Meredith Fox Fund Benefits a 2PC Family
Kamba Samuel, a senior who will graduate later this month, and his younger brother, Asu Banga, a tenth grader, both graduates of Binghampton Christian Academy (BCA), are experiencing the joy of a top-tier Christian education at Evangelical Christian School courtesy of the Meredith Ashley Fox Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Established by the Second Presbyterian Church Foundation in December 2009 through an initial planned gift of $100,000 by Antoinette and John Good, the Meredith Fox Scholarship Fund is in memory of Meredith Fox, who attended ECS as a freshman. Meredith is the daughter of Roy and Terri Fox and sister of Roy and Margaux Fox, all Second members. Since the Meredith Fox Fund was established in 2009, approximately 100 families have given more than $169,000 to the Fund. At this time, the Fund’s growth is sufficient to allow two BCA graduates to attend ECS at the same time. A goal is to have one BCA student in every grade of the high school level.
Kamba Samuel, son of long-time second member Flora Banga, entered ECS with the support of the Meredith Fox Scholarship as a ninth grader in 2014. While at ECS, Kamba has played football all four years. He has maintained a solid grade point average as a student-athlete. According to Kamba, through football he has made great Christian friendships that will last a lifetime. Kamba has had several knee injuries playing football. Reflecting on his injuries, Kamba says “there are times when you are down, but I have learned you can’t give up.”
When asked how ECS has prepared him for college, Kamba responded: “I know when I go to college, not everyone will believe like I do or have the same values. My ECS education, particularly my senior Bible class with Mr. Brink, has really caused me to think about what I believe. It is not just a Sunday morning thing; bringing Christ and my faith into my daily life is important. I want to practice Christian apologetics when I get to college.”
Kamba has been accepted to a number of colleges including Mississippi State, University of Memphis, Ole Miss, CBU, Union University, and UT Chattanooga. He worked on scholarship and financial aid applications, which were important in his ultimate decision to attend the University of Tennessee Knoxville. He will take his first year of classes through UTK’s bridge program administered through Pellissippi Community College, while otherwise living on the UTK campus and becoming involved in campus life. Kamba knows that college will be hard, but he says his ECS education has prepared him well for the challenge, both academically and from a Christian worldview perspective.
Asu Banga, Kamba’s younger brother and Flora’s middle child, is the other recipient of the Meredith Fox Scholarship. A sophomore at ECS, Asu played basketball and was a soccer manager as a freshman and again this year. Asu would like to play football in his junior year. When asked about his basketball experience, Asu says, “Basketball has helped me make friends and has motivated me to try to keep my grades up.” Asu also likes how the Christian faith is an important part of every subject, and that has taught him to care more about his faith. Asu also enjoys being called “little Kamba” on campus, because Kamba has been a good role model for him.
The Meredith Fox Scholarship Fund is an example of the Foundation’s impact within our city. Kamba Samuel, when asked what the scholarship has meant to him, stated “I would never have had the opportunity to attend ECS without the scholarship. My parents haven’t had to worry about my brother and me getting a good education. The scholarship has been a real blessing to our family.”
20th Anniversary Dinner Highlights
On April 6, more than 275 individuals gathered to be informed on the extent of the ministry impact that our God has clearly enabled through the Second Presbyterian Church Foundation during its first 20 years and to give Him the praise for His mighty works. God provided the vision for the Foundation and moved among this congregation to carry out the vision. Without either the vision or the response, the ministry impact would not exist.
The evening began with remarks and an invocation by Carson Weitnauer, a former seminarian supported by the Foundation to attend Gordon Conwell who now works for Ravi Zacharius International Ministries. Chairman Rick Moore provided a 20-Year Review. He and Vicki Simmons, Foundation Executive Director, recognized Monte Weaver for his 22 years of service to the Foundation (see below). A video was also presented that highlights the works accomplished through various ministry partners.
Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO of Reformed Theological Seminary, spoke on Generosity for God’s Global Glory.
George Robertson introduced Dr. Duncan and also closed out the evening event. His comments regarding the Foundation focused on the fact that with well over $25,000,000 granted to date, this endeavor of making the Gospel visible through the Foundation is one that no one among us and apart from each other could do on such a scale.
Monte Weaver – Thank You!
Monte Weaver has provided 22 years of service to our church and our Lord in what we now call a successful enterprise — The Second Presbyterian Church Foundation. He has done it all. He helped envision it, shape it, develop it, and grow it, always listening to and working collaboratively with others. He has challenged those around him to always think strategically no matter the topic and to always keep true to the missional plumb line.
His ready response when explaining the passion he exhibits for the spread of the Gospel is what the Lord has done in his life. He is an inspiration for service solely motivated by the joy for the Lord.
The Foundation Board adopted a resolution that was presented to him by Chairman Rick Moore at the 20-year celebration event. The photograph above was taken at the event and includes (l to r) current Chairman Rick Moore, Senior Pastor George Robertson, and former Chairmen Monte Weaver and Smoky Russell.
CGA Payout Rates To Go Up
There is good news regarding rates for Charitable Gift Annuities. The American Council on Gift Annuities (ACGA) has just announced that new suggested maximum rate schedules will be effective July 1, 2018.
The Foundation uses the ACGA rates when it issues charitable gift annuities. The ACGA provides actuarially sound suggested maximum CGA rates that balance the dual objectives of an attractive payment stream for the annuitant and a good gift for the charity.
The ACGA has been promoting responsible philanthropy since 1927 and has a long and distinguished record in this area. It is recognized by charities, donors, state insurance departments, and the IRS as serving the best interests of all parties.
The rates will be rising by 0.30% to 0.50% for those ages where most annuity contracts are issued. The new rate schedules are to be published by ACGA in mid- May. Be on the lookout for specific information or email Vicki Simmons.
Questions about the Foundation?
Contact vicki.simmons@2pc.org
or visit the 2PC Foundation online