DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Root Company, Root Family Foundation, and the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties (CF/UWVFC) announce the establishment of the Root Company Community Fund, a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) that channels corporate philanthropy directly toward the region’s most critical needs while giving Root employees a voice in which local charities the fund supports.
The partnership expands Root’s philanthropic investment while introducing a new model: employees across the company can recommend grants, ensuring corporate giving stays in the community.
“The Root Company Community Fund is the best vehicle for keeping our large, geographically diverse family focused on helping the community that has been our home for 75 years,” said Preston Root, President, Root Glass Co. archives. “It allows us to support programs and people who need our help with confidence that every gift reflects our values and follows best practices. As a seventh-generation family business, a DAF assures us we can continue this legacy of support for generations to come.” Preston Root has long represented the family’s commitment to the region’s wellbeing as a native born at Halifax Health.
“The Root family and Root Company have been longtime supporters of the United Way and Volusia and Flagler counties. The creation of this fund is one more example of that commitment, which has thrived since Chapman Root relocated the company to the Volusia-Flagler community in the 1950s,” said Glenn Kindred, CEO of the Root Company.
CF/UWVFC serves as partner and steward, providing the infrastructure, expertise, and community trust Root sought in a collaborator. As the region’s longest-serving philanthropy organization, CF/UWVFC has built deep knowledge of Volusia and Flagler’s priority needs — education, youth opportunity, financial security, and community resiliency — and a proven track record of mobilizing resources toward measurable outcomes.
“This partnership reflects what’s possible when a company with long term community involvement meets a foundation with deep community knowledge,” said President and CEO of CF/UWVFC Courtney Edgcomb. “Root’s commitment to sustained, employee-informed giving sets a model for corporate philanthropy that serves the community first. We’re honored to steward this legacy.”
Companies ready to simplify their business’ charitable plans can explore Donor-Advised Funds and other philanthropic partnerships at ConnectVFC.org.
