Our last Annual Report was distributed in June of 2019 at our annual FRIENDS of the FOUNDATION luncheon. Our theme was ‘Covering All the Bases’ and Trustees wore their Foundation Team jerseys and hats while ball park music played throughout the Skyline. The smell of roasting hot dogs and popcorn filled the air and Chairman Gil Homstad did a rousing a Capella rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Park”. We had a record attendance of ninety people, FRIENDS donated $31,700 to be used toward Grant Awards in 2020. Mary Van Gorden was recognized as the Foundation’s MVP of 2019. Mary shared with the group her strong sense of community and how proud she is that Black River Falls area organizations and residents do such a tremendous job of pitching in when there is need. “It’s all about people helping people”, she said. Attendees left with a smile on their faces, a bounce in their step and a box of Cracker Jacks to snack on later. As we were cleaning up after the luncheon, Trustee Dr. Mike Mahan expressed how pleased he was with Mary’s uplifting comments. He said, “I think Mary just gave us our theme for next year.” That all seems so long ago now and little did we know how prophetic Mary’s words would be.
In March, as the COVID-19 Coronavirus became a part of our reality, we experienced an unprecedented loss of control over
many parts of our lives. The ability to make advance plans seemed to disappear almost overnight, bringing with it a realization
of loss, and appreciation for, the truly little simple things in life. Nothing drove this point home more than attempting to make preparations for our annual FRIENDS luncheon. Do we proceed with plans, or do we wait? If we wait, how long do we wait? Do we send our invitations knowing we may have to cancel? Is it fair to ‘gamble’ Foundation monies on an event that may not happen? Our Trustees recognize that the most important obligation we have to our community, is to keep its residents as safe as possible. After much consideration and discussion, the difficult decision to postpone our luncheon was made. At that point, we still thought the event would be rescheduled for the fall. Once it became apparent that was not a possibility, we realized that 2020 would mark the first time in 25 years that the Foundation would not be having a FRIENDS gathering. As I write this, our sincere hope is that we will be able to gather once again sometime next year.
Earlier this month, I was talking with a friend. She said, “Quickly, what is the first emotion you feel when I say ‘2020’?” Without thought or hesitation I responded “anger”. I cannot convey how surprised I was. I did not realize until that moment that yes, I am angry. I’m angry that I can’t dowhatIwantandgowhereIwant.Iam angry that I can’t visit my family and friends whenever I am so inclined. I am angry that I can’t go inside my church for services or visit with members of the congregation. I am angry that the Foundation Trustees can’t meet in person. I am even angry that it is difficult to find my favorite cleaning supplies. Just as these thoughts flashed through my mind, she asked another question. “Again, very quickly, what is the second emotion you feel?” For a second time my response came unbidden and I said “thankful”. No sooner had the words left my mouth than I wondered where on earth they came from. As I thought about my answer, I realized it too was accurate and exactly what I was feeling. I am so very thankful that so far my family and friends remain healthy. I am thankful for advanced technology so that I can continue to do my job and can stay in touch with others. I am thankful I can play with my dogs or take a ride in the countryside and enjoy the changing colors of the leaves. I am thankful that pleasant weather has lasted late into the year so that I can continue to enjoy the outdoors. I am thankful that our church has found an alternative solution and that we now have ‘drive-in’ services. I am even thankful when there is toilet paper on the shelves at the store. I urge you to give my friend’s questions some thought. Like me, you may be surprised by what your answers reveal. Most importantly, you may find that once your feelings are acknowledged, and the realization of all we have to be thankful for takes hold, the ‘knot in the chest’ many of us have been living with since March, loosens just a bit. I know it worked for me.
Wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful, healthy, New Year. Special thoughts and prayers for those in our community working on the front lines to keep us safe against the pandemic. As always, an acknowledgment of sincere appreciation and gratitude for the donors who continue to support the Foundation so that we, in turn, can support our community. Without your generosity there would be no Foundation.
Until we can gather again, please stay safe, focus on all we have to give thanks for, and remember Mary’s very wise words “It’s all about People Helping People”.