For Immediate Release:

May 15, 2011

JIM UNRATH IS NEW GIFT FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jim Unrath of Geneseo has been named executive director of the GIFT (Geneseo is for Tomorrow) Foundation. The position recently was created in an effort to make the community aware of the benefits of services provided by GIFT which has a motto of "Live Here, Give Here."

Jim said, "Once people are aware of the personalized services that GIFT can provide, we can assist them with their charitable donation and make certain their donation receives the stewardship it deserves and ensure that their assets are invested and distributed wisely.

"Our affiliation with the Great River Bend enables us to utilize the full benefits of their financial managers and expertise," he said. "GIFT may be the answer for anyone who would like to make a difference for the Geneseo community and at the same time create a lasting legacy."

The idea for the GIFT Foundation started in 2002 when the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce directors held brainstorming sessions looking for ideas that would propel the community into the future. The Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, based in the Quad Cities, provided a good example and offered support. GIFT was born as an affiliate of the Great River Bend, allowing it to pool assets with the larger foundation for administrative and investment purposes, said Unrath.

The first board of GIFT directors was appointed in August of 2003 and began the work of marketing the concept to the community. Bob Kuhns is president of the current GIFT board and explained the reasoning for creating an executive director.

"Our board is made up of volunteers, and we felt that one dedicated position would offer more stability for the board and also provide answers about GIFT. We have had a search on for a director for the last two years and we believe Jim is a perfect fit for the position. He has had a great deal of experience with the public, with individuals and with organizations."

Jim worked in education for 22 years and most recently was director of athletics and activities at United Township High School, East Moline, until his retirement.