Directors of the Piedmont Community Foundation (PCF) announced a permanent endowment fund with grant making capacity that has been opened in tribute to local legend Frederick Lionel Spencer, Jr. whose life was taken in an automobile accident in April.

To reflect Fred's unique and lively spirit, his widow Molly chose to have the fund support charitable organizations in the arts, music and drama, all areas that were dear to Fred during his lifetime. The establishing donor of the Frederick L. Spencer, Jr. Memorial Fund wishes to remain anonymous.

The new fund was revealed on May 31, 2007 at a reception for PCF attended by 50 neighbors and friends at the home of Brad and Bailey Davis. Molly Spencer was in attendance and thanked PCF President J. Bradley Davis when learning of the legacy being created for her wonderful Fred. She told those gathered at the Davis reception that Fred was famous for his quirky poems and she "found them everywhere" without warning during their long life together. To illustrate her point, Molly brought to the reception some folded lined yellow tablet papers that had been past shopping lists or "to do" lists that she had created, and on the flip side were the poetic humorous writings of Fred. There was bittersweet laughter and warm response as she recited a few phrases of Fred's creative musings that remain as a comfort and joy to family and friends.

Speaking of friends, those were never in short supply for Fred Spencer. In the many "to-do" lists he kept for things he intended to get done in the near future and long term, the entry "Make more friends" was an intention that Fred attended to every day of his life. The new PCF fund in his name is another way that Fred's legacy can touch more lives going forward. No matter which memory friends list as their favorite Fred moment, his rich legacy of how to live life to the fullest will infuse every memory and every deed done in his name.

The community can expect that the first grant from the Frederick L. Spencer, Jr. Memorial Fund will be available for grant application in the fourth quarter of 2008, and every year thereafter. Those wishing to remember Fred Spencer though his endowment fund at the PCF can send their remembrance to: PCF, P.O. Box 402, Middleburg, VA 20118. For questions regarding the new Fund please contact PCF executive director, Karen Krei, at 540-687-5223.