This year, over $50,000 in grants were distributed from the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund, managed by the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri. The presentation took place at Bella Ease, one of this year’s grant recipients. The fund was established in late 2000 and has continued Samantha’s legacy of empowering and inspiring young people.  

 

“Twenty-five years of annual Sammy golfing events. Ten years of the Breakfast Kiwanis putting on fun-filled tournaments. 87 grants of over $629,000 allowing all area children to access opportunities every child needs. Ten years and two months of life with our precious Samantha. Countless times we have witnessed the goodness the Community Foundation grants bestow on local children needing a boost,” said June Otte, Samantha’s mother. “Still, we struggle to find words adequate to convey our deep gratitude. Saying thank you is simply not enough. We have witnessed the power of a most generous, loving community.” 

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.  

 

In her memory, her parents, Chuck and June Otte, established this fund at the Community Foundation. As the Foundation’s first donor advised fund, it continues to honor Samantha’s spirit by supporting opportunities that inspire growth, artistry and hope for area youth. 

 

“It is truly humbling to watch Samantha’s impact and legacy grow year after year through grants from her fund” said Catherine Bocke Meckes, Community Foundation CEO. “Her spirit lives on through each child who benefits. The community is a better place because of Sammy and her family.” 

Grants were awarded to the following organizations: 

• Bella Ease 
• Birthday Blessings 
• Chaddock Children's Foundation 
• CHART Teen Task Force 
• Cheerful Home Child Care & Early Learning Center 
• Cornerstone Foundations for Families 
• Covered Bottoms Diaper Bank, Inc. 
• Embrace Children and Families 
• Friends of Bailey Park 
• Girl Scouts of Central Illinois 
• Horizons Social Services of Adams County, Inc. 
• Jackson-Lincoln Swimming Complex, Inc. 
• John Wood Community College Foundation 
• John Wood Community College Foundation 
• Muddy River Opera Company 
• Quincy Art Center 
• Quincy Children's Museum 
• Quincy Community Theatre 
• Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association 
• Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois 
• St. Dominic School 
• Transitions of Western Illinois 
• United Way of Adams County, Inc. 
• West Central Child Care Connection