During their lifetimes, the Leibich family (creators of Sysco) generously supported their community through a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation and the creation of two scholarship funds.
Upon their passing and the passing of their son Richard, the Herbert K. and Isabel C. Liebich Endowed Fund was left to the discretion of the Community Foundation’s Grants Committee with the restriction that the grants distributed support underserved communities and “new Americans.”
As we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July, we are conscious of what independence means to all Americans, the native-born, naturalized, and the hopeful – individuals who have fled difficult circumstances in hopes of achieving the “American dream.”
The Liebich’s generosity and foresight, allowed to Community Foundation to grant more than $65K to nonprofits in our region supporting the arrival of refugees to the greater Capital Region. Congratulations and thank you to the agencies in our community working to support newcomers seeking refuge in our region: Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, Inc. (RISSE), Columbia County Sanctuary Movement and Capital District Latinos, Inc.
We can’t think of a better way to honor the Liebich family and their values than by responding to the emerging needs of newcomers in celebration of July 4th.