund was created to celebrate the life and legacy of Samantha Otte by empowering children in our community to reach their fullest potential. Samantha, who passed away in March 2000 at 10 years old following a liver transplant made necessary by cystic fibrosis, left a lasting impact on those who knew her. Established by her parents, Chuck and June Otte, the fund was the Community Foundation’s first donor advised fund and continues to reflect Samantha’s spirit by supporting programs that inspire growth, artistry, and hope for area youth. “We are privileged to be able to work with the Ottes and the youth-serving non-profits in our region to see the effects of the grants from Samantha’s fund. We are so pleased to be able to honor her memory in this way, serving other children through the variety of programs and services offered by dedicated organizations that make a difference in their lives, each and every day,” said Kent Embree, Program Officer of the Community Foundation. Grants were awarded to the following organizations for the following projects: 1. Bella Ease Wrap around services for students 2. Birthday Blessings Birthday bags, care packages and bedding for Missouri foster kids 3. Chaddock Children's Foundation Equestrian Therapy funding through QUEST Stables of Quincy 4. CHART Teen Task Force Puberty, Periods and Growing Up 5. Cornerstone Foundations for Families Cornerstone's Comprehensive Youth Services 6. Covered Bottoms Diaper Bank Bridging the Diaper Gap in West Central Illinois 7. Douglass Community Services Kids in Motion Program5000 8. Embrace Children and Families Youth Scholarship Programs 9. Girl Scouts of Central Illinois Powering Girls' Potential - Direct Assistance for Adams County Girl Scouts 10. Horizons Social Services of Adams County KidzPacks Weekend Food - Spring 2026 11. John Wood Community College Foundation FY26 College for Life Scholarships 12. John Wood Community College Foundation FY26 JDub Academy Scholarships 13. Pike County Creative Arts Center Spring 2026 K-12 Semester courses 14. Quincy Art Center Art Education in the Schools 15. Quincy Children's Museum Maker Space Improvements 16. Quincy Community Theatre Student Theatre Support 17. Quincy Museum Educational Classes Support 18. Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association Support for Quincy Area Youth Chorus & Youth Orchestra 19. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois HSHS St. John's Hospitality Cart 20. Salvation Army of Quincy Pathway of Hope Family Activities 21. St. Dominic School Hands on art lessons with Becky Hoskins 22. The Child Advocacy Center of Northeast Missouri Child Abuse Prevention Education in Rural Schools 23. The Legacy Theater Foundation Youth Education and Enrichment Program 24. Transitions of Western Illinois New Swing Frame for the Transitions School 25. United Way of Adams County, Inc. Unmet Needs Support for Children 26. University of Illinois Extension - Adams Co Branch Office Youth and Outdoor Education 27. West Central Child Care Connection Born Learning Project 28. YWCA of Quincy YWCA Quincy move-in kits for families 29. YMCA of West Central Illinois - Quincy Family YMCA The Butterfly Effect: Empowering Youth to RISE