It Starts with an Idea and a Gift - Rochelle Area Community Foundation

It Starts with an Idea and a Gift
BY JOHN SHANK Leonard Carmichael possesses
many qualities. He’s an astute business man, a
caring family man, a spiritual man, a community
leader, a philanthropist, and a friend to those in
need. But possibly his most endearing quality is
his ability to remain humble. It is with this in mind
that during this Christmas holiday season
Carmichael is celebrating the creation of the
Rochelle Area Community Foundation, while
downplaying the significant lead donation that he
made last week to propel the organization off the
ground. “I don’t want to publish a dollar amount,” he
said. “This isn’t about Maplehurst or the
Carmichaels, it’s about starting a community project
that will accomplish many things in years to come.”
This past Sunday, details of the foundation were
unveiled, and Carmichael envisions helping a wide
"Service to others is
the rent we owe for our
space here on earth,”
he quoted as tears
welled up in his eyes.
“The more you have,
the more you owe.”
Reprinted from the
Rochelle News-Leader,
December, 2005.
array of organizations and projects through funding
from endowments and gifts. “My hope is that this fund will basically support
activities and projects in the Rochelle area,” Carmichael said. “Whether it’s
Hospice, the hospital, Boy Scouts, Rochelle C.A.N., or other types of
organizations like these, it’s money that can help the community.” The foundation
board has an objective of reaching $4 million by the end of 2006 and is hoping to
grant some funds within the next year. While he’s not disclosing an amount,
Carmichael’s recent substantial contribution has put the foundation in the right
path toward its goal. Board members will review worthwhile projects and consider
requests for funds from non-profit corporations, including the arts, education,
health, community service and community developments. “I’ve had several
phone calls and inquiries since the announcement. Both from people wanting to
make a gift or others who want to get involved with the board,” Carmichael said.
It Starts with an Idea and a Gift
“A family friend of mine who lives in the area called and asked if it were possible
to move his family’s foundation from Arkansas into ours. It’s just a terrific
response.” The idea of the foundation came to Carmichael about 20 years ago in
Aruba, where he regularly vacations. “I walk in the morning with Ron Kline from
DeKalb. He would talk to me about how the DeKalb foundation was started
because he was the attorney that handled it,” Carmichael explained. “It was
intriguing and I wanted to see something like that here.” If you get it started it will
grow.” Carmichael points to his predecessors when discussing the success of
Maplehurst Farms and the agricultural grain business that has a long history of
prosperity. “It started with my grandfather in 1873 and we have five generations
involved with the business and another generation growing up now,” he beamed.
“The Lord has been good to us along the way.” At 85, Carmichael isn’t ready to
slow down. In addition to his daily duties, he has been organizing some of his
family’s history while also pondering his responsibility of sharing his success and
giving back to the community.