A Legacy of Service
Four County Community Foundation
Highlights of 1998 to 2003
Highlights of 1998
In March, $143,092 was received as a partial payment for the amount raised to date towards the Kellogg Challenge. The Golf Outing was again enjoyed by all, and resulted in $10,323.00 being raised for the 21st Century Fund.
ACTA-Ruth Isaacson Memorial Scholarship: Ruth Isaacson was a lifelong resident of Armada who graduated from the Armada Area Schools in 1949. Briefly working as a teacher, she left to become Operating Manager of her family's business. While managing a company & raising a family, she was still an active and well loved volunteer in her community
The Fund was begun by the community to honor her commitment. The scholarship highlights community involvement and philanthropy.
Peggy Hamilton resigned as Executive Director in May. A search was begun, and the board approved that the Executive Committee enter negotiations with Janet Bauer for that position. In July, Janet (shown on the right) became the new director. In September, Christine Gabridge was hired as Administrative Assistant.
General and 21st Century Grants totaling $88,780.00 were awarded. On the left is a picture of students & staff attending "Summer Camp for the Blind". A Four County grant sponsored tuition for two campers
The Gala Auction was held, and $41,246.00 was netted for the Friends Operations Fund. Shown on the right are YAC members and Advisors, who always worked enthusiastically to make this event a success. (The cowboy in the center back row is a cardboard cutout.)
Nancy B. Barr Adult Education Scholarship: Nancy Barr taught adult ed & believed that it was never too late to finish your education & pursue your dreams. She believed that anyone who wanted to do so should be given the opportunity. When Nancy passed away, her family & friends created the endowed fund. This provides Romeo & Capac adult ed students with a chance to fulfill their educational dreams. These awards carry on the work that Nancy believed in during her lifetime, a legacy of caring - forever.
Other new funds this year were: the James E. Neely scholarship to benefit Armada students; the Harry Bussel and Marion Fischer funds for Capac students; and the Richmond Athletic Club Endowment.
Highlights of 1999
The Foundation's endowment exceeded $5 million for the first time. A shortened calendar of six Board meetings, to more closely match the grants and business cycle of the Foundation, was presented and approved.
The Executive Director reported that the Foundation exceeded the Kellogg Challenge of $750,000. We therefore received both the balance of $231,980 and an additional $3,800. This concluded Kellogg Foundation Youth Initiative Challenge. From its inception in 1991 the Kellogg Challenge awarded a grand total of $591,300 to Four County Community Foundation. Although the Kellogg challenge has been discontinued, the YAC groups throughout the state continue to function. Over the years, our YAC organization has gone from simply a collection of young people to an active unit working together in philanthropic endeavors. They aim for representatives from all six school districts in the Four County Community Foundation service area. They are Almont, Armada, Capac, Dryden, Imlay City and Romeo. The number of YAC members varies from year to year, with a goal of three students from each district.
The YAC conduct a needs assessment every three years. Grant priorities are to be based on the results of this survey. They set the guidelines, created the application, and developed the selection process. They also developed a new logo, new membership policies and a group grant program.
The Bill Wood Golf Classic was held at Greystone Golf Club. It was successful in raising over $10,000 for the 21st Century Fund. The event has been blessed with supportive golfers, prize donors, and sponsors. It was a day of fun and good works, thanks to the efforts of Ed Risch and Bernie Stremler shown on the right, and their tireless committee.
The board toured the Octagon House at 231 E. St. Clair in Almont. The property could potentially be used as the Foundation office. The Foundation held a reception at the house after a memorial service for Fredrick P. Currier III, whose ancestors built the home in 1854.
The Gala Auction gross receipts were over $43,000, with net being approximately $37,000 for the Friends Operations Fund. Grants this year included: baseball field improvements in Dryden; funding for "The Zone" youth activities program in Imlay City; Senior Assist Program in Romeo; Building Trades Construction videos for Armada; Crossroads Alternative High School Child Care Program in Capac; and the program "Michigan Bats & Their Habitats" in Almont.
In June, the Gualdoni Family Scholarship was established to benefit Capac Students. By December, thirteen new funds were added when Romeo Community Schools became the third district to bring their scholarships to Four County.
In December the first Professional Advisor Luncheon Event was held. A PowerPoint presentation, developed by Williams Marketing, was featured. An Advisor Manual, compiled by Director Janet Bauer with cooperation from the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, was given to each guest. These methods of presenting our message were the result of a state wide program begun at the initiative of the Council of Michigan Foundations. Above are Janet on the right and Ed Risch next to her, with some of those who attended.
Highlights of 2000
Three Board members - David Bishop, John Bishop, and Ed Risch - leave under the recently initiated Term Limits Policy which they proposed. All were Founding Board members and have remained active in the Foundation as Emeritus Members.
In February work began on the development of a website. Donor and Grant information links were followed by those for Board info, History, and the Youth Advisory Committee. A listing of funds and their priorities provides a guide for grantees, and a link provides a grant application download. By April the site was up and running. Advisor circle, newsletter and annual report links were also added. Numerous phone calls can now be answered with a simple "Have you checked our website?"
The Golf Outing was held at Pine Valley Golf Club this year. It was successful in raising almost $11,000 for the 21st Century Fund.
The Executive Committee was authorized to act on behalf of the Foundation in the purchase of the Octagon House, 231 E. St. Clair, Almont, Michigan, subject to limitations. The House was purchased on September 27. Money donated by Robert & Marilyn Currier was used to establish the Four County Community Foundation Home Fund, to provide for renovation and major maintenance of the house.
Justin "Jut" Bullock Memorial Scholarship Fund: Jut was a graduate of Capac High & was known for his good natured attitude. He loved golf and wrestling. In July 2000, while a second year student at St. Clair Community College, he lost his life in a motorcycle accident. Lori & Barry Bullock, Jut's parents said "We thought if we can't bring him back, let's do something positive. Keeping his memory alive is very important to us." Lori & Barry created a memorial scholarship in honor of their son. The fund also benefits youth projects such as the Capac Senior All Nite Party. In 2001, an annual golf tournament was established by the family.
Other new funds established included the Ottevaere Safe Horsemanship Fund, the Sillers Family Fund, and the Healthy Seniors/Healthy Youth Fund. The Healthy Fund receives money from the Council of Michigan Foundations which is part of the Tobacco Settlement for the State of Michigan.
In September, the Foundation met standards set by the Council of Michigan Foundations to participate in the Venture Products marketing initiative. At the Board Meeting in October, it was voted to adopt the new logo which is being used statewide to identify community foundations.
Highlights of 2001
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Octagon House |
Four County Community Foundation comes home to Almont! In February the Foundation moved into its first permanent home. Now in a more central location of its service area, the Octagon House has given a face to our name. The warmth and graciousness of the house provide a much more inviting atmosphere for donors, grantees, and all who come to visit. The house is listed in the National and State Register of Historic Places. It is believed the house was built in 1854.
Shown holding their awards are retiring trustees Bonnie Ligon Dickens and Kathlynn Markel. With them are Director Janet Bauer and Board President James Ottevaere. Bonnie is a Founding Board member and had reached term limits. Besides activities listed elsewhere, Bonnie was chairperson, and primarily responsible for the fun and success, of the Annual Gala Auction. Kathy served for eight years as a dedicated YAC advisor and Grant Committee member.
Often people remember the Foundation in their bequests and planned gifts, but are not identified nor recognized until after they have passed away. The Foundation created the Legacy Society to acknowledge people who have made a bequest and are willing to have their name included in our publications during their lifetime. This special group of people is an encouragement to others to remember the Foundation in their charitable plans. Founding members included Trustee Bernard Stremler, MD, Director Janet Planting Seeds Bauer, and sisters Katherine & Dorothy Ondersma.
In May a formal dedication of the Octagon House was celebrated. A plaque recognizing the Board and Staff involved in the purchase of the house was unveiled by President James Ottevaere and YAC President Katrina Campau. Historic costumes and vehicles provided a festive atmosphere to the occasion.
During 2001, the Advisor's Circle was created to recognize professional advisors who have worked with the Foundation to create a major gift by their clients. This recognition is a way for the Foundation to publicly thank the advisor's who have helped us build relationships with donors.
New funds established in 2001 were: Family Literacy Center of Lapeer County, HCMA Capital Fund, Ligon Brothers, Marshall Lock Memorial, North Macomb Soccer Club Field Development & Scholarship, RCS Jeff Annarino Scholarship, Romeo Historical/Charles E. Keller, Symphonia Chorale Endowment, and Xi Gamma Rho of Beta Sigma Phi.
Highlights of 2002
Andy Beam Memorial Fund: Family and friends established a permanent endowment fund in memory of Andy Beam, shown on the left. He was a senior at Lapeer West High School when his life was cut short by a car accident. Andy brought sunshine into the lives of people he met. He didn't like to see anyone upset or sad and would go out of his way to make them smile. The family has set up this fund in Andy's name and it will benefit Lapeer & St. Clair counties by promoting a better community with an emphasis on educational support.
Opening day for the boardwalk through Paul's Woods at Seven Ponds Nature Center is shown on the right. The swampland area was previously inaccessible, but contains biodiversity which is an example of the benefits of wetlands. Contributions from members, and staff effort to put it together, were aided by grants from Four County Community Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, and DTE Energy Foundation.
Floyd W. West Memorial Fund: Floyd became a teacher in the Imlay City Schools in 1963. He taught industrial arts, drafting and shop and later became a counselor. He retired in 1975, but continued his interest in the students by providing scholarships. His colleagues noted his concern for students and a determination to have a positive impact on their lives. He tried to prepare students for the real world. Floyd passed away in 2002. His family and friends established an endowment fund in his memory. This new fund will provide a legacy of giving to carry on Floyd's charitable activities.
"The Night Harry Stopped Smoking" was performed by the Michigan Opera Theatre company and students from each school. Approximately 5,000 elementary school children from six school districts saw a performance. The players had a Q & A session following the play. This was a Healthy Seniors/Healthy Youth grant, funded by Tobacco Settlement Funds, authorized by the State of Michigan. With this performance, thousands of students were exposed to opera while hearing powerful health messages about the dangers of tobacco use.
Cryderman-Hebblewhite Agriculture Fund: Paul and Elsie Hinzmann established a donor advised fund in memory of Paul R. and Kevin Cryderman and Harlan Hebblewhite. Paul and Elsie live in Hancock, Michigan, and he is a retired professor from Michigan Technological University. Early in his career, Paul taught in Armada and became friends with the Cryderman and Hebblewhite families. Their fund provides career exploration and scholarships for Armada Area School students pursuing careers in food production, agriculture or veterinary medicine. One unique thing about this fund is that it was set up without ever having a face to face meeting. Keweenaw Foundation trustee and former volunteer director, Douglas Stuart, advised Paul to contact Four County to handle an Armada Area Scholarship fund.
Highlights of 2003
William & Betty Morrison Memorial Scholarship Fund: Bill and Betty were long-time residents of Armada who had no family except for their community. Bill worked in retail clothing sales for most of his life. Betty was a librarian at the Armada Free Public Library for over 20 years. Bill and Betty left many bequests in their will to friends whose assistance to them was greatly appreciated. Because they had no children, Bill and Betty decided to help the children in their community. They left the bulk of their estate to establish a permanent scholarship fund to benefit Armada Area School District students.
The Zone Productions received a Four County grant to help purchase the inflatable balloons shown on the right. The rental of these items has provided a steady stream of income for the organization, which operates a drop-in center for teens at 131 N. Almont, Imlay City. They also present programs at area middle and high schools which create a unique environment to connect with youth and young adult to encourage positive, lifelong decisions.
Lawrence and Rose Juip Memorial Fund: Rose & Lawrence Juip, shown on the left, were married in 1946 & came from a background where chances to get ahead in life were limited. Through hard work they owned a sod farm which is still in business in Imlay City after 45 years. They loved the Imlay City area, and were proud to give something back to their community: the library, fire departments, their church & other charitable projects. Their son Tony and his wife Cletta began the fund in their honor. A scholarship is available to Imlay City students beginning in 2003 - other projects will be considered by Tony & Cletta Juip.
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Simon Moore & Stefan Scharnhorst |
Romeo/Washington/Bruce Skate Park Fund: This is a Capital Campaign fund to raise money to help kids have a safe place to ride. Eight graders Simon Moore & Stefan Scharnhorst complained at a Village Council meeting that the law prohibiting riding on streets and sidewalks left no place in town for them to ride their skateboards. Councilman Tom Keliher was contacted by Ed Risch, who suggested that Four County Community Foundation might be able to help. By providing a grant from the Youth Advisory Committee, and establishing this fund, the Foundation has made it possible to manage the finances and provide tax deductible status for donations. The skater above is testing some of the equipment being considered for purchase.
Fourth Generation: In the Fall of 2003, two of our new YAC members became the fourth generation of their family to be a part of Four County Community Foundation. Ashley and Lindsay Ligon are the great-granddaughters of James D. Ligon - one of the two men who had the vision to dream of opening a hospital in and for their community.
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Gertrude Murdie |
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Ella Mae Murdie |
Murdie Educational Fund: Ella Mae & Gertrude were born in Imlay City & returned upon retirement. Ella Mae, shown on the right, was Director of Nursing at hospitals in several states. Gertrude, on the left, served in the U. S. Army during WWII. In 1997 the sisters established a trust which would fund a scholarship to benefit human & animal medicine careers. In 2003, the Foundation received distribution of their estate. The first scholarships will be awarded next year.
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Booster Club & family members, and the Four County Executive Director at the dedication of the Bernie Stremler Field. |
Dr. Bernard J. Stremler Memorial Fund: The choice of the first grant from this fund was made in "about five minutes", by his family. Bernie, who left us on April 26, 2003, was dedicated to the Dryden community, especially area youth. This grant provided for the final rubber surfacing and striping of the Dryden High School track. A project the Boosters Club has been working on for some time, the track had been two years away from completion prior to the grant. Pictured at the dedication of the facility - now officially named the Bernie Stremler Field, are Booster Club & family members, and the Four County Executive Director. A Founding Member of our Legacy Society and Board Trustee, Bernie wanted to encourage other people to consider leaving a legacy for the projects in which they have interest. We hope he has.
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