By David Westman
Generous Hands recently achieved its fundraising goal of $25,000 in six short months.
This came about when Generous Hands was given the opportunity to manage its funds through the Kalamazoo Community Foundation as many other nonprofits in the area do.
To start an endowment through the Foundation, an organization must have an endowment of $50,000.
So, the Vicksburg Foundation agreed to match any money that Generous Hands raised, up to $25,000.
In August, 2013, the fundraising campaign to establish that endowment began. The organization was given three years to collect the $25,000 and through the support of private individuals, businesses and other nonprofit organizations, the $25,000 goal was reached in February, 2014.
The Vicksburg Foundation was happy to write the check so Generous Hands could begin the process of setting up the Generous Hands Endowment Fund. In addition to these funds, all memorial contributions to Generous Hands, Inc. will go to the endowment fund as a lasting contribution.
The endowment will ensure that the work of Generous Hands will continue in good times and bad.
Leadership changes
With the future looking more secure on the tenth anniversary of Generous Hands, founding president, Paula Schriemer, will became the first past president. Stepping into the role of president is Jan Modderman-Hui. Current board member Kay Anderson will serve as vice president.
Modderman-Hui brings eight years of involvement with the organization and will continue to guide Generous Hands’ mission to serve by addressing the physical, emotional, nutritional and educational well-being of hungry children within the community.
During the first few months of 2014, Generous Hands packed over 1,200 Friday Packs of food for the four communities they serve with the Vicksburg schools getting over 850 of the packs.
It is the vision of Generous Hands to meet these needs. It is the outpouring of support in the community that makes that vision come alive each and every week in a backpack full of healthy, nutritional food to help keep children from going hungry, according to Sheri Louis, executive director.
More information about Generous Hands can be found at http://www.generoushands.org or by contacting Sheri Louis at 269-370-7965.