Grant Round Open for October 2022 for the UPSF & Wildlife Fund

Mr. Charles Becker, Chair of the Grants Committee for the Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund (UPSF & W), a fund of the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula (CFUP), announced today that grant applications are being accepted for the October 2022 grants round. He stated, “Eligible non-profit organizations and sub-divisions of government are eligible to submit applications to the community foundation for grants that meet the guidelines of the UPSF & W Fund.”

Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund grant applications can be obtained at the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula office at 2420 1st Avenue South Escanaba, Michigan; by calling the foundation’s office at 1-906-789-5972, e-mailing office@cfup.org or visiting the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula website.

Those interested in obtaining an Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund grant must have an original and six (6) copies turned in to the community foundation office prior to 3:30 P.M. (EST) on Friday, October 3rd, 2022, otherwise your request may not be considered.

All those requesting grants from the UPSF & Wildlife Fund will be notified in writing, as to whether or not they have been successful in receiving their grant application request. Members of the Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund Committee will make their grant recommendations to the full Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula board of trustees at their regularly scheduled board meeting at the end of October 2022.

Manistique Boardwalk receives Repair Grant

Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund Committee Member, Mr. Charlie Becker (not pictured) stated, “Schoolcraft County Community Foundation went out of their way to apply for an Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund grant application, a fund held in the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula (of which Schoolcraft County Community Foundation is an affiliate of), for the Boardwalk Repair Project in the City of Manistique.”

Ms. Alyssa Swanson, President of the Schoolcraft County Community Foundation stated, “The City of Manistique Boardwalk over the past couple of years has suffered severe damage. Many of the areas are no longer accessible as wind and water damages have destroyed the existing boards, piled debris and washed out many areas.” She continued, “The Schoolcraft County Community Foundation is an integral part of the City of Manistique’s past, present and future and is a stakeholder in providing resources for our area students, organizations and community.”

Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula President, Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski commented, “The boardwalk in Manistique has always been a very beautiful, tranquil and majestic area that borders 1.83 miles of Lake Michigan. It is a place where locals, visitors and passersby of all ages can stop and take advantage of the boardwalk by taking a stroll, jog, or simply relaxing and enjoying the beautiful view”.

Mr. Charlie Becker stated, “The Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Committee was happy to award $3,000.00 grant to help in the repairing of the boardwalk in Manistique. It is one of the places that showcases the Upper Peninsula’s beautiful Lake Michigan and provides tourist and local residents the ability to enjoy Lake Michigan; witness area wildlife, learn about local history through interpretive signs and provides access to Manistique’s historic lighthouse and downtown.” “Our committee was happy to contribute in repairing the Manistique Boardwalk and feels our funds will not only help with sustainability of local wildlife and lakeshore but will have an overall positive impact on Manistique tourism and commerce in the area.”

“The Schoolcraft County Community Foundation thanks the Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife for awarding our community foundation $3,000.00 to help in the City of Manistique’s Boardwalk Repair Project,” stated Ms. Swanson.

For good. For ever.

Immanuel Lutheran Church receives grant for an AED

             Reverend Michael J. Markwell of the Immanuel Lutheran Church shows appreciation and gratitude by shaking hands with Mr. Will Carnes, Sr., Board Member of the Community Foundation for Delta County as he is presented him with a new Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), awarded to the church through the community foundations grant round. 

             “Our church is aware of all the good the Community Foundation for Delta County does, including all of the AED’s they provided to First Responders, Public Safety, the Sheriff Department and many other organizations throughout Delta County,”  stated Reverend Markwell.  He continued, “We decided to apply for a grant requesting an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) for the church.  We are so thankful to the Community Foundation for Delta County and their Grant Committee for approving our grant request and for their generosity and caring so much about community.  They are a God send.”  

             Mr. Will Carne, Sr. commented, “As we hope that the Immanuel Lutheran Church will never need to use the AED, it brings comfort and peace of mind knowing they have it should the issue arise.”

   If you’d like to learn more about how you can help make a difference in our community, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654 or emailing office@cfup.org

  The Community Foundation for Delta County is a 501 (c) (3) and proud to be certified with National Standards. 

 For good.  For ever.

