By David Westman
A generous community came together in an effort to support Generous Hands Inc. (GHI) at its thirdannual Fall Extravaganza. The evening was dedicated to raising money to support the Friday Pack Program, which provides weekly food backpacks to nearly 200 children in Vicksburg.
The Extravaganza offered a silent auction of donated items for purchase including a performance by the student choral groups from Vicksburg High School.
The main event featured Chef Ryan Soule from Oakwood Bistro, entertaining the patrons with a wonderful cooking demonstration and a variety of appetizers that were enjoyed by all. Thanks to the generosity of those in attendance the Extravaganza, the event raised over $5000 to assist Generous Hands in providing food for the backpack program.
To help ease some of this fluctuation in funding, Generous Hands has been offered a unique opportunity to establish an endowment fund. The work of Generous Hands has become an integral part of how the Vicksburg community helps hungry children; the goal is to ensure that this important work continues, in good times and bad.
The Kalamazoo Community Foundation manages endowment funds for many nonprofit organizations in the Kalamazoo County. They require $50,000 to start an endowment fund. The Vicksburg Foundation has agreed to match any money raised by Generous Hands (up to $25,000) to establish an endowment. If Generous Hands raises $25,000, it will be matched and a $50,000 endowment will be established at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation for Generous Hands. The interest from this fund can then be used for ongoing expenses in perpetuity.