Honoring a Legacy of Giving: The Orem-Lindon Endowed Fund

On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, members of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club gathered for their regular weekly luncheon. As has become our custom, the meeting was more than a meal, it was a time to celebrate service, recognize generosity, and learn from partners who are making a difference in our community.

 

Group photo with Brent Crane and Lynn Hillstead

 A special moment during the luncheon was the presentation of an award to longtime member Lynn Hillstead. The recognition honored Lynn’s generous $25,000 contribution to the Rotary Foundation Endowment Fund.

 

Honoring a Legacy of Service: Lynn Hillstead Establishes The Orem-Lindon Endowed Fund

 Due to Lynn's donation the gift met the $25,000 threshold, Lynn was able to establish and name a permanent endowment fund. He chose the name The Orem-Lindon Endowed Fund. This fund has been officially designated as an O-L endowment and assigned its own number.

 What makes this gift particularly meaningful is its long-term impact. The original $25,000 will remain intact in perpetuity; it will not be spent. Instead, the earnings generated from the invested principal will be distributed to the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club each year to help support both local and international service projects. In this way, Lynn’s generosity will continue to strengthen the club’s work for generations to come.

 This is exciting news also for the Utah Valley University Rotaractors. Since 2017, members of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club partner with Rotaractors by serving local communities in Utah County, and beyond, advocating for the State of Utah as one of the models of economic development among others issues. UVU Rotaractors are grateful to Orem-Lindon Rotarians, including Lynn Hillstead for their ongoing support for the advocacy of the Sustainable Mountain Development in the State of Utah and at the United Nations. 

In addition, the luncheon highlighted the broader impact of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club activities beyond Utah on community-driven initiatives such as the NGO Smart-Africain. Founded by Louyoko Nianza to promote leadership, education, and economic empowerment within African and diaspora communities, Smart-Africain works to foster a culture of excellence, responsibility, and service. Through advocacy, mentorship, and partnerships with local and international institutions, the organization encourages African engagement, sustainable development, and cross-cultural collaboration. Its vision aligns closely with both Rotary International and Orem-Lindon Rotary Club’s values, particularly in advancing community service, ethical leadership, and long-term solutions to social and economic challenges.

(L to R): Louyoko Nianza, UVU Rotaractor, Lynn Hillstead and Natalia Figueroa, UVU Rotaractor, After the Ceremony Announcing the Establishment of The Orem-Lindon Endowed Fund

 Moreover, any additional contributions, whether from Lynn or others, will increase the principal, allowing the fund to grow over time. It is a thoughtful and forward-looking act of stewardship that reflects Rotary’s commitment to sustainable service.

 The second highlight of the meeting was a presentation by our guest, Brent, who introduced us to the impactful work of the Food & Care Coalition (FACC).

 Founded in response to growing concerns about homelessness and poverty in Utah County, the organization traces its beginnings to 1986, when local religious leaders, public officials, and concerned citizens came together to address the lack of coordinated services. In 1988, Friends of the Coalition was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and the Food & Care Coalition became its operational arm.

 Today, FACC serves as Utah County’s only comprehensive resource center dedicated specifically to addressing homelessness and poverty. Its mission is not only to alleviate hunger but also to reduce the hardships associated with poverty by promoting self-sufficiency and dignity.

Photo of Cathy, President of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club, and Brent Crane after the presentation.

 The organization’s philosophy is grounded in a belief in the inherent worth of every individual and in the power of trusting relationships between patrons, staff, and volunteers. Charity and compassion from the community are paired with accountability and a desire for personal growth among those served. FACC provides a broad range of integrated services under one roof, including: Nutritious meals served seven days a week, nearly 100,000 annually, Medical, dental, and mental health services, Financial mentoring and employment assistance, Life skills training, Transitional housing (38 units) and 72 furnished one-bedroom apartments, By addressing immediate needs while also offering pathways to stability, the organization helps individuals and families rebuild confidence, restore dignity, and work toward long-term independence.

 We also hope to collaborate with Brent and his grassroots foundation to promote Student-Engaged Learning (SEL), which emphasizes active, hands-on learning and community involvement, and to maintain advocacy through service projects that empower participants and strengthen local communities.

 The February 11 luncheon captured the spirit of Rotary at its best. Lynn Hillstead’s endowment ensures that the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club will continue to fund meaningful projects well into the future. Brent’s presentation reminded us of the urgent needs within our own community, and of the power of collaboration in addressing them.

                    By Louyoko Nianza & Natalia Figueroa

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Utah District Rotary Newsletter About Lynn Hillstead Contribution

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