Tracy Benson gave a short presentation about the Cook County Community Funds awards to six organizations this fall and the important part the fund plays in helping nonprofit groups obtain their goals. Tracy (at microphone) stands with fellow CCCF board members (L-R) Sue Reilly, Howard Hedstrom, Mike Carlson, and Mary Petz.
Representatives of the Cook County Community Fund (CCCF) gathered with Birch Grove Foundation members and West End community folks at the celebration and unveiling of the newly completed projects at Birch Grove Community Center on Saturday, September 29, and announced that they had awarded $11,427 in annual grants to six local nonprofit organizations.
This is the eighth consecutive year of grant-making from the fund, which was established in 2003 and has awarded over $50,000 to date.
With several hundred people in attendance and the weather cooperating spectacularly, grants to the following groups were announced: . Grand Marais Arts Inc. was given $1,500 for programming technology support.
. $1,750 was awarded to Birch Grove Foundation for the Hearth Oven Bread Baking Initiative Team.
. The North Shore Stewardship Association (Sugarloaf Cove) was given $1,677 for summer cinema.
. The North Shore Health Care Foundation was awarded $2,000 for art therapy for elders facing memory loss.
. Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department was given $2,500 to acquire an all-season rescue sled.
. Lutsen Junior Alpine Ski Club was given $2,000 to help with the transition into an independent organization.
Board member Tracy Benson moderated the event and set out a table of food for guests attending the celebration. Other board members on hand for CCCF were Howard Hedstrom, chair, Mike Carlson, Mary Petz, and Sue Riley.
CCCF is in partnership with the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation (DSACF), which provides staffing and support to its smaller partners. DSACF has given more than $37 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and to individuals for scholarships since 1983.
Hedstrom thanked the community for its generosity and said, “We are very pleased to help out these groups who work hard to make Cook County a great place to live.”
Hedstrom said it is the goal of CCCF to grow its resources and to continue to offer support for nonprofit organizations throughout the county for years to come.
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