 

 

 

 

Waterfront Art Festival receives Grant from the Community Foundation for Delta County

Community Foundation for Delta County Board Member, Mr. Will Carne, Sr. presents a check in the amount of $1,000.00 to Mrs. Paula Jordan, Event Coordinator at the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center. 

 Mr. Carne, Sr. said, “On behalf of the Community Foundation for Delta County Board of Trustees and staff, I am pleased to present a check for a grant awarded to the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center for the 50th Waterfront Art Festival Anniversary”.  He continued, “The William Bonifas Fine Arts Center, and their Waterfront Festival, bring a lot of creativity, life and color into our community.”

 William Bonifas Fine Arts Center Event Coordinator, Mrs. Paula Jordan commented, “We are very grateful for the wonderful financial support we received from  the Community Foundation for Delta County.”  She continued, “With this year being our 50th Anniversary of the Waterfront Art Festival we are planning on rebranding the Festival, updating our image, as well as many other interesting things.  Come and check us out.”   

 Mr. Carne, Sr. stated, “Remember to mark your calendars for this very special event being held at the beautiful Escanaba Ludington Park on Saturday, August 6, 2022.”            

 If you’d like to learn more about how you can help make a difference in your community, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654 or emailing office@cfup.org

  The Community Foundation for Delta County is a 501 (c) (3) and proud to be certified with National Standards. 

 For good.  For ever.

Robert & Anne Schmit Fund Grants to St. Joseph-St. Patricks' Church

Mr. Will Carne, Sr. and Mr. Bob VanDamme, Board Members of the Community Foundation for Delta County present a check in the amount of $5,452.50 to Ms. Kathy Stannard, Secretary of St. Joseph-St. Patricks’ Church. 

 “The gift to the St. Joseph-St. Patricks’ Church is from the annual distribution of an endowed fund in the Community Foundation for Delta County started by Robert and Anne Schmit, longtime members of the parish,” commented Mr. VanDamme.

 Mr. Carne, Sr. said, “Robert and Anne Schmit were well known members of the community and placed an endowment in the community foundation to continue their philanthropy to a number of organizations and causes after their passing.  Our community owes Mr. & Mrs. Schmit a deep debt of gratitude”.

             “Mr. & Mrs. Schmit were supportive of our parish while they were alive and we are extremely grateful that they have remembered our church with their annual gift,” stated Ms. Stannard.

If you would like to find out how you can create a legacy for future generations of Delta County please contact us at-www.givedeltacounty.org

For good. For ever.

The Robert & Anne Schmit Fund Gives to the Delta County Historical Society

Mr. Bob VanDamme and Mr. Will Carne, Sr. Community Foundation for Delta County Board Members present a check for $2,239.94 to Mr. Charles Lundquist, President of the Delta County Historical Society in Escanaba.  The funds are from the Robert & Anne Schmit Endowed Fund held by the Community Foundation for Delta County

             Mr. Carne, Sr. stated, “The Community Foundation Board of Trustees are honored to be able to provide these funds to the Delta County Historical Center which plays such an important role in the history of the community and brings many people from outside the community to view their displays; learn about our history plus how and when Escanaba was established.”

             Delta County Historical President Mr. Lundquist said, “The annual gift we receive from the Robert & Anne Schmit Endowed Fund, as well as support from the Community Foundation for Delta County and other donors, is critical to the success of the Historical Society.”  He continued, “Delta County is fortunate to have the Dr. John and Mary Jane Beaumier Museum and Archives Building with its many historical items; documents and pictures.”

 Mr. VanDamme stated, “If you have never had the opportunity to visit the Dr. John and Mary Jane Beaumier Museum and Archives Building, I would highly recommend you take some time and visit.  I think you’ll be surprised at what you may learn about the history of Escanaba”.

           If you’re interested in finding out how you can start a fund and give to places dear to your heart, now and into the future, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654, we would love to talk with you or set up an appointment to see you at 2420 1st Avenue South, Escanaba, Michigan.   

 We are a 501 (c)(3) organization and proud to be certified by National Standards. 

 

For good. For ever. 

Robert & Anne Schmit Fund Grants Funds to Bay de Noc Community College

Community Foundation for Delta County Board Chair, Mr. Charles Becker and Board of Trustee Member, Mr. Will Carne, Sr. present a check from the Robert F. & Anne M. Schmit endowment fund, held in the community foundation, for $2,004.16 to Bay de Noc Community College President, Dr. Laura Coleman. 

