The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties received a $220,000 gift to establish a Val and Bill Tillett Scholarship.

As a graduate of Northern Virginia Community College’s horticulture program, Val Tillett was enthusiastic to pave the way for others to benefit from a similar degree.  “It just seemed like a good idea. Somebody will need the support,” she shared.

The Horticulture program at the Community College’s Loudoun location is one of its kind in the mid-Atlantic region, offering degrees and certificates in Horticultural Design as well as Landscape Design Specialization.

Val, originally a city gal from New York City working in advertising, moved to Loudoun County decades ago.  It became a place of expression for her artistic abilities in stained glass and, eventually, in landscaping.  “It took me 12 years to complete my landscaping degree at NOVA Community College, but, I did it,” she said.  She noted how the teachers were committed to student success.

Loudoun County led to her favored vocation and also her future spouse, Bill Tillett.  The Tillett and Munday name are well-known to erstwhile dairy farmers of Loudoun County as generational farmers.  In addition to milk-cattle farming, Bill’s grandfather owned a General Store in Waxpool that opened sometime around 1898. It served as the area’s post office and meeting place, complete with household items like nails, pans, medicine, clothing, animal remedies, and human fair like candy, oats, pickles, and flour. Today, the store and much of its contents are on display at Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, including a 1953 phone book listing local four-digit telephone numbers.

“The Tillett’s are a community gem and Loudoun legacy,” said Community Foundation CEO Amy Owen. “They’ve generously shared tangible and touchable history with Loudoun County, and now, they’ve taken a powerful step that will touch lives today, tomorrow, and into forever through vocational education and the Val and Bill Tillett Scholarship Fund.  We couldn’t be more honored to steward their legacy.”

About the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties

Founded in 1999 by local volunteers, the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designed to accelerate community giving for common good in Loudoun and northern Fauquier counties, surrounding areas and across the nation. Since its inception, the Community Foundation has granted more than $12.3 million. Donors who include the Community Foundation in their philanthropic vision benefit from low fees, knowledgeable staff, and personal assurance that legal and accounting issues are managed under one cost-effective banner: the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties. CommunityFoundationLF.org (703) 779-3505.  www.communityfoundationlf.org and www.givechoose.org