To:       Editor

From:   Mary O’Brien

Date:   September 19, 2008

For Immediate Release, Please

Past and present Foundation trustees plan for the future

Present and past trustees of the Black River Falls Area Foundation (BRFAF) met September 16^th at the Skyline Clubhouse to give input on areas of growth and improvement for the BRFAF.  During the luncheon meeting, John Hogden was recognized for his significant contributions of time and resources the past nine years as a member of the  Board of Trustees.  He had completed three consecutive three-year terms and was not eligible for re-election.  Tom Lister was elected to succeed Hogden.

Board Chairman Gil Homstad presented some of the highlights of 2007 activities including the retirement of Assistant Secretary Bee Herzberg and the hiring of Beth Overlien as Administrative Assistant.  He also thanked former trustee Al Lahmayer and his wife Jeanette for donating office space to the BRFAF in the Lahmayer Building downtown.  He also announced that the Foundation Trail Park and Recognition Wall were completed and more than 50 donors contributed $44,000 for the engraved bricks on the wall for the trail’s maintenance fund. 

Homstad expressed thanks to Milt and Lidy Lunda who have been paying both the interest and principal on a 10-year option contract of property across from Burnstads on Highway A to keep that property as a viable option for community projects and possible school expansion.  The purchase of that property was completed in 2007 with a final donation from the Lundas of $155,000.  There were also three new scholarships established in 2007: the Thomas Robert Gilles Memorial Scholarship, the Dustin A. Rozmenoski Memorial Scholarship, and the Betsy Danielson Janssen Nursing Scholarship.

Goals for 2008 were then reviewed.  These included the BRFAF’s $100,000 pledge to the Fair Park; the introduction of a new Legacy Fund to encourage people to leave funds to the BRFAF in their wills; the continuation of the Foundation Trail Walk for trail maintenance funds; the creation of a new power point slide show about the BFRAF for speakers’ bureau presentations to clubs, organizations and community groups; and the newly established and first geographic affiliate, the Alma Center Area Community Fund.  Homstad said this new fund could serve as a model for surrounding villages in Jackson County.

There was good discussion by all present and all were asked to contact Homstad with additional improvement suggestions and new ideas for the BFRAF to consider.

Alma Center Area Community Fund is Foundation’s first geographic affiliate

The Black River Falls Area Foundation’s (BRFAF) first geographic affiliate is the Alma Center Area Community Fund.  It was established to provide opportunities for charitable giving to enhance the quality of life in Alma Center and the immediate surrounding area. Through its affiliation with the BRFAF, this fund will receive the benefits of pooled resources, professional fund management, and tax advantages, while retaining the right to set its own purpose and goals and to be fully involved in the grant process.

The major objectives of the fund are to assist with community beautification projects; to help increase and improve social and recreational opportunities; and to aid in improving health and safety programs for residents of the community.  The fund is governed at the local level by a five-member volunteer Advisory Board consisting of Gary Alexander, Corinne Comstock, Donald Forsting, Dennis Hardwick, and Kenneth Ristow.

Once a sufficient financial base has been achieved, the Advisory Board will receive grant applications from non-profit groups and organizations by March 1^st of each year. They will review these applications and send those they approve to the BRFAF for final review and for awarding in June.

To provide the Alma Center Area Community Fund with its initial capital, a fund drive is now in progress with a goal of raising $100,000 by June 1, 2009. Gifts of at least $100 are being sought through donations of cash, securities, and life insurance. Bequests through estate planning are being encouraged, as are tribute gifts such as memorials. At the present time, a little over $26,000 has been donated toward the goal.

The Alma Center Area Community Fund offers an ideal way for groups and individuals to make a lasting gift to their community. Persons interested in receiving additional information concerning this new resource should contact any member of the Advisory Board or the BRFAF at 284-3113.