For the past five years, Beach has held a 5K and 10K walk/run during the annual Spirit of the West event. This year Beach will host its first half marathon from Golva to Beach on ND Highway 16 in conjunction with the 5K/10K event. Co-Organizer Jim Wosepka says, “This is a unique route locally, because a half marathon is about 13 miles and the distance between Golva and Beach is 13 miles.”
Wosepka feels the shoulders of Highway 16 are in pretty decent shape and will work well for running single file, or if necessary--three abreast for short distances. Runners will be going against traffic which will be an added safety feature because he believes most traffic during that time will be heading north rather than southbound.
Although he hasn’t run the route himself yet, Wosepka says he has biked it. The route is a combination of flat or rolling hills, with a slight decline after mile 7. There will be people who will opt to bike the route rather than run it and they are very welcome to do so according to the Co-Organizers. Fluid stations will be set up every even mile according to an informational sheet from Co-Organizer Pastor Paul Peterson. A GU (energy gel) station will be set up at mile 8 for those running the half marathon.
According to Wosepka, runners, walkers and bikers will be bussed from Beach to their specific starting point (5K/10K) along the route and half marathon beginning at Golva. All races will start simultaneously at 7:00 AM. Participants are expected to begin arriving at Gazebo Park anywhere from 8:15 to around 11:00 AM depending on which leg of the route they are in. “There have been a lot of calls regarding the half marathon, even from people who aren’t interested in the Beach Centennial,” said Wosepka, “these people will be coming just for the half marathon.”
A “get fit” challenge began on April 1st for anyone wishing to get ready to participate in the half marathon or look and feel their best for the reunion. There’s still time for anyone interested to become involved in the fitness challenge. Weekly data (time spent on exercise, weight-loss, etc.) is collected at the mini mall on Wednesdays from 4:30 – 5:30 PM. For more information on the fitness challenge contact Carla Steffan at 701-872-3413.
Those interested in more information regarding the half marathon or a training schedule to prepare for the half marathon can contact Co-Organizer Pastor Paul Peterson or go to the Beach website www.beachnd.com
Monday, May 4, 2009
Beach Centennial Just Around The Corner
Beach Centennial Planning committee members are busy finalizing details for the celebration of the 100th year of the Incorporation of the City of Beach, July 29th through August 2nd.
One of the event planners, Kim Nunberg says the five day event will have something for everyone. Activities begin with an opening ceremony on Wednesday, July 29th in Gazebo Park at the corner of Central Avenue and Main Street. The Dickinson Elks Sod Buster Band will entertain with old-time music at Gazebo Park beginning at 5:00 PM, followed by a picnic of hot dogs and a Coke for 10 cents. The Opening Ceremony will begin at 6:00 PM with Mayor Walt Losinski as Master of Ceremonies.
Event planners set a family registration fee of $25 which will allow access to the Friday night Beach Party concert, Saturday lunch, as well as wrist bands for their children’s entrance to the inflatable games, swimming pool, whiffle ball game and air rifle contest. Those not registered can purchase a wrist band for their children for $10 each or pay as they go. All concerts will be located at the Golden Valley County Fairgrounds. Children’s inflatable games will be located at Gazebo Park, as will the vendors. Food and beverage vendors will also be located at the fair grounds during the concerts. Interested vendors can contact Bobbi Hildebrant at 701-872-4369 for more information.
All-School Reunion registration will be open beginning at noon on Wednesday, July 29th, and each day thereafter from 8:00 to 5:00 at located at Lincoln Elementary’s east entrance. Those pre-registered will be able to pick up their Centennial and reunion information, name tags and children’s wrist bands at the registration table.
Other activities include a golf tournament each day Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 7:00 AM; free-will breakfasts Thursday through Sunday; and kid’s activities Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Thursday, July 30th activities include a kids whiffle ball game, free-will BBQ chicken dinner at Golden Valley Manor and the Johnny Holm concert.
According to Nunberg, Friday, July 31st is the day set aside for class reunion gatherings. Class reunion schedules will be available at the registration table for classes that provide information to Judy Ridenhower. Other activities on Friday are the American Legion Alumni Baseball game on Friday afternoon, car show, Daae Family Christian Concert, ZZ Not, tribute band for ZZ Top. Due to the class reunion get-togethers, the concert will begin at 9:00 PM. All other evening concerts begin at 8:00 PM.
Saturday, Aug. 1st will be a full day beginning with the half marathon or 5K/10K walk/run. The parade will begin at 11:00 AM with the theme “Celebrating A Century”, followed by a picnic lunch and Centennial Coin Auction. To register a float for the parade, contact City Hall at 701-872-4103.
Also on Saturday, a demolition derby sponsored by the fair board, will be held at the Golden Valley County Fairgrounds, at 1:30 PM. For more information regarding the derby contact Bob Schmeling, Fair Board President at 701-872-4671.
The Saturday night concert will feature KingBilly. The