Community leaders step to the plate for BRCF

Camrose's community leaders stepped up to the plate for the Battle River Community Foundation May 9.

The annual Professional Advisors' Luncheon at the Camrose Railway Station raised $13,100 for an endowment fund established by the Foundation to support its annual operating budget.

The fund totalled $630,625.61 at the close of business in 2011.

"We have had strong and faithful support from individuals and corporations over the years," said Battle River Community Foundation board chair Blain Fowler. "Harberg Nikiforuk Wood, Knaut Johnson Francoeur, Grant Nahirniak, Corey Kudrowich and Shirley Rostad and Doug Tien have all pledged to contribute at least $10,000 to the Administrative Endowment Fund."

The luncheon has raised nearly $140,000 for the administrative endowment fund over its 11-year history.

Savings account

Fowler said the Battle River Community Foundation can be likened to a savings account, or an RRSP, for the entire community.

"The idea is that we invest the money received from generous community-minded people, top up the capital to preserve purchasing power, and pass on the balance in accordance with donors' wishes to meet the emerging needs of the Battle River community."

The Foundation delivered $180,778.55 to projects throughout the community it serves in the 2011 granting cycle, raising the total amount granted since 1995 to $1,466,022.20. The Foundation reached the goal of $5 million in endowments at the end of 2009, and has set a target of $10 million in endowments by the end of 2014.

"We're slightly behind schedule on the way to our objective, but we're not going to be throwing in the towel," said Fowler. "Each member of our board is tasked with going out and raising $30,000 before year-end by knocking on doors, telling our story and encouraging others to buy into our vision, and it is working. I can tell you that last month alone we received donations from 284 individuals totalling $58,722.07."

Fowler said the work done by the community's professional advisors in the area of planned giving is key to the growth of the Foundation.

"We are certain that when one of those who come to you seeking advice on personal philanthropy that you will recommend consideration of the Battle River Community Foundation."

Fowler said the attendance at the luncheon is an indication that the community's professional advisors have bought into the Battle River Community Foundation's vision.

"I would like to congratulate you for being a part of something that will truly make a difference in our community, in five years, in ten years, and even one hundred years from now and beyond. Your generosity and community spirit is truly appreciated. Sincere thanks from the entire community, for the good that you have done today will last forever."

Members of the Battle River Community Foundation board of directors are: Blain Fowler, chair; Vivianne Grue, vice chair; Dana Andreassen, secretary; James Mayer, treasurer; Corey Kudrowich, Clarence Mastel, David Ofrim, By Reesor and Wayne Throndson, directors; and Ken Drever, past chair. The executive director is Kerry Grettum, while the executive assistant is Tom Kuntz.

The Battle River Community Foundation will be providing a summary of the events and activities of the last 12 months at the Norsemen Inn June 6, starting at 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker Verlyn Olson, MLA for Wetaskiwin-Camrose, will speak on the importance of a community foundation.