Jill's Journal: Serving with a smile for 15 years ...

Last week, I attended my last meeting as a board member of the Brandon Community Foundation.

In one way, I’m relieved.

In another way, I’m sad to be stepping down.

My feeling of relief comes from serving on this board for 15 years. Yes, 15.

I have a good friend, Mayor Harry Buck to thank for that. I well remember the summer of 2008 when Harry suggested I start attending these meetings as an “ex officio.”

What that actually meant is I was a full-fledged board member without a vote, but yet a voice.

That first meeting was held during lunch time at the Brandon Steakhouse, and at that time, there was a whole different crew of volunteers working for the greater good of the BCF mission.

Over the years, our meeting locations have changed. There were times we held them at the high school and were treated to school lunch.

They were also held bright and early at Scooter’s, but our group soon outgrew that space, so we moved to Tailgator’s until the aftermath of COVID and lack of staff for the morning breakfast and coffee crowds came to an end.

For several years, the conference room at the Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce has served as our meeting space. And it’s served us well.

As I noted earlier, I am somewhat sad to be stepping down from the board, but I’m not fully stepping away from the Foundation. For several years, I’ve served as the chairwoman for the grants committee, and it’s a job I’ve truly enjoyed. I mean, who gets “handed” thousands and thousands of dollars and the ability to decide which non-profit group or event is going to get a piece of the pie? 

Speaking of pie, that slice of interest realized each year from the Community Foundation fund that surpassed the $1 million-dollar mark a few years back, is getting bigger and bigger every year. And that makes sharing the wealth a whole lot easier and even more fun.

Over the years, I’ve served alongside some very dedicated folks to the cause, and I’m confident these same kinds of people will, just like me someday, step up to help build a better life for us all in the greater Brandon Valley community.

One last plug for the BCF: In the spirit of the city of Brandon’s 50-year celebration this year, the Foundation is championing a commemorative pledge: $50 for 50 years.

If you don’t think 50 bucks can make a difference, do the math.

Based on the 11,048 residents that the most recent Census revealed live in Brandon alone, that adds up to more than $550,000. And we haven’t even counted in the rural, Valley Springs, Corson, Renner and eastside Sioux Falls folks

That’s a chunk of change, and one that I’m willing to pledge my 50 bucks to. So, in honor of Brandon’s 50 years of incorporation and looking to grow the Brandon Community Foundation fund even more, please consider $50 for 50. And while you’re in the process, give some thought to serving on the BCF Board of Directors or volunteer to help out at one of the group’s annual events, the Jimmie Fjerestad Golf Tournament on June 23 or the Oak & Vine – always the last Friday in October (Oct. 27).