 Mr. Becker said, “Mr. & Mrs. Schmit cared about people, especially in their community, and wanted to make a difference.”  He continued, “The Robert F. and Anne M. Schmit Endowment Fund will provide annual gifts to not only Bay College but also to a number of other local organizations well into the future thru their fund held by the community foundation”.

 Mr. & Mrs. Schmit were longtime residents of the area and involved in the community.  The Schmit’s raised two wonderful children who inherited their parents desire to “give back” to the community,” commented, Mr. Carne, Sr.

             Dr. Coleman said, “Bay College is grateful to Robert F. & Anne M. Schmit endowment fund for their wonderful gift to Bay de Noc Community College.  Their gift will be used to provide scholarships to a number of students with financial needs.  It is my pleasure on behalf of the Bay College Board, Staff and Students that I “thank” the Schmit fund, family and community foundation for the financial support provided to the college”.

 If you’re interested in finding out how you can start a fund and give to places dear to your heart, now and into the future, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654, we would love to talk with you or set up an appointment to see you at 2420 1st Avenue South Escanaba, Michigan.   

 We are a 501 (c)(3) organization and proud to be certified by National Standards. 

 For good. For ever. 

Robert & Anne Schmit Fund gives to the Friends of the Escanaba Library

Mr. Will Carne, Board Member of the Community Foundation presents a check in the amount of $1,002.08 to Mr. Kelly Pepin, President of the Friends of the Escanaba Library from the Robert & Anne Schmit Fund Held by the Community Foundation for Delta County. 

 “Both Robert & Anne Schmit were avid readers and frequently visited the library.  They had a great interest in many subjects and made reading and learning a lifelong quest”, stated Mr. Carne, Sr.

 Mr. Pepin commented, “Mr. & Mrs. Schmit were well known and outstanding citizens.  Their thoughtfulness and caring about community is respectful”.  He continued, “We are very grateful for their donation to the Friends of the Escanaba Library, it really makes a difference”.

 

For good.  For ever.

UPSF & Wildlife April 2022 Grant Round Winners

Mr. Charlie Becker, Board Member of the Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund (UPSF & W) Grants Committee, announced today the recipients of their April 2022 Grant Round.

Those receiving grants are:

· Alger Conservation District – Chatham Interpretive and Educational Property Project – develop a vacant lot into a community garden and recreational opportunity

· Ontonagon Soil Conservation District – Youth Natural Resources Education and Outreach Workshop

· Schoolcraft County Community Foundation – Boardwalk Repair Project

· Hessel School House, Corp. – Aldo Leopold Festival

· Keweenaw Land Trust – Establish New Boston Road Woodland Nature Area

· Maple Ridge Township, Delta County – Rock Lions Park Restoration Project

Committee Member Mr. Charlie Becker stated, “Our committee is grateful for the foresight of the former Mead Corporation for their desire to have a partnership with their employees; sportsmen and sportswomen and the youth of the Upper Peninsula. We are proud to be a committee under the auspices of the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula.” He continued, “It is our mission to foster a better understanding of our forests and wildlife as well as assist U. P. residents, including our youth, to become more active and enjoy the outdoors as much as is possible.”

Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula President, Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski stated, “The foundation feels privileged to hold the Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund and are proud of all the good they do in the U. P.” She continued, “They truly care about the residents of the Upper Peninsula and in educating and offering healthy outdoor activities for individuals and families to enjoy.”

Community Foundation for Delta County Announces April Grant Round Winners

Mr. Charles Becker, Board Chair and Mr. Will Carne, Sr., Grants Committee Chair, of the Community Foundation for Delta County jointly announced the foundation’s April Grant round recipients.  The following organizations receiving grants are:

 

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area – YES Project

  • Camp New Day UP – Camp New Day Camperships

  • City of Escanaba- City of Escanaba Splash Center ADA Picnic Tables

  • City of Gladstone – Gladstone Sports Park Pickleball Courts Project

  • Delta County Regional Child Advocacy Center – center needs, emergency relief for families and education material

  • Escanaba Seventh Day Adventist Food Pantry – Food Pantry Needs

  • Gladstone Senior Citizens Center – Replace Furnace Air Exchange Unit On Roof

  • Immanuel Lutheran Church – Automated External Defibrillator

  • Mid Peninsula School – High School Student Lounge

  • Northern Lights YMCA - Strong Kids Campaign

  • Upper Peninsula State Fair Authority – Conference Room Upgrades

  • Welcome Newborns – Child Abuse Prevention and Safe Sleep Project

  • William Bonifas Fine Arts Center – Waterfront Art Festival – 50th Anniversary

  •  Pro-active Grant:

  • Marine Corps League - 2022 State Convention

 

            Community Foundation Board Chair Mr. Becker stated, “It is a privilege and honor to be part of an organization that is able to provide grants to a multitude of Delta County organizations that help make our area a better place for all.  It is very rewarding to know what we do as a community foundation has such a positive impact for our residents.”

 

Grants Committee Chair, Mr. Carne, Sr. announced the Fall 2022 grant round will “open” on Monday, September 1, 2022 and all grant application requests and requirements must be received by 3:30 P.M. (EST) on Monday, October 3, 2022 in order to be considered.

 

            Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Delta County stated, “The community foundation is able to provide funds to these entities only through the wonderful generosity of our donors who care about their community.”

           

            If you are interested in finding out how you can start a fund, or make a donation, and have a positive impact making our community making it a better place to learn, play and live, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654 or email at office@cfup.org

YAC Grants for April 2022 Announced!

The Community Foundation for Delta County Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) announces the recipients of their April 2022 grant round. The following organizations receiving grants are:

906 Adventure Team – Delta Adventure Team Youth Loaner Bike

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area – YES Project

Camp Upeninsulin – Camp Upeninsulin 2022

City of Escanaba – City of Escanaba Splash Center ADA Picnic Tables

Delta Conservation District – 11th Annual Spooktacular

Delta Regional Child Advocacy Center – Delta Regional Child Advocacy Center Therapy Dog

Escanaba High School – Springfloor Project

Escanaba Library Lego Club - Education, Imagination, Sharing and Building

Gladstone Public Library – Portable Storytime

Northern Lights-YMCA - Strong Kids Campaign

Welcome Newborns Program - Child Abuse Prevention and Safe Sleep Project

Youth Advisory Committee – Christmas Shopping for needy Delta County Families

Community Foundation for Delta County Executive Director, Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski stated, “The foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee is made up of a bunch of very impressive young adults that want to help make a difference. They give-up of their time to make our community and its residents a better place to learn, play and live.” Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Co-Chair

Mrs. Diana Clark announced the Fall 2022 grant round will “open” on Monday, September 1, 2022 and all grant application requests and requirements must be received by 3:30 P.M. (EST) on Monday, October 3, 2022 in order to be considered.

If you are interested in finding out how you can help the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) continue to have a positive impact making our community a better place to learn, play and live.

Please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654 or email at office@cfup.org.

For good. For ever.

Easter Baskets Shared with Delta County Veterans

Thank you Delta County Veterans for your service

Potatoes make any dinner better!

Mr. Ken Milam, Veteran Outreach Program Specialist for the Escanaba Vet Center in Escanaba stated, “On behalf of our needy Delta County Veterans, Vet Center and myself, I cannot thank the Community Foundation for Delta County enough for all their hard work and generosity in providing much needed food baskets to our Delta County Veterans.” He continued, “We contact our Veteran Service Organizations and get a count of those who are in need of food for the upcoming holiday. I contact the Community Foundation for Delta County with a number of baskets needed and they take over from there. They organize everything from the food items needed for the baskets, arrange assembly and pick-up times, getting donations, paying for the food baskets and even help with the distribution”.

Mr. Charlie Becker, Board Chair of the Community Foundation for Delta County stated, “The Community Foundation Board of Trustees and Staff are more than happy to do the work it takes to provide our Delta County Veterans in need with food baskets for the Easter holiday. The Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees and Staff have the upmost respect for all Veterans and truly appreciate all they have done for us and our Nation”.

“It’s because of the Community Foundation for Delta County’s collaboration with the Escanaba Vet Center and the following organizations that we are able to give back to our Delta County Veterans in need this Easter holiday. A special thank you to Sayklly’s Confectionery & Gifts for the special pricing on the Sayklly’s Easter Eggs and Meijer for their special pricing on food basket items and VanDamme Potato Farms for donating the potatoes. Also, Thrivent for their Action Team gift cards and Choice Dollars directed by Thrivent Action Team Members” stated Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Delta County.

