THANKS NRAF — Many community organizations were represented at the Farm and City Days Pancake Breakfast held Saturday, July 9. The New Richland Area Foundation Fund handed out grants that totaled $9,500. Pictured were front from left: Barb Wildgrube, Jennie Johnson, Toni Larson, Cindy Coy, Gail Schmidt, Teri Kormann, Amy Ihrke and Pam Goehring. Back: Jeremy Parpart, Scott Eads, Mikenzi Hebel, Anthony Martens and Scott Routh. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Community breakfasts are always special gatherings. This year, at the Farm and City Days annual pancake feed, area residents were treated to some good news, as well as great music by long-time keyboardist Jim “Kozy” Kozan.
New Richland Area Foundation Fund Chairperson Gail Schmidt gave a little talk about the fund and what it has accomplished so far.
“Last year in our first year, we gave grants of $500 to the Girl Scouts for their city park project and $1,000 to the New Richland Care Center,” said Schmidt. “This year we are handing out 11 grants totaling $9,500.”
Schmidt, along with grant committee members Pam Goehring, Scott Routh and Matt Harrington, are the ones who decide the best use of available funds.
“This year we are giving $500 to the NRHEG School for their anti-bullying program,” said Schmidt. “This money is from the New Richland Area Foundation Fund.” Teri Kormann was present to accept for the school.
“The rest of the grants are coming from the “By the Grace of God Fund,” said Schmidt.
The “By the Grace of God Fund” has been established by an anonymous donor which started with about $14,000.
Schmidt preceded to announce the benefactors and the amounts, calling forward representatives as follows:
City of New Richland Legion Field — $500, Amy Ihrke.
City of New Richland City Park — $500, Anthony Martens.
Historical Preservation Board — $750, Barb Wildgrube.
Waseca Neighborhood Service Center — $750, Cindy Coy, Toni Larson.
New Richland Care Center, (whirlpool tub campaign) — $1,000, Mikenzi Hebel.
New Richland Ambulance — $1,000, Jennie Johnson.
New Richland Fire — $1,000, Jeremy Parpart.
New Richland Police — $1,000, Scott Eads.
St. Olaf Park (AED) — $2,000, Anthony Martens.
New Richland Area Foundation — $500, Schmidt.
The good news wasn’t quite over as Schmidt made one more announcement before relinquishing the microphone.
“We just found out this week the “By the Grace of God Fund” will be receiving another $10,000,” said Schmidt.
