11.16.2007 - 





























  
  The George and Viola Taliaferro Fund supports needs of youth. 


Viola "Vi" and George Taliaferro have lived in Bloomington for 35 years, where Vi served many years as a Judge in the Monroe Circuit Court and George followed his standout Indiana University and National Football League playing career with a distinguished tenure as a university administrator at Indiana University.

In addition to their professional roles, the Taliaferros are active in numerous community organizations and activities. Thus, both are well-versed in the many local assets of our area, including rich and diverse arts, culture, recreation and entertainment resources.

In fact, Senior Judge Taliaferro feels a personal obligation to ensure that youth of all means are exposed to these wonderful opportunities.

"As long as there are children in the community who are need of assistance, for whatever reasons, it is our responsibility as members of the community to assist them, directly or indirectly," Judge Taliaferro says.

Vi certainly speaks from experience. She worked as a high school teacher, teaching economics and business law, and after getting her law degree in Bloomington, served many years on the bench as a juvenile judge.

"It is difficult and sometimes heart-wrenching to become involved with children who are in need—especially those children who are victims of abuse and neglect," she says. "Nonetheless, we must find ways to address the needs of children and families without intruding or disrupting the family. One of the many ways we can assist in this effort is through the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County."

Here too, Judge Taliaferro speaks from experience. Not only did she serve on the Community Foundation Board of Directors from 1997-2002, including one year as board president, but the Taliaferros established a donor advised fund in 1998. As donor advisors, the Taliaferros recommend charities to receive grants from the fund each year.

Awards from the George and Viola Taliaferro Fund have consistently supported children’s needs through Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Central Indiana. It is just one step towards a larger objective.

"The Community Foundation has made a difference in the lives of citizens in numerous ways, and that’s one of the reasons that George and I support it financially and endorse its goals," Vi explains.

The Taliaferros have used a rather simple approach in order to make a profound impact in Bloomington and Monroe County.

"The saying that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ is really true," she said. "It doesn’t mean that we go into homes to raise children. It means that we have to create a community that gives a child an opportunity to grow, develop and become a good citizen. And all of us can help with that."

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