GCCF unveils Rodger Wilder Legacy Fund, presents $50,000 checks to two other funds

Gulf Coast Community Foundation honored a founding member of the organization by endowing a fund in his name. The news was announced at GCCF’s 35th anniversary celebration in a breakfast held Friday at the Knight Nonprofit Center in Gulfport.

The new Rodger Wilder Legacy Fund honors the former CEO and will be used to address child welfare needs across the six South Mississippi counties served by GCCF. As of October 10, $36,500 had been raised for the fund.

The foundation also presented two other checks at its donor appreciation breakfast.

GCCF presented a $50,000 check to the Stone County Community Endowment Fund. The match donation will enable the fund, established in 2023, to support different charitable needs in Stone County.

And the Biloxi Wade-In Fund, established in 2023, also received a $50,000 check. This fund will support the design of the Biloxi Wade-In Memorial at the site of the historic series of protests that spanned from 1959 to 1963.

“It’s an amazing way to start the celebration of 35 years of impact by unveiling the Rodger Wilder Legacy Fund and presenting significant contributions to the Stone County Community Endowment and Biloxi Wade-In funds,” said Dr. Christen Duhé, GCCF president and executive director. “These donations represent our commitment to empowering communities and preserving history.

“We also kicked off our rebranding with a new logo that reflects our vision for the future and how GCCF will continue to serve as a catalyst for positive change.”