Grants awarded by Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund to support local youth programs

QUINCY — Twenty-three local nonprofit organizations recently were awarded grants in memory of Samantha Otte, supporting initiatives that will impact hundreds of area youths through programs focused on creativity, leadership and humanitarian initiatives.

More than $50,000 in grants were distributed this year from the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund, managed by the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri. The presentation was at Bella Ease, one of this year’s grant recipients. The fund was established in late 2000 and has continued Samantha’s legacy of empowering and inspiring young people.

“Twenty-five years of annual Sammy golfing events. Ten years of the Breakfast Kiwanis putting on fun- filled tournaments. Eighty-seven grants of more than $629,000 allowing all area children to access opportunities every child needs. Ten years and two months of life with our precious Samantha. Countless times we have witnessed the goodness the Community Foundation grants bestow on local children needing a boost,” June Otte, Samantha’s mother, said in a press release. “Still, we struggle to find words adequate to convey our deep gratitude. Saying thank you is simply not enough. We have witnessed the power of a most generous, loving community.”

The Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund was created to celebrate the life and legacy of Samantha Otte by empowering children in the community to reach their fullest potential. Samantha, who died in March 2000 at 10 years old following a liver transplant made necessary by cystic fibrosis, left a lasting impact.

Her parents, Chuck and June Otte, established the first donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation.

“It is truly humbling to watch Samantha’s impact and legacy grow year after year through grants from her fund,” Community Foundation CEO Catherine Bocke Meckes said. “Her spirit lives on through each child who benefits. The community is a better place because of Sammy and her family.”

Grants were awarded to the following organizations: