ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
Since its announcement last spring, the Columbia Foundation has been setting plans in motion to expand its mission by broadening the depth and breadth of its giving. The Foundation continues to work more closely with the Club’s Board of Governors to develop ways to support Club employees and their families, since impacting individuals in our community remains its primary goal.
The Columbia Foundation was established on October 25, 1996 by as a charitable foundation to facilitate charitable and educational purposes, of interest to the Bethesda/Chevy Chase community, including the membership of Columbia Country Club. Originally, the Columbia Foundation was responsible for the acquisition, operation and maintenance of Hayes Manor as an historic landmark, operated responsively to membership's expressed philanthropic desires. From inception, however, The Foundation has also been attentive to the charitable interests of the members of the Columbia Country Club, its primary supporters. At the time and since the disposition of Hayes Manor, it was determined to continue the philanthropic endeavors of the Columbia Foundation.
From its launch in 1996 and through the last 23 years, the Columbia Foundation has provided nearly $600,000 (including $57,500 this December) to small local charities, filling seemingly small needs that are often life-changing. The Foundation embraces the Club’s honored “warm Columbia welcome” and spreads that goodwill throughout the D.C. Metro area.
The new year promises collaboration and progress for the Columbia Foundation as it evolves into an integral part of the overall Club experience. Here’s to a productive and inspiring 2020!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 Frank Cantrel, President"Being on The Columbia Foundation Board is a meaningful way to serve both our employees and the local community of which Columbia is an important part." |  Sue Cook-Guzman, Vice-President“The Club has been my family’s ‘home away from home’ for the past twenty years. Serving on The Columbia Foundation Board is my way of showing our gratitude to members, staff and leadership alike.” |  Tony Washington, Treasurer"Prior to joining The Columbia Foundation Board, I had seen the positive impact its philanthropy had in the community. Serving on the Board is an honor and it has been a real pleasure to be a part of helping to continue Columbia's tradition of giving." |
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 Jennifer Vermillion, Secretary"Being on the Columbia Foundation Board has been a great experience. It’s given me the opportunity to support the Columbia community and give back to local non-profit organizations." |  Mark Belles, DirectorIt is an honor to be on the Columbia Foundation Board and engage with so many talented and passionate Directors. I look forward to partnering with the Board and membership to positively impact our amazing employees and our local community. |  Don Chomas, Director“For me and my family, Columbia Country Club feels like a homecoming and a vacation wrapped into one. The warm welcome is real every time I arrive on the property. My contributions to The Columbia Foundation feel like nothing more than a tiny down payment on the good karma that has come from the Club.” |
 Joe Corcoran, Director“Serving on The Columbia Foundation Board allows me to give back in a small way to the wonderful Columbia employees and the community in which we live.” |  Tammi Houton, DirectorHaving worked with the Foundation from the vantage point of a partnering nonprofit, I have seen the impact our Club can make. I am pleased to join the Foundation Board to continue their efforts in advancing the work of local nonprofits and engaging our membership. |  Scott Huguely, DirectorI look forward to serving as a Columbia Foundation Board Member. Columbia has always been a part of my life and I cherish the opportunity to support our wonderful, hard-working employees as well as various organizations within our community. |
 Chris Lamond, Director“The Columbia Foundation is more than the charitable arm of our Club. With a vison for truly impacting our community in positive ways, the Foundation is well situated to build off its great history and inspire our membership to support our shared mission.” |  Molly McNamara Hugo, Director |  Yogini Patel, Director"I joined The Columbia Foundation Board during the pandemic because I was inspired by and am thankful to the Columbia Club Board, the members, but most importantly, to all the Club staff. They kept us safe, while also sustaining an environment to which we can escape and spend time with our friends and family. We truly are a village in every sense of the word." |
 Betsy Pothier, Director“I am a third generation Club member with many family traditions shared at Columbia. Serving on The Columbia Foundation Board is an honor and a privilege, affording an opportunity for me to give back not only to the Club, but also to the community at large.” |  Catherine Zimmermann, Director"Giving back to our community and supporting Columbia’s employees motivates me and inspires my participation in The Columbia Foundation. I'm thankful to volunteer my experience and skills to help the Foundation achieve its goals.” |  Caroline Cunningham, Ex-Officio“I have been honored to serve on The Columbia Foundation Board for the last five years, and now as its President. I am inspired by the extraordinary group of talented Board members who have transformed the Foundation’s philanthropy and engaged Club members in meaningful ways. As a former career non-profit President, I am humbled by the Foundation's growing impact on the lives of our employees and those in need in our community.” |