William E. Cross Special Needs Fund Established at Community Foundation

FREDERICK, MD – October 7, 2011: Helping others is the legacy of William Cross, who built and operated the Cider Barrel located on Route 355 in Germantown, MD. To that end, the William E. Cross Foundation has created The William E. Cross Special Needs Fund with The Community Foundation of Frederick County.

The fund, one of more than 615 component funds of the Community Foundation, will address the special needs of families who are facing catastrophic circumstances. Grants from the fund will support, but are not limited to the purchase of services and items that will alleviate the struggles that the families are facing, fees for training that foster self-sustainability, and assistance with medical expenses.

“This is a great partnership between the Cross Foundation and the Community Foundation,” said Donald Linton, Fund Representative. “Mr. Cross was a man who believed in hard work and perseverance and those principles brought him much business success. This new fund helps provide a source of grants to address extraordinary circumstances that will ultimately help people in need.”

Mr. Cross, who was also an engineer at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., bought the land in 1929 that housed the Cider Barrel, and eventually a restaurant and trailer park. His success has allowed him to give back to the community, not only through the grants, but through scholarships for post-secondary education as well.

The Community Foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to establish charitable funds that provide grants to area nonprofits serving the community and scholarships to students. Since 1986, more than $29 million has been awarded.  For additional information about the Community Foundation please call 301.695.7660.