BCF is all about making ‘brighter tomorrows’
The Brandon Community Foundation.
Hmmm …
You’ve probably heard the name and seen a banner displayed here or there, but honestly, it’s likely that you didn’t give the mission of the community-focused group much thought.
Or if you did, maybe you thought this is just another group looking for a monetary donation.
That’s partially true. One of the main missions of the Foundation, which is a permanent, charitable endowment that supports activities to improve the quality of life for all ages, needs your donations to serve its purpose.
The idea for the Foundation was spurred by the late Gene Johnson, a man who left his mark on so many positive community endeavors. I well remember the day that Gene made a visit to the newspaper office to share with me his vision. I wrote a story and Gene and the charter members of the Foundation’s board of directors, approached friends and family to purchase a $100 leaf for the Founders’ Tree. In record time, $30,000 was raised and the BCF was off and running. Since that time, the fund has grown to more than $1 million.
To better understand the mission of the BCF, it is an endowment fund from which 4 percent of the interest earned is used to award grants to area non-profits that have a financial need and serve our community. The endowment is a fund of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, who provides investment expertise and back office support.
I’ve been a part of the BCF board since 2008. I initially stepped onto the board in an ex officio capacity that year, but in 2017, stepped up to a board position. I serve alongside people you know, includinh Dr. Jarod Larson, Christina Smith, Stacy Wrightsman, Myles Dixon, Rachael Neiman, Kim Thompson, Heidi Jorgenson, Barb Fish, Jack Van Leur, Paul VanDeBerg, Dennis Olson, Torrey Sundal and Meagan Zerr.
So, still confused as to just what does the BCF does?
Each fall, at Oak & Vine, we award grants to a variety of worthy causess. In 2021, the BCF gifted nearly $40,000 to 10 different organizations: Brandon VFW, the VFW Auxiliary, Brandon Valley Hockey Association, BVHS Best Buddies program, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, city of Brandon, 605 Roots, Brandon Valley Youth Softball Association, Brandon Valley Band Parents, and the BV Baseball Association.
We believe we’ve simplified the application process by bringing it all online. Non-profits may apply for grant at bcf.org. beginning Aug. 1. The deadline is Oct. 7. As noted earlier, the grants are announced at our annual Oak & Vine, which is Friday, Oct. 28 at the Brandon Holiday Inn. So, please, pencil it on your calendars.
The Oak & Vine is also the BCF’s opportunity to recognize someone who has a made a significant impact in our community. Past recipients of the “Brandon Community Spirit Award” are the late Jim Fjerestad, Dick Pickering, Dennis Olson, Greg and Sheri Carmon, Barb Fish, the late Roger Hunt, and most recently, Bob Young.
On Friday, June 24, we’re staging the eighth annual Jimmie Fjerestad Golf Tournament. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the BCF. There is still time to register a team, sponsor a hole or provide a pin prize. To do so, contact tourney chair Jack Van Leur at (605) 940-1578.
We also encourage community members to nominate someone that you believe has been a champion for the Brandon and Valley Springs communities, someone who has made our little corner of the world a better place to live, work and play.
And of course, we’re always on the hunt for board members, for folks who believe in helping to do their part for “brighter tomorrows.”
Maybe, just maybe, that’s you.
