About Us
What is the Mount Dora Community Trust? A more accurate question might be “Who?” because the Trust is composed of citizens whose collective goal is to safeguard and advance the community through support for local education, youth sports and activities, and benevolent causes assisting those in need.
These civic-minded individuals and businesses have united to assure a thriving future for our community by performing the following functions:
Investments
The First National Bank of Mount Dora oversees the administration and investment of the Trust’s funds. John Pease IV, Senior Vice President and Trust Investment Officer, handles the investments; C.E. (Ed) Brooks III is the Trust Department's Executive Vice President and Vice Chairman of the Board and currently handles administration with Karen Shyers’ assistance.
Grants
Trust grants are distributed by a unique committee of five members who donate their talents and energies to build The Mount Dora Community Trust.
- A City of Mount Dora Council-member – our current councilperson is Glenna Burch; previous members have included Judy Smathers, Larry Baker, George Romano and Jim Snell.
- A member of the Board of the Chamber of the Commerce – our present member is Kim Stewart; past representatives have included Betty Hensinger, Barbra Perfecto, Lou Biron, and William Brooks, III.
- A member of the Ministerial Association of Mount Dora – currently serving is Woodleigh Volland; past members have included Jim Keough, David Canther and Thomas Biery.
- A rotating seat among the local service clubs – this seat is now represented by James (Jim) Croson of the Rotary Club; previous seats have been held by Mary Pezzo of the Lions Club, Glenna Osborne of Kiwanis, and Kevin Batliner of the Rotary Club.
- A member of The First National Bank's Board of Directors – our present Director is Sam Sadler III, who replaced “Mr. Mount Dora” himself, Dick Edgerton.
The Trust helps newer organizations, such as Carpenter's House for Children, fulfill their respective missions while providing continuous funding to longtime successes such as The Center for the Arts, The Library Association, and the area Chamber of Commerce.
Wherever you look in Mount Dora, whether it’s children’s programming, community health issues, artistic projects or educational opportunities, the Mount Dora Community Trust has been a strong and vigilant partner.
How You Can Help
For our partnership with the community to grow even stronger, we need your help. Please remember us in your charitable contributions and your estate planning. We are happy to work with you and/or your attorney, accountant or financial advisor.
One of our previous members said it best: “There is no greater satisfaction than doing something for someone you will never know, and no greater reward than seeing the benefits of your generosity take hold.”
With questions about how you can help promote better education, youth programs and assistance for the disadvantaged here in Mount Dora, please contact Executive Director Kevin J. Batliner at info@MountDoraCommunityTrust.com.
Thank you for your generous support.