Founding church parishioner establishes outreach endowment

MORGANTOWN — Your Community Foundation (YCF) recently announced the establishment of the St. Thomas à Becket Outreach Endowment by Dr. William McCutcheon.
A founding parishioner of the St. Thomas à Becket Church more than 40 years ago, McCutcheon’s donation of $10,000 creates a permanent fund to serve outreach efforts in Monongalia and contiguous counties. The charitable fund will support basic needs of community members.
“I have something of a lifelong interest in the promotion and protection of what I consider to be human rights. For me, the latter include not only the basics such as food, shelter and clothing but also access to healthcare,” said McCutcheon regarding his motivation to create the endowment.
Regarding sustainability, McCutcheon said, “Currently, the function of providing for basic needs is principally assumed by nonprofit groups and government agencies, often with the latter supporting the former. This arrangement provides for variable outcomes on a year-to-year basis and consumes an inordinate amount of resources and time in just the necessary fundraising efforts.
“I am suggesting the endowment concept can go far in beginning to rectify this situation by providing a stable funding source for targeted objectives, that grows with each passing year. It is this concept that forms the background for the establishment of the St. Thomas à Becket Outreach Endowment.”
Outreach is a significant part of the church’s mission and ministry. Recent community outreach programs include the Milan Puskar Health Right’s shower project, stocking the Scott’s Run Settlement House food pantry, and making donations to local nonprofit organizations such as Empty Bowls Monongalia and Habitat for Humanity.
“By establishing an endowment fund with YCF, Dr. McCutcheon’s generosity will provide lasting support for critical needs of community members for generations to come,” said YCF President Patty Showers Ryan.
YCF invests the funds and provides the annual earnings to the St. Thomas à Becket Outreach Committee for its charitable work.
Parishioners and community members are encouraged to add to the St. Thomas à Becket Outreach Endowment with special event proceeds, donations in memory or in honor of loved ones, stock transfers, IRA distributions, or by including YCF in their estate plans. The support of the community plays a pivotal role in creating a sustainable fund for outreach.