Endowment fund created
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

Murl Lehman, director of Miracle Hill Rescue Mission, at left, and supporter Howard Baker stand beside a plaque that honors seven "Miracle Makers" who made sizable donations to the ministry's endowment fund.

The continued giving by Miracle Hill Ministries to needy Cherokee County residents has opened room for it to reap a harvest.

At a ceremony Wednesday at the organization's rescue mission on Henderson Street, Miracle Hill presented a check in the amount of $100,750 to the Cherokee County Community Foundation (CCCF) officially launching its first endowment fund.

"This endowment really gives us a strong base for the future," Miracle Hill CEO and President Reid Lehman said. "It really helps us do more to help needy persons in our community."

"It is great to see things like this come to pass," Miracle Hill supporter Howard Baker said. "It gives me the chance to look forward to greater opportunities for this organization in the future."

The organization in March set a goal of $50,000 to be raised by the end of last year. With the help of donors, Miracle Hill was able to more than double that amount, creating a strong financial base for maintaining the ministry.

"This is a fabulous opportunity for us to see the fruits of our giving and that of others," Janet Yusi of Miracle Hill Ministries said. "The Lord has truly opened things up for us."

The funds will be kept in the community to help support local operations. The organization will be able to withdraw from annual earnings an average of 4 percent of the value of the endowment each year.

Miracle Hill Rescue Mission Cherokee County opened in November of 2000 as the Harbor of Hope. The 44-bed shelter provides emergency services, hot meals, clothing, use of laundry facilities, counseling and access to local health and human services.

The rescue mission recently served its 75,000th bed.

"The landmark of serving our 75,000th bed along with this endowment have made for an incredible start to 2008," Reid Lehman said.

Seven donors, which the organization has dubbed "Miracle Makers," were recognized during the ceremony. Their names are included on a plaque honoring their support of the ministry. Special supporters of Miracle Hill, "Miracle Makers" made endowment or planned gifts of at least $5,000 or placed the organization in their wills.

"As the scripture says on the plaque, we are 'to be generous when given the opportunity to help others in need'," Murl Lehman, director of Miracle Hill Rescue Mission, said. "Donors answered the call and I am thankful to everyone who had something to do with this effort."