Here at the Wayne County Community Foundation, we work with donors to help fulfill their philanthropic goals while they’re living and/or once they’ve passed. Each fund that we hold is as unique as the donor that established it. It’s one of the great joys of the work: to get to know the donors and the cause area that they’re most passionate about. It also makes the work of a community foundation quite complex as there is not a one-size-fits-all mold to fit in. 

One fund I’d like to share was established by Raymond Hamill, former judge and attorney in Honesdale. Ray was a former board member at the Foundation. He and his wife, Donna, established the Substance Abuse Awareness, Education, and Treatment Fund a few years ago to support people experiencing substance use disorders and addiction, and to provide funding for education on substance use in our community. Ray and Donna are the epitome of altruistic donors who look to give all four “T”s of philanthropic assets—time, talent, treasure and ties. 

I’ve gotten to know Ray and his family quite well over the years and quickly learned of his quiet generosity, which has been sustained over many decades. As a board member over the last few years, I could always count on Ray to offer a thoughtful listening ear and sage advice—incredibly valued qualities of nonprofit board members. 

During his time as judge, he worked to establish the Wayne County Drug Court, which has had tremendous success at providing an opportunity for those battling substance use disorders to be held accountable through a rigorous program, counseling, and monitoring rather than jail time.  Through the Substance Abuse Awareness, Education, and Treatment Fund, Ray and Donna’s generosity will continue to have a positive impact on community members. This fund helps to remove barriers to recovery for those in treatment, ensuring that financial barriers are not impediments to their success. The intent continues to be to give our community members a hand up during a time of need—as we all, at one time or another, will be in need of support. 

Even during these darkest days of the year, I hope you are inspired by Ray’s generous spirit, and I encourage you to consider what you can offer to our community in the form of your time, talent, treasure or ties. It could be a donation of some food to our local pantry system, a financial gift to a nonprofit you care about, offering support for a neighbor or friend, or even just sharing a cause you care about to others. Philanthropy looks different for everyone but the spirit of generosity is a bright light, even when things seem to be at their darkest. Our world depends on reciprocity and generosity. 

To make a donation in Ray’s memory, please visit www.waynefoundation.org and select Substance Abuse Awareness, Treatment and Education Fund from the drop-down, or you can send a check to the Wayne County Community Foundation at 918 Church St., Honesdale, PA 18431. 

Ryanne Jennings is the president/CEO of the Wayne County Community Foundation.

Raymond Hamill passed away on December 8, 2024.