Mr. Milam stated, “The Community Foundation for Delta County does an incredible job with the baskets ensuring that each basket has food items that you’d expect to see on your holiday table, such as ham, potatoes, fresh dinner rolls and all of the other fixings. They even made sure that each Veteran received an Easter Egg from Sayklly’s Confectionery & Gifts.” He continued, “All of the hard work that goes into each basket is evidence of the Community Foundation for Delta County and their collaborative organizations respect and gratitude to our Veterans. We are so thankful to you all”.

“On behalf of the Community Foundation for Delta County Board of Trustees and Staff, I’d like to wish all of our Veteran’s, and community, a happy, healthy, safe and enjoyable Easter Holiday”, stated Mrs. Andzejewski.

Community Foundation for Delta County

Just our way of saying thanks for our freedom to our veterans!

William Bonifas Fine Arts Center receives Dr. Mary Cretens Annual Funds

Mr. Charles Becker, Community Foundation for Delta County Board Chair along with Board Members Mr. Nick Chenier and Mr. Will Carne, Sr. present a check for $7,254.74 to Mrs. Irina Bruno, Executive Director of the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center in Escanaba, from the Dr. Mary L. Cretens Fund held in the community foundation.

 

            Mr. Becker stated, “The Community Foundation for Delta County Board of Trustees are pleased and excited to be able to provide the Dr. Mary L. Cretens annual funds to the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center which plays such an important role in the cultural affairs of the community.” 

 

“The William Bonifas Fine Arts Center brings many people from outside the community to view their art displays; take part in their workshops or attend a play,” commented Mr. Chenier

 

            Mr. Carne, Sr. stated, “Not only does the Williams Bonifas Fine Arts Center offer a wide variety of unique and specialty pieces of permeant art to view in their gallery, they also have many beautiful one of a kind items for sale.”

 

 “The annual gift we receive from Dr. Mary L. Cretens endowed fund, as well as support from the Community Foundation for Delta County and other donors, is critical to the success of the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center,”  commented Mrs. Bruno.  She continued, “Delta County is fortunate to have the Community Foundation for Delta County and the hundreds of thousands of dollars they grant to this community each year.”

 

If you’re interested in finding out how you can start a fund and give to place dear to your heart, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654.  We would love to talk with you or set up an appointment to see you at 2420 1st Avenue South Escanaba, Michigan.   

 

We are a 501 (c)(3) organization and proud to be certified by National Standards. 

 

For good. For ever. 

           

Holy Name Scholarship Fund Receives Generous Donation

Rev. Rick L. Courier is pictured showing acknowledgement of a $50,000.00 gift from Mr. Gartland into Kenneth and Patricia Gartland Holy Name Scholarship Fund held by the Community Foundation for Delta County, for the Holy Name High School.

 “The additional $50,000.00 funds that Mr. & Mrs. Gartland have added into their Kenneth and Patricia Gartland Holy Name Scholarship Fund for the Holy Name High School - A Chesterton Academy in Escanaba will have a huge impact on the ability to help students that are in financial need at Holy Name now and in the future,” stated Rev. Courier.   He continued, “Over the past eight years the Gartland Scholarship Fund has awarded thirty-two scholarships”.

“Since graduating from Holy Name High School in 1958, we have continued to enrich our lives with the faith, values and education we have taken with us,” commented Mr. Gartland.  He continued, “Pat and I couldn’t think of a better way to pay it forward but to help create opportunities enabling future generations of students with the same professionalism and high quality education that we received.  We know the Community Foundation for Delta County has a fantastic reputation and all the good they do in the community, we knew they were the place to go to start an endowment fund and insure our philanthropic wishes would be followed year after year.”

 “Holy Name is privilege to have such wonderful supporters as Mr. & Mrs. Ken Gartland.  Their generosity over the years has made such a difference in the ability of the school to run so efficiently.  Whether it be from their Kenneth and Patricia Gartland Holy Name Scholarship Fund, the Holy Name Staff Support Alumni and Friends or the additional funds they so willingly give.  We truly are blessed”, stated Principal Mr. Joe Carlson (pictured left back corner).

