Foundation News
Foundation Providing Assistance to Self-Help Closet
Posted: September 29, 2008
The Des Plaines Community Foundation voted during their September
quarterly board meeting to provide assistance to the Des Plaines
Self Help Closet and Food Pantry in the amount of $1,000.00 and
several trustee organizations agreed to serve as community drop off
sites and host “Bring your Can to Work” food drives between now and
October 30.
Participating trustee organizations are offering an opportunity
for community members to drop off canned/dried food and paper
product donations during normal business hours include City of Des
Plaines – City Hall, Midwest Bank, Pesche’s Gardens and Harris Bank.
Also participating in the drive by hosting a “Bring your Can to
Work” drive is Juno Lighting of Des Plaines.
According to City of Des Plaines employees, Madeline May and
Kathy Puetz, the pantry is experiencing increased pantry needs for
local Des Plaines residents during these difficult economic times.
“The food pantry serves over 800 individuals and families monthly”
states Debbie Walusiak, Executive Director of the pantry. The
pantry serves individuals and families that are in difficult
situations, often dealing with underemployment, unemployment,
homelessness, mental illness, seniors and disabled on fixed incomes.
Please help us support our local panty by dropping off your
donations by visiting the Des Plaines Community Foundation trustee
sites; City Hall, Midwest Bank at (Pearson/Ellinwood), Pesche’s
Flowers on River Rd., and Harris Bank (Rand and Central) between now
and October 30th.
Foundation Received Grant Money
Posted: July 24, 2008
Through the efforts of State Representative Rosemary Mulligan,
the Des Plaines Community Foundation has received an Illinois
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity ("Department") Grant
in the amount of $25,000. The majority of the Grant will be used to
build wheelchair ramps for needy, disabled Des Plaines residents.
The remainder of the Grant will be used to purchase and install
KNOX-BOXES for elderly neighbors who are injured or seriously ill.
KNOX-BOXES enable paramedics and firefighters to gain quick access
to the home or apartment without forcing entry. State Representative
Rosemary Mulligan has a solid and long history of demonstrating her
concern and care for Des Plaines’ most fragile residents – the
disabled and the elderly. We thank her again and appreciate all she
has accomplished.
This past week we have received a call at the Foundation office
to aid a disabled father of three whose condition has now worsened
to the extent that he needs to be in a wheelchair. He requires help
financially to have a ramp installed at his home. Maine West
Building Trades students under the supervision of their teacher,
Paul Bartholomae, have volunteered to build the ramp in August. A
grant from the Foundation will pay for the wood and other supplies.
The Foundation also received a request from a family that was
concerned with the safety of their grandmother who was leaving her
front door unlocked so paramedics could come to her aid quickly when
she called for help. The Foundation arranged for a KNOX-BOX to be
installed so that both family and grandmother could feel more
secure. The Foundation is humble d and
grateful to play a small part in helping to improve the quality of
life for our Des Plaines residents.
Day at the Races Was a Great Success!
Posted: June 25, 2008
Dear Friend and Supporter:
The Des Plaines Community Foundation would like to thank you for
your generous support of the 5th Annual Day at the Races held June
14, 2008.
We had a beautiful day and more people attended than ever
before!! Our successful results are as follows:
- Event tickets $2790
- Raffle tickets $1685
- Silent auction $3580
- Live auction $675
- Sports auction $230
- 3rd & 6th Races $220
- Cash donations $3155
The total profit for the Day at the Races is $12,335! The
Des Plaines Community Foundation has been in existence since
September 1997. The Foundation was created to support the
service programs of the partnership whose activities improve the
quality of life of those that live and work in Des Plaines.
For every $1 profit we can provide $12 in services because our
volunteers carry out many of the programs. The profits from
this year’s Day at the Races will add over $145,000 in value to our
community in supplies and services.
At this time, the specific services of the partnership are
incorporated into four program areas:
Neighbors Helping Neighbors (volunteer matching program served
over 300 resident needs in 2007-2008).
Healthy Community/Healthy Youth (Des Plaines Teen Center,
Youth Development opportunities).
Intergenerational (Senior/Teen Prom, Physical Health education,
Mental Health Crisis Response Team).
Seasons of Service (Civic engagement programs – Pantry drives).
Again, thank you for all your support. Yours for a Healthy
Community,
Rosemary S Argus
Executive Director
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