Board members of the Allendale Community Foundation — one of our two affiliate community foundations — hosted a summer picnic at the Grand Ravines park in Allendale in July.

Chris Riker, our VP of Advancement & Donor Services, kicked the evening off with a welcome and overview of the role community foundations play in community. Immediate past chair of the board, Gwen VanTimmeren, highlighted recent grants, including teacher mini-grants, and the impact they’ve had in Allendale.  Nick Grinzinger, a financial advisor who serves on the investment committee and board, gave an update on the foundation’s financial performance. Kellen Brusveen, also a board member and a fund holder, explained why his company opened a donor advised fund, and how he uses it to give back.

Patrick Adams from Remembrance Ranch told those in attendance about the Transform Catering program, which teaches life skills and provides opportunities to at-risk teens. Two students from the program and the head chef were on hand to talk to attendees, and they also prepared all the food for the event. Patrick expressed his gratitude to the Allendale Community Foundation for the grant that Transform Catering recently received.

Thank you to everyone who came and helped make this an evening to remember!

Learn more about the Allendale Community Foundation in their latest newsletter.