In April 2003, three weeks after Jessica Lynch was reported missing, the PACF Executive Director received a telephone call requesting information about how to give to benefit Wirt County. A donor, requesting anonymity, represented several individuals on the Board of an organization from out of town. As these individuals watched the national news coverage, they were deeply moved by the spirit of community at work in the Mid-Ohio Valley and wanted to do something to honor Jessica by benefiting her home county of Wirt.
Since the donor group particularly wanted to do something that would carry Jessica’s own name permanently to applaud the community spirit of the citizens of Wirt County, they decided to make a contribution to open a fund in her honor that would benefit Wirt County. The Jessica Lynch Fund for Wirt County was then established with LKACF, a PACF affiliate.
After the fund was established, the PACF Executive Director communicated with Debbie Hennen, Wirt County Assessor, who in turn discussed the Fund with a member of Jessica’s extended family. As they concurred that this new fund would be well received by Wirt Countians, the Foundation proceeded to establish it. However, out of respect for Jessica’s privacy and with concern that public support continue to be directed to the fundraising that was ongoing to assist Jessica and her family with their immediate needs, PACF purposefully delayed announcement of this new fund until Jessica was found safe.
The Jessica Lynch Fund for Wirt County will be a community grant making fund, and if it grows, it will be expanded to provide scholarships in Jessica’s name to Wirt County students.