News & Stories

Partnering for a Better Quality of Life

After Charles Worthington “Chipper” Hoff IV became president of Farmers and Mechanics Bank in 1977, he quickly became involved in some of the community’s largest and most active organizations. Owing in part to his enthusiasm for and involvement in his adopted hometown of Frederick, Chipper was also one of the first people to whom Don Linton and the late Charlie Main reached out to in 1986 when they decided to try to form a community foundation here in Frederick County.

The Jessica Murphy Fund – 20 Years of Impact

In 1999, Jessica Murphy, the 14-year old daughter of Don and Sue Murphy, died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Jessica was days away from starting her sophomore year at Governor Thomas Johnson High School, where she was an involved student who worked hard academically and excelled at volleyball, basketball, and softball. She also tutored students at Spring Ridge Elementary School and worked part-time. Don, Sue, and their son Brad wanted to honor Jessica’s life and preserve her legacy, and so they created The Jessica Lee Murphy Memorial Fund with the Community Foundation. Now, in December 2019, the fund is in its 20th year and has disbursed more than $64,000 in scholarships and grants within Frederick County.

De Willard: Forward Thinking and Innovative

If ever there was a testimony to the benefits of hard work, it’s local businessman and Community Foundation of Frederick County supporter De Willard. Fit and energetic at 87, De admits to working long hours for most of his life, a habit that has obviously agreed with him.