 “It’s a testament on how highly Mr. & Mrs. Gartland believe in their faith, values, high quality education and giving back to community.  They are exceptional people and really care passionately about Holy Name and community,” stated Holy Name High School - A Chesterton Academy Head Master, Mr. Mark Surrell (pictured right back corner).

 If you’re interested in finding out how you can start a fund and give to places dear to your heart, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654.  We would love to talk with you or set up an appointment to see you at 2420 1st Avenue South Escanaba, Michigan.   

 We are a 501 (c)(3) organization and proud to be certified by National Standards. 

 

For good. For ever. 

Community Foundation for Delta County distributes Schmit Annual Gifts to the Community

Community Foundation for Delta County Board Chair Mr. Charlie Becker and Executive Director Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski jointly announced today the distribution of funds the foundation holds from the Robert F. & Anne M. Schmit Endowment Fund.

 

            Mr. Becker said, “Mr. & Mrs. Schmit were very supportive of the community foundations efforts to improve the lives of Delta County residents.  They wanted to have their gifts to the community continue well into the future and were well aware that our foundation is For good. For ever.” 

 

The community foundation’s Executive Director, Mrs. Andzejewski. said, “Mr. & Mrs. Schmit’s generosity and love of community is very evident in the number of local charities they gift support to”.  She continued, “Those who knew the Schmit’s knew they were truly wonderful and caring people.”

 

Local entities receiving Robert F. & Anne M. Schmit funds from the community foundation are:

 

Holy Name Catholic School Scholarship Foundation Fund

St. Joseph/St. Patrick Church

Knights of Columbus #640

The Society of the Propagation of the Faith

Feed-The-Kids Backpack Program

Bay de Noc Community College, Escanaba

William Bonifas Fine Arts Center

 Legacy Supporter

Delta County Cancer Alliance, Inc.

Society of St. Vincent De Paul, Escanaba

Delta County Historical Society

Friends of the Escanaba Public Library

 

Mrs. Andzejewski continued, “The foundation feels privileged to hold the Robert F. & Anne M. Schmit Endowment Fund and their entrusting us to follow their philanthropic wishes”.

 

If you’re interested in finding out how you can start a fund and give to places dear to your heart, now and into the future, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654, we would love to talk with you or set up an appointment to see you at 2420 1st Avenue South Escanaba, Michigan.   

 

We are a 501 (c)(3) organization and proud to be certified by National Standards. 

 

For good. For ever. 

Dr. Mary Cretens Annual Gift to the City of Gladstone

            Mr. Charles Becker, Board Chair, Mr. Will Carne, Board Member and Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski, Executive Director of the Community Foundation presents the Dr. Mary L. Cretens annual distribution check in the amount of $159,776.15 to the Gladstone City Clerk Kim Berry. 

 

Mr. Becker stated, “Dr. Mary Cretens was a lifelong resident of the City of Gladstone and she loved her community. She exemplified the Community Foundation’s motto “For good. For ever.” such that, upon her passing she had her trust and philanthropic giving turned over to the Community Foundation for Delta County to make her gifts to a number of organizations that she cared deeply about.

 

“Dr. Cretens was a longtime member of our foundation board and served on our executive committee.  She cared a great deal about people and she knew the Community Foundation would be in existence well into the future and therefore the perfect vehicle to undertake her gifting after her passing,” stated Mr. Carne.

             Ms. Berry expressed her sincere thanks to Dr. Cretens and the Community Foundation on behalf of the citizens of the community.  “We are well aware of the tremendous amount of money we have received from Dr. Mary Cretens fund held in the Community Foundation for Delta County and the funds we will continue to receive in the future”.  She continued, “The impact Dr. Cretens generosity has made throughout the years, and will continue to make well into the future, to the City of Gladstone and its citizens is astronomical.  Our gratitude to her thoughtful philanthropy and the foundations commit and respect for Dr. Cretens is astounding.”

 

Dr. Cretens insight for the future of community, people and animals is amazing, stated Mrs. Andzejewski.  “This year the community foundation will be distributing annual gifts totaling just over $365,000.00 from the Dr. Mary L. Cretens Endowed Fund.  Her fund has had and will continue to have an enormous impact on so many,” stated Ms. Andzejewski.

For good. For ever.