It has been a year of celebrating milestones for the city of Mineola, which turned 150 years old this year.

Among those key dates recently discovered was the Meredith Foundation, which turned 65 years old on July 19.

Foundation chairman Bob Smith came across that date when preparing for a presentation to the Mineola Kiwanis Club last week.

The story of banker Harry Meredith’s foundation is well-known for its support of numerous community organizations.

Smith related that since its inception, as best as can be figured, the foundation has benefited the community to the tune of more than $38 million.

Among the largest benefactors have been the city and the school district. City Manager Mercy Rushing and Superintendent Cody Mize each acknowledged their organizations have each benefitted by more than $6 million.

Others on hand at the presentation representing groups that have benefited were the Mineola Civic Center, Grace Community Healthcare and the Lake Country Playhouse.

The foundation’s first major project was the Mineola Memorial Library, whose operations are still supported by the foundation.

Smith noted that for about the past 15 years, the foundation’s annual donations have topped $1 million.

About the only restrictions for seeking foundation funds are being within the Mineola ISD and being a 501(c)3 non-profit.

The lone exception is the Methodist Children’s Home in Waco, to which Meredith always donated.