At a luncheon held on November 12, the Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) awarded the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council (LSEDC) a $20,000 grant in the Community Action category. The challenge grant will help fund a campaign to build a performance and arts center in downtown Lee's Summit. LSEDC, in association with the City of Lee’s Summit and the Martin City Melodrama, has developed initial plans to renovate the historic Arnold Hall for performances with a long-term goal of creating an Arts District in downtown Lee's Summit.

In honor of National Philanthropy Week, THCF awarded nearly $185,000 from 12 of its 160 endowments through the Community Grants Program. The Community Foundation hosts needs assessments throughout area communities to determine regional priorities and then annually awards grants to nonprofits who demonstrate the greatest potential to address the needs of our communities. During the 2009 Community Grants Luncheon, 55 nonprofits received financial support.

About LSEDC

The Lee's Summit Economic Development Council (LSEDC), a public-private sector partnership, is the city's designated marketing and product development arm to retain and attract business. LSEDC is devoted to improving the economic well-being of residents and businesses in Lee's Summit. For more information visit www.leessummit.org