The Wish
On June 20th, 1961, a wish was granted. George B. Dedrick left one million dollars of his estate to establish The Geneseo Foundation. His hope was that others would contribute funds to benefit the community of Geneseo and surrounding area in Illinois.
Mr. Diedrick believed that by reaching out to those in need, and by supporting the search for knowledge, The Geneseo Foundation could have a positive impact on the lives of citizens in Geneseo and the surrounding areas.
The wish would allow Geneseo to become an enlightened community; one that was genuinely concerned about the less fortunate. In the process, Geneseo would become a better place to live, work, and grow.
The Purpose
- For assisting charitable, benevolent, civic or educational institutions, whether support is in whole or in part, by private donations or by taxation.
- For the care of the sick, aged, handicapped, orphaned and helpless, and the care of needy men, women, and children.
- For promoting scientific or medical research for the advancement of human knowledge and the alleviation of human suffering, or the suffering of animals.
- For such other civic or charitable purposes as the Board
of Managers of The Geneseo Foundation may select from time
to time, after determining that such purposes are within its
province.
By establishing these principles, Mr. Diedrick was able to arssure growth and vitality for future generations.
A Message from the Chairman
In 1961, Mr. George B. Dedrick established the Geneseo Foundation. It is the role of the board of directors of Central Banc, Inc., who serve as the Foundation managers, to continue the goals Mr. Dedrick set forth. That is to assist with the health, education and welfare of the citizens of Geneseo and the surrounding area.
Mr. Dedrick's vision and generosity has had a great impact on helping many people and organizations become successful. When you choose to give to the Geneseo Foundation, the Board of Managers carefully considers where the greatest need may be when selecting recipients of Foundation awards.