Fresno Regional Foundation

1998-2000: Reflections of Inclusion

Reflections of Inclusion

As the millennium came to a close, the Foundation continued to gather stature and influence. It was a time of rapid change, as noted by Jesse R. Arreguin, Executive Director from 1998 to 2004. It was Arreguin who helped update the Foundation’s use of technology, encouraged FRF to join the League of California Community Foundations, and encouraged the support of grass roots organizations such as Hope Now for Youth.

Also, with the new year came a new organization strategy for the Foundation as it changed from a trust to a non-profit corporation.

The Foundation was blessed with a series of dynamic board presidents during this time. With strong vision from Valerie Vuicich, business savvy from Donald Fischbach, judicial judgement by the Hon. Robert Oliver and Don Frason, out-of-thebox creative thinking from John Blossom, M.D., as well as a strengthening of internal controls by accountant John Heberger, the Foundation had a momentum and excitement about it. It would need that momentum to face the challenge of the stock market crash in 2000 as well as the unsettled times following September 11, 2001.

Next: 2001-2004: Reflections of Stewardship

40-year Reflections

• Letter from the CEO
• 1966-1972: Reflections of Integrity
• 1973-1997: Reflections of Vision
• 1998-2000: Reflections of Inclusion
• 2001-2004: Reflections of Stewardship
• 2005-Present: Reflections of Excellence
• Graph: Pathway to Leadership and Growth