A Legacy of Service
Four County Community Foundation
Highlights of 1988 to 1997
Highlights of 1988
In the early years, the Foundation had no office or staff. Meetings were held at the St. Joseph Hospital cafeteria.
The Executive committee met with the St. Joseph Tri-County Women's Auxiliary to assist in meeting their fund raising challenge by participating in the annual Fiesta.
Among the Foundation's first grants were those to the Imlay City Hispanic Center to sponsor the SHARME program, and the First Sunday Support Group For Bereaved Parents.
Certification of tax exempt status, and compliance with the "Public Support Test" was received from the Internal Revenue Service.
A Substance Abuse Program administered by personnel from St. Joseph Hospital was conducted on site in all six school districts of the Foundation service area. This program was begun due to the needs assessment done in 1988 with all the school districts. Grants were given to: Almont Community Schools, Armada Area Community Schools, Capac Community Schools, Dryden Community Schools, Imlay City Community Schools, and Romeo Community Schools.
Highlights of 1989
The board of directors approved a resolution to join the Council of Michigan Foundations. Over the years, the benefits of membership in this organization have helped the Foundation to expand its services and better serve our communities
W. K. Kellogg Youth Fund: In 1988, the W. K. Kellogg Foundation announced a matching grant program to all Community Foundations in the State of Michigan. It was a challenge to foundations to include a Youth Initiative Program. All foundations willing to participate must develop a Youth Advisory Committee composed of persons from grades 7 through 12. The challenge was to develop young people in philanthropy. The students are given the opportunity to take an active part in their community and be involved in something larger than they are. This foundation decided to accept the challenge from Kellogg in May, 1989. This was the first new fund started with the Foundation.
A total of slightly over $200,000 was granted for health, social services, educational, and substance abuse programs to the school districts and various agencies in the communities. The Board established a search committee to seek and recommend the hiring of a staff person.
Highlights of 1990
Peggy Hamilton was hired as Director of the Foundation and the first office was opened at 133 South Main Street in Romeo. The business of the Foundation had been handled by volunteers since it's inception in April, 1987. The Board submitted the initial grant request to the W. K. Kellogg Foundation Youth Initiative for $100,000. The "Challenge" grant must be matched on a two-to-one basis, with the goal of raising $200,000 by November, 1993.
The first concert series was begun with approval for six performances.
Highlights of 1991
The W. K. Kellogg Youth Initiative Kick-off dinner was held on April 22nd at Lenny Miller's restaurant with Governor and Mrs. Engler (photo on the right) in attendance. This was the Foundation's first major fund raising event. The dinner brought in $7,179 toward our challenge grant. Total donations received as of December came to $47,891.
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Russell W. Ligon |
Russell W. Ligon Memorial Engineering Scholarship: Russell W. Ligon was born at the newly opened Community Hospital in 1959. Grandson of James D. Ligon, Founding Member of the Community Hospital Foundation; son of James T. Ligon, Sr., Founding Member of Four County Foundation; brother of James T. Ligon Jr., current Four County Community Foundation trustee, Russell came from a heritage of community service. He graduated as co-valedictorian in 1977 from Almont High School and was as Eastman Scholar at MSU, where he graduated in Mechanical Engineering in 1981. Russell's wife, Bonnie, was also a Founding Member of Four County Foundation. Following Russell's untimely death in a tragic airplane crash in 1991, memorial funds were used to help establish the Russell W. Ligon Memorial Engineering Scholarship at Four County Community Foundation. Since its inception, the fund has been added to through special events, generous contributions from family members, and public support.
The 1990-1991 Annual Report was published in the fall. Some of the major grants listed were: Almont Schools Summer Migrant Program; First Thursday Health Screening; Hispanic Services Center of Imlay City; Lions/Quest Skills for Growing; Romeo Community Service Center; St. Joseph's Behavioral Medicine Joint Intervention Program; and the Volunteer Tutors Association of Lapeer County.
Highlights of 1992
The concert series Dinner Theater and Village Singers programs sold out, and other concerts were well attended. The picture on the right was taken at the Messiah Concert. The proposed program for the '92-'93 season was approved. Total cost was $21,210, and revenue $19,775, resulting in a small loss. The board considered the cost was an excellent tool for our Friends of the Foundation Program.
Bill Wood and Ed Risch are shown on the left at the first Golf Outing held on August 15 at the Romeo Golf and Country Club. Both men loved golf, and it was their idea to establish an annual outing as a fun event to help the Foundation. Forty-eight golfers attended and $2,079 was raised.
The office lease expired, and the Foundation was moved to larger quarters at 155 S. Rawles in Romeo on July 1. An open house was held on September 27, 1992. This location was again to prove too small within a few years.
The Fiesta 1992 was held. Judy Czerepowicz reported on the event, which included a car show, swap meet, renaissance festival, pony rides, a dunk tank, and several food concessions.
The office of Vice-President was created on September 28 to assist in fundraising to meet the Kellogg Initiative goals. John Ligon, grandson of James D. Ligon and nephew of James T. Ligon, Sr., was elected to fill the position.
21st Century Education Fund: The 21st Century Fund was created. This was a new endowment fund begun by an anonymous donor for various special classroom projects in our area schools. It was born out of a need presented by a teacher. A board member was attending conferences at his daughter's school. The teacher expressed a desire for big-print books to use in story-telling, but there was no money to purchase them. He wanted to help, and knew that other business people and community members would - if they knew how. His idea was to provide mini-grants directly to individual teachers for classroom assistance. This became the 21st Century Education Fund.
Highlights of 1993
"Words and Music of the Civil War" was part of the concert series this year. The Royal Blueberry Players and Romeo's Village Singers combined their talents as an authentic Civil War-era brass band, called the Dodworth Saxhorn Band, played music of the period.
The 17th Michigan Regiment presented reenactments in Civil War costumes. The gourmet dinner buffet featured Northern and Southern specialties.
The Michigan Opera Theatre residency program was held in the Romeo, Almont, Armada, and Capac school districts in connection with the Michigan Opera Theatre Community Concert. Workshops offered vocal, drama and improvisation techniques. Performances of the children's opera Cheering up a Princess were well received by the students of our area schools who attended.
The board of directors' first retreat was held April 17, 1993 at the St. Clair Inn. It was conducted by Kathy Agard of the Council of Michigan Foundations, and followed by a dinner for board members and husbands, wives, or significant others. The Golf Outing was suspended for this year, due to a late start in planning. It was also decided that the Fiesta will not be supported in 1993. A fundraising dinner was held November 20 at the Greystone Golf and Country Club, and was well attended.
A motion was passed to change the foundation's fiscal year (April 1 to March 31) to a calendar year effective January 1, 1994.
Science projects were among those funded by grants from the 21st Century Fund. On the left, Capac teacher Mr. Burns is using egg cartons to demonstrate how the compound eyes of a dragonfly work.
The Concert series was managed this year by Jerry & Linda Pakkala, after being managed by staff and volunteers since its inception. Messiah was performed, and also concerts by Kid's Stuff, The Boy's Choir from Ann Arbor, The General Assembly (Big Band Sound), and a Dinner Theater featuring Killer by the Course, a murder mystery.
Kellogg donations reported at the January meeting reached $101,410. Total receipts for the Kellogg Fund reported in September were $143,704. By October the total was $188,479, and we went over the top--$200,000-- in December.
Highlights of 1994
A special presentation of a $100,000 check from Kellogg to Four County Foundation was made to Past President James T. Ligon at the February 24, 1994 board meeting (Photo on left). Kellogg Youth Advisory Committee members on the right celebrate receiving the check.
The Golf Outing was held August 6, at Lum International Golf Club.
The Four County Foundation voted to replace Trac Star with FIMS computer software, and to have computer training for the new program.
Waste Management Environmental Fund: Created as part of the W. K. Kellogg Youth Initiative campaign, the Waste Management Environmental Fund was established this year. "We live in a beautiful area of Michigan," said Angelo Caramagno, Division President of the company and Four County Foundation board member. "We want to join with local citizens to guarantee that our children will enjoy the same natural resources that we have now."
The Armada Education Foundation created a fund with Four County Foundation in September by making an endowment contribution of $5,000. The four major areas covered are: Computers, Science and Math, Art Enhancement, and teacher mini-grants. The Karras Pelfrey Memorial Scholarship Fund was started on November 14.
The Youth Advisory Committee Spring 1994 scholarships were given to Eric Glavich, Andrew Hashikawa, Mariesa Chartrant, Dalia Smith, Jodi Remenap, and Sarah Clauw.
21ST Century Education Fund Spring 1994 grants were awarded to Almont Elementary Schools for Peer Mediator Training, to Armada High School for Discovery Magazine Videos, to Armada Elementary School for Discovery Day, to Armada Elementary School for an Alphabet Library, to Capac Elementary School for "Pals", to Capac High School for Business Services Tech Lab, to Capac High School for Leadership Workshop, to Dryden Elementary School for Learning Disabled/Emotionally Impaired Computer Project, to Dryden Elementary School for Math Manipulative, to Dryden High School for Living in Tomorrows World, to Dryden Elementary School for Math Pentathlon, to Borland Elementary School for Historical Play Scripts, to Borland Elementary School for a Laser Disc Player, and to Imlay City High School for Earth Day Edition of Newspaper.
Youth & Education grants were made to Ruth Hughes Memorial Library, Quest for Success: Channel 6, for Westland and Borland Elementary, Almont Elementary, Armada Elementary, Dryden Elementary, Armada Elementary, Indian Hills, Washington Elementary, Romeo Elementary, and Hamilton Parsons Elementary Schools.
