In the 1990’s the Board of Directors of the Sunshine Cathedral took a long look into the future, realizing its leadership position in the community and the many groups and individuals it served. While never intending to be a community center, the Cathedral had been a meeting place for most of the significant gatherings of the community. Plus there was a certain sympatico with a number of the groups, a common purpose of service and enrichment that created a sense of ‘community ties’.

So, under the guidance of David Ratcliffe and his committee, Pastor Grant Lynn Ford and the Board established a Capital Development Fund. Dr. John C. Graves was the first to step up with a major gift of $200,000, which would ultimately become the financial base for the new Foundation. More of Dr. Graves’ generosity followed.