As local business owners, Dan Poeta of Horizon Heat & Air and Matt Johnes of Hannah Flanagan's have always made charitable giving a priority of their operations. Both understood the importance of giving back to the community that has supported their businesses over the years. Eventually there came a time when they each found themselves wishing for an avenue that would help their philanthropy evolve and make the most impact.
In 2015, Dan pursued one of those avenues and met with Community Foundation staff to set up the Horizon Heat & Air Community Fund, a Donor Advised Fund. Creating a Donor Advised Fund offered structure and organization to Dan’s giving process. In the first year the Horizon Heat & Air Community Fund was established, $12,000 was awarded to 15 local organizations.
After learning about Dan’s fund and giving process, Matt connected with Dan and the pair quickly concluded that their goals paralleled and that doubling their dollars would make even more of an impact for those in need.
Since its inception, the Charitable Giving Program has awarded more than $350,000 in grants to local nonprofits. As of 2023, the Program is funded by six different local businesses -- all of which are working to help make life better for all in Henderson County.
Recipients for 2024 have been announced and are listed here.
The Work with Heart Charitable Giving Program is made possible by the following partners: