John W. Sheppard: 30 years of giving
From the Trustees and Staff of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation and the community at large, thank you, Johnny, from the bottom of our hearts for all that you have done.
BY JULIA EAST President and CEO, Southwest Florida Community Foundation

COURTESY PHOTO John W. Sheppard

Since this column is set aside each week to discuss aspects of giving whether the giving is for a nonprofit organization or individual or by a nonprofit or individual, we feel we must call attention to an individual who has given passionately to the Southwest Florida Community Foundation for more than 30 years.

John W. Sheppard (affectionately known as Johnny), along with several other local business leaders, was instrumental in the establishment of the Community Foundation in 1976. The Community Foundation, beginning with an initial gift of $500 and growing to more than $57 million in assets, has made a significant contribution to Southwest Florida that will be felt into perpetuity.

Since its inception, Johnny has served as the Community Foundation's pro bono legal counsel providing his invaluable legal and tax knowledge.

Acting as pro bono legal counsel, Johnny has reviewed the Community Foundations many legal documents as well as spent hours researching state and federal laws in order to appropriately advise the Foundation. Conservative estimates show that Johnny has provided 500 hours of legal counsel per year which would equate to approximately $150,000/year in savings to the Community Foundation.

In addition, Johnny serves tirelessly as a Trustee, writes tax related articles for the Community Foundation's newsletter (and this column), and acts as our ambassador to the community.

Within hours of Hurricane Charley striking our community when phone lines were down, Johnny went door-to-door to obtain appropriate Foundation Board approval to take immediate action and establish an emergency relief fund. He then spent many days afterward raising donations for the fund from donors across the community.

Last year, the Community Foundation obtained National Standards Compliance status through the Council on Foundations.

This rigorous process took more than a year to complete and many hours of dedication and hard work by Trustees and staff members to compile the necessary data to meet the requirements. Johnny devoted many hours to this arduous task allowing us to achieve this honor.

Beyond his contributions to the Community Foundation, Johnny serves his church, gives blood on a regular basis, and picks up and delivers donated food for Wake Up America. Johnny and his wife, Ellen established the "Teddy Bear Program," which provides teddy bears to healthcare workers, EMTs, emergency rooms, helpicopters, ambulances and other locations serving sick or injured children and adults.

While I am sure this is not a complete list, it illustrates his daily desire and passion to serve his community. Johnny Sheppard has quietly and humbly given to this community and this Community Foundation every day with no expectation for anything in return.

From the Trustees and Staff of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation and the community at large, thank you, Johnny, from the bottom of our hearts for all that you have done.

The Southwest Florida Community Foundation has been supporting the communities of Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades and Hendry through endowed funds for more than 30 years. With assets of more than $57 million and 314 endowed funds, the community foundation has provided more than $30 million in grants and scholarships to the communities it serves.

For more information, please call 274-5900, or visit their web site at www.floridacommunity.com.