About TOVDLF
Building Relationships and Legacy
What is TOVDLF?
The Orvin and Viola Dennis Legacy Foundation also know as TOVDLF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was officially formed in October 2022. TOVDFLF was established as an entity to plan activities and family gatherings and create initiatives to build relationships among the various generations. We have such a strong family history, legacy, and spiritual foundation, and we thought it imperative to create a structure to build upon that inheritance and ensure a great future for Dennis generations to come.
The core of the foundation is made up of, at least, one (1) representative from each branch of the Dennis tree. These representatives are affectionally referred to as “Family Ambassadors” and/or collectively, the “Core Group.”
Our Mission
The mission of the Orvin and Viola Dennis Legacy Foundation is to intentionally preserve, cultivate, and transmit the spiritual values, cultural heritage, educational excellence, and community responsibility of the Dennis family to inspire wisdom, unity, and service in every generation.
Objectives & Initiatives
We believe that The Orvin & Viola Dennis Legacy Foundation, with our strong spiritual background, can have a profound impact on future generations and the broader community. Below are our goals and objectives, supported by relevant scriptures:
Fostering Spiritual Growth and Values
Goal:
To provide resources and opportunities for family members to deepen their spiritual understanding, practice virtues, and live by ethical principles
Objectives:
- Develop programs for regular spiritual study, meditation, and reflection.
- Organize workshops and retreats focused on values like compassion, humility and service.
- Encourage family members to engage in acts of kindness and charitable deeds.
Scripture: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6
Philanthropy and Community Service
Goal:
To create a lasting positive impact on society by supporting charitable initiatives and community projects.
Objectives:
- Allocate a portion of foundation funds to support local and global charitable causes.
- Establish partnerships with existing organizations that align with the foundation's values.
- Encourage family members to actively volunteer and participate in community service.
Scripture: "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." - Philippians 2:4
Preserving Cultural and Spiritual Traditions
Goal:
To ensure the preservation and celebration of family heritage and spiritual traditions for future generations.
Objectives:
- Document and archive family stories, traditions, and cultural practices.
- Organize gatherings or celebrations that emphasize spiritual teachings and rituals.
- Create a platform to share wisdom and insights from older family members.
Scripture: "Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you." - Deuteronomy 32:7
Education and Scholarships
Goal:
To promote education and lifelong learning as a means of personal growth and empowerment.
Objectives:
- Offer scholarships or educational grants to family members pursuing studies aligned with the foundation's values.
- Establish a mentoring program to guide younger family members in their educational journey.
- Support initiatives that promote spiritual and ethical education in schools and universities.
Scripture: "An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge." - Proverbs 18:15
Environmental Stewardship
Goal:
To instill a sense of responsibility for the environment and promote sustainable practices.
Objectives:
- Fund and participate in ecological conservation and restoration projects.
- Organize workshops and events that emphasize the interconnectedness of all life.
- Encourage family members to adopt sustainable lifestyle choices.
Scripture: "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." - Psalms 24:1
Remember, these goals and objectives are meant to be adaptable to our family's specific values and beliefs. Incorporating relevant scriptures can help provide a strong foundation for our Orvin and Viola Dennis Legacy Foundation's mission and activities.
TOVDLF is also committed to organizing various committees and events that support our family objectives, preserve our traditions and spiritual foundation, and nurture the growth of future generations. Through our events and programs, we seek to strengthen the bonds within the Dennis family and create lasting memories for all members. Join us in our mission to create a thriving community and uphold our cherished heritage.
If you’re interested in getting involved click the "Get Involved" button below explore the different committees and initiatives where you can make a difference!
The Core Group
President
Ralph Dennis
3rd Gen Ambassador
Leon Dennis
Ralph Dennis
2nd Generation
3rd Gen Ambassador
Portia Copper
4th Gen Ambassador
Timothy Schoolfield
Vaughn Dennis, Sr
2nd Generation
Amanda Watkins
Secretary & 3rd Gen Ambassador
4th Gen Ambassador
Stacie Watkins
Francis Dennis Deshields
2nd Generation
Vice President & 3rd Gen Ambassador
Harriett Dennis
4th Gen Ambassador
Shayla Dennis
Calvin Dennis
2nd Generation
3rd Gen Ambassador
Nadine Bishop
4th Gen Ambassador
Carlessa "Renee" Beckett
Bertha Dennis Bishop
2nd Generation
3rd Gen Ambassador
Peggy Clayton
3rd Gen Ambassador
Nancy Beckett
Nancy Dennis Price
2nd Generation
3rd Gen Ambassador
Vivan Ballard
4th Gen Ambassador
Erika Mathias
Mabel Dennis Townsend
2nd Generation
Treasurer & 3rd Gen Ambassador
Patricia Evans
4th Gen Ambassador
LaTrina Waters
Nettie Dennis Gale
2nd Generation
Signe Dennis
3rd Gen Ambassador
4th Gen Ambassador
Orvin Dennis
2nd Generation
Charlotte Harris
Secretary & 3rd Gen Ambassador
4th Gen Ambassador
Chareka "Tiffany" Harris
Viola Dennis Hughes
2nd Generation
3rd Gen Ambassador
Paulette Purnell
3rd Gen Ambassador
Janae Jones
Elsie Dennis Truitt
2nd Generation