DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Hampton Roads Community Foundation
Your name: Kate Hofheimer Wilson
Your position: Associate Vice President for Development
Company name: Hampton Roads Community Foundation
Website: www.hamptonroadscf.org
Phone Number: 757-622-7951
Business address: 101 W. Main Street, Suite 4500, Norfolk, VA 23510
Industry: Nonprofit
Describe what the company you work for does and what your position entails:
With roots dating back to 1950, the Hampton Roads Community Foundation is a permanent charitable endowment whose mission is to make life better in Hampton Roads through leadership, philanthropy, and civic engagement. Its vision is a thriving, more inclusive and equitable community with opportunity for all. As Associate Vice President for Development, I work with people from all walks of life to help them create their charitable legacy in their lifetime or through a gift in their will or trust. I also support the Community Leadership Partners, one of the Foundation’s two giving circles, bringing together a diverse group of people to discuss and collectively decide how and where to award $200,000 in local grants each year.
What is your personal connection to the Elizabeth River Trail?
As a Norfolk native and Ghent resident for 20 years, my love and appreciation for the trail has continued to grow over time. Currently, I use the trail to commute to work downtown and enjoy regular walks and family bike rides. I trained for two half marathons on the trail and was so grateful to safely run extra distances without needing to drive somewhere else. Public access to contiguous green space and nature in Norfolk is important to me, and I can’t wait to explore the ERT’s future extensions and connections to other trails.
Why did you/your company decide to provide sponsorship to the trail?
The Hampton Roads Community Foundation supports organizations that contribute to the health and wellness of our community. Because the trail is designed for running, walking and biking, it can have a positive impact on trail users’ health. The Foundation supports the Elizabeth River Trail because it has the potential to connect people, improve the health of the region’s residents, and help attract people here for employment.
Given your business expertise and the nature of what you do, what benefits do you feel the trail has for the business community?
The ERT is truly a means to “live, work, and play” and I appreciate that it offers a physical way to connect neighborhoods, communities, and businesses. I also love the ERT because it helps people connect to the environment through preservation, conservation, and simple access. Need to clear your head? Take a walk and enjoy the native plants and wildlife. Looking for more interaction? The trail can connect you to fairs and festivals, live music, baseball games, kayak launches, restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, libraries, ODU, and community yoga.
What’s your favorite trail moment?
So many! Dusk on The Glowline, sunrise along Town Point Park, sunset at Plum Point Park.
Favorite Trailgrazing spot? (i.e. best local food spot steps from the trail)
Morning stop at The Bakehouse at Chelsea, and evening bike ride to Grandiflora
Best view of the Elizabeth River from the trail?
I love the view from the Armed Forces Memorial, looking across the river to Hospital Point.
