FCi Federal Founder Sharon D. Virts announced Aug. 15 the launch of the Sharon D. Virts Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) established to focus on the fundamental pillars required to support a thriving community – education, culture, health care and opportunity.
“I was born and raised in Loudoun and have lived here most of my life,” Virts said. “I established my foundation to focus on preserving the culture and history of our county while embracing economic progress that improves access to cutting-edge health care, education and transportation systems. I am fortunate to have achieved success in building my business, affording me the opportunity now to give back to our community. I formed this foundation to do just that … make a difference in people’s lives by promoting opportunity for individual success without sacrificing our culture or our history.”
“Having recently begun the 2-year renovation of historic Selma Mansion here in Loudoun County,” Virts continued, “I feel a deep connection to the many historical properties in need of support. Maintaining our cultural heritage is important to today’s residents and future generations.”
Rep. Barbara Comstock, R-Va., joined Virts for the launch. Comstock represents the 10th Congressional District of Virginia
“We appreciate Sharon’s commitment to preserving the history and culture of Loudoun County and her family history rooted in our community,” Comstock said. “Sharon has fully committed to preserving this legacy for future generations and has understood how critical continued economic growth is to our region, growth that is balanced and keeps Loudoun as one of the most culturally and historically rich, as well as one of the happiest counties in the nation. Sharon’s foundation will work to strike the necessary balance between growth in Loudoun and the continued preservation of the culture that makes Loudoun an exceptional place to call home.”
In its first award to reflect one of the foundation’s core missions — assisting with historical and cultural preservation — Virts presented a $10,000 check to The Land Trust of Virginia board member James E. “Jim” Rich.
“The Land Trust of Virginia is honored to receive the first grant from the Sharon D. Virts Foundation,” Rich said. “Sharon’s devotion to preserving the fabric of the land and our Loudoun communities is unparalleled; we are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder in the important work of saving land and history.”
The Land Trust of Virginia partners with private landowners who voluntarily protect and preserve properties with significant historic, scenic and ecological value to benefit the community through conservation easements.
Virts is active in the Loudoun community, serving as chair of the Loudoun Economic Development Commission; member of the CEO Cabinet for the Loudoun County Chamber; board member of the Dulles Corridor Rail Association; director of Loudoun INOVA Hospital Foundation; adviser to the board of trustees of the Hill School in Middleburg, Virginia; and member of 100WomenStrong. She lectures nationally on leadership development and small business growth.
