The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the Black River Falls Area Foundation. It is responsible for overseeing the investment of donor funds and the distribution of grants in accordance with donors’ wishes. Trustees serve without compensation and are selected because of their judgment, integrity, community involvement and understanding of philanthropic needs. They serve a three-year term of office with a maximum of three consecutive three-year terms.
Report from the Board of Trustees
Last year, 2006, was an active year for the Foundation and its Trustees. It was also a year of important progress!
Assets managed by the Foundation increased by almost $300,000; two new funds were established; a new project was completed; and Friends of the Foundation donated a record $15,500 to help fund 2007 grant requests! Yes, it was a great year!
The Jackson County Humane Society Jane Erickson Memorial Fund was established in 2006 with funds received from Jane Erickson’s Estate. Earnings from the fund will be used primarily to spay/neuter animals and for other humane educational programs; to supplement the care of animals at the shelter; and to serve as a fund source in case of emergencies related to humane society activities. Gifts can be made to the fund by donating to the Black River Falls Area Foundation and stating they go to this fund.
The Black River Falls Educational Enrichment Fund was also established in 2006. Its purpose is to raise money for programs and extracurricular activities within the Black River Falls School District, which cannot be funded through the schools’ budgets. Funds will not be used for salaries or normal school expenses.
The idea for this fund originated with Al Lahmayer, when he and his wife, Jeanette, pledged $50,000 to initiate a fundraising campaign, which is currently under way, and being directed by interested alumni and community members.
Donations to this fund can be made payable to the Black River Falls Area Foundation and mailed to: Educational Enrichment Fund, PO Box 374, Black River Falls WI 54615
Construction of the Foundation Trail Park was completed in 2006. It is a small park adjacent to the Foundation Trail on Town Creek at the site of the old City pump house, which provided the sole source of water for City residents for many years. The park can be used as a resting place for trail walkers and as a quiet spot for lunch or picnics.
Construction of the park was funded by the following eight generous donors: Black River Falls Area Foundation; Co-op Credit Union; Hoffman Construction Company; Gil and Alice Homstad; Jackson County Bank; Lunda Charitable Trust; Bill and Bev Millis; and Krohn Clinic and Black River Clinic Pharmacy, Inc. At the time the park was completed, other donors were encouraged to purchase engraved pavers located at the Park. These paver donations will go in the Foundation Trail Maintenance Fund, which pays for resurfacing, and maintenance of the 4.3 mile trail that encircles the City.
The Trustees thank all of you who have donated to these funds, and special thanks also to the Friends of the Foundation. Without our donors, the Foundation would not exist.
The Trustees also want to give very special thanks to Foundation Assistant Secretary, Bee Herzberg. Bee has decided to retire at the end of 2007. She has served as Assistant Secretary and sole employee of the Foundation since it started over 20 years ago. For most of those years she volunteered without any compensation. Bee has been the administrative glue, which has held the Foundation together, and her importance to the success of the Foundation cannot be overemphasized. We will greatly miss Bee and will need to search for her replacement in 2007.
Black River Falls Area Foundation
PO Box 99
Black River Falls, WI 54615
