Rowan Business Alliance is proud to boast about its many members who embrace our vision -- successful businesses, significantly engaged in activities that better their communities -- in their everyday affairs. And a perfect example is the Blanche and Julian Robertson Family Foundation.
A long time member, the Blanche and Julian Robertson Family Foundation works to support the projects and programs of nonprofits in the community.
Begun in 1997, the Foundation hired David Setzer as Executive Director to oversee the $18 million Julian Robertson Jr. donated. At the dedication of Gateway Park in 1997, Julian Robertson Jr. announced that he would start a foundation in his parents’ honor.
Julian Robertson died in 1995 at age 95. He was a prominent business leader both in Salisbury and the state. Setzer said the late Julian Robertson was an influential man, who knew how to bring people together. Setzer added that he was a very good decision maker.
Blanche Robertson died in December 1993 and is often described as a charming and witty lady. Setzer said she was “a delightful lady,” who was very active in the community. The couple attended St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
In its first year, the Foundation honored 49 grants, totalling more than $1.5 million and to date, the Foundation has given away $9.4 million in grants to 90 local organizations and agencies.
Setzer remembers fondly many of the Foundation’s contributions and the projects and programs they assist, like renovations on Livingstone College’s campus, the development of houses for families needing a fresh start and several programs to assist children in need. Now the Foundation has a continuing grant program, which Habitat For Humanity, Rowan Helping Ministries, Communities in Schools, the Community Care Clinic and the Day of Caring participate in.
The initial Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, Bill Kluttz, worked with many current board members. Today, chaired by Jimmy Hurley, the board consists of three Robertsons: Julian Robertson, Jr.’s sister Wyndham Robertson and sons Alex Robertson and Spencer Robertson. Other board members include James Whitton, Margaret Kluttz, Catrelia Hunter, Clay Lindsay, Jr., Scott Maddox, Lillian Morgan and Fred Stanback, Jr.
Even though it has been through hard economic times, the Foundation is still holding strong. Starting with $18 million, the Foundation took a hit, when investments lagged during recent economic lulls. Julian Robertson, Jr. came forth with another $11 million. “He set something up and has made sure it stayed viable,” Setzer said. “That’s certainly noteworthy.”