Highlights of 1995
The board decided to apply for "Community Foundation" status. The State of Michigan certified that status in June. The first result of this action is that donations to any endowed fund are eligible for a Community Foundation Tax Credit for both individual and business donors. In addition, it provides an annual qualification that the Foundation is operated with paid staff, has an independent board of trustees that represents the public's interests, and annually meets both IRS regulations as a non-profit corporation and has an independent audit conducted.
The board applied for an additional Kellogg Youth Challenge Grant in the amount of $37,500, which required that the Foundation raise $75,000 by 12/31/95.This amount was successfully reached by July 27. The matched grant of $37,500 was received in March of 1996.
The 21st Century Grants presentation was hosted by the Armada Area Schools. Director Peggy Hamilton is shown announcing an award, which is being presented by one of the YAC members to a teacher. Musical entertainment was provided by band members and a group from the choir.
A proposal was adopted that the President of the YAC serve on the Board as a member for a one year term. Due to State Law, youth were unable to be voting members. An Emeritus Board also was created to recognize exemplary service to the Board of Four County Foundation, and to assist in fund raising and friend raising activities.
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Roland & Kathleen Graubner |
Roland W. Graubner Endowment Fund for the Romeo District Libraries: Roland and his wife, Kathleen moved to an orchard in Romeo in 1958, after the death of his aunt, who owned the property. Though he was vice-president in charge of bank investments when he retired from Comerica Bank in 1963, "I was always a frustrated farmer". A quote from his nominating letter to the Library Board in 1988 reads: "Mr. Graubner's contributions to the library are innumerable. He was instrumental in the formation of the district library at a time when funds for the Village Library were insufficient to assure its continued existence."
Mr. Graubner served the Romeo District Library for over 25 years, and was a founding trustee of Four County Community Foundation. As the culmination of a lifetime of community service, he has chosen an Agency Endowment Fund as the perfect vehicle to ensure a legacy for the Romeo Library.
Highlights of 1996
The death of Trustee William Wood in June saddened all. He was the first Board member to die in office. His family recognized the deep commitment he had to the Foundation and continues to support it today.
Due to limited office space, the decision was made to move the Foundation office to 210 N. Rawles in Romeo. The date for the move was 7/1/96.
Another application for a Kellogg Matching Grant for $150,000 was submitted. $75,000 had already been raised. The Development Committee proposed, and a motion was made and passed, that the Foundation hire a full time Fund Development Officer. Katherine Horton was selected to fill that position. One of her first activities was the Gala Evening dinner/auction held October 29th at Lenny Miller's in Dryden. "Swing the Night Away" was the theme, and Gordon Riewe (on the left) volunteered his services as auctioneer.
Loral E. Watson Endowment Fund: Loral E. Watson was known to generations in the Capac area for her years of dedication and service to the students and families of the Kelly School in Mussey Township and for schools in both the Capac and Yale school districts. Her legacy of excellence lives on through this fund, created in May. It provides special educational enrichment opportunities in the Capac area such as: field trips, science or math materials, computer software, and books or library programs.
Rhonda Nugent Memorial Fund for Disadvantaged Children: Jonathan Nugent began the fund as a memorial to his deceased wife. Rhonda had been Special Education Director, Dean of Students at Imlay City Middle School. Started with contributions from family and friends, the Fund has continued to grow through events sponsored by the entire Imlay City School System.
Highlights of 1997
In keeping with the change in Foundation status, it was decided to change the name from Four County Foundation to Four County Community Foundation. The logo with the addition of the word "community" is shown on the left.
In February it was announced that Four County had successfully completed the $150,000 Kellogg Challenge, and the matching check for $75,000 was received in March. The goal for the final round of the Kellogg Challenge to be raised by 12/31/98 was set at $750,000.
The Imlay City Schools became the first to request that Four County handle their scholarship funds. During the year, a total of seven funds were established to benefit students chosen by a school advisory committee. Later in the year, two similar funds were set up to benefit Capac Students. The Lapeer Regional Hospital Endowment was started in June, and the Friends Operations Fund began in December.
The annual golf outing was renamed the Bill Wood Classic in honor of our deceased board member and former co-chairman. His brother-in-law, Bernard Stremler, took his place as Trustee with the Foundation, working on the event with Ed Risch.
Elliot Burns's resignation was accepted with regrets. Hal Hooks was elected to serve the balance of the President's term through December, 1997. Kathy Horton's resignation as Fund Development Officer was also accepted with regrets. The position was left vacant.
A resolution was adopted appointing Vanguard Personal Advisory Service as managers of the mutual fund portion of the FCCF investment portfolio.
Darin Conrad Education Fund: This fund was started in December in memory of a fun loving young man. Darin loved sports and nature, and considered hunting and fishing his relaxing moments. One of his interests took the form of participating in the Dinner Theater productions at Capac High School. He was a young man trying to enjoy life to the fullest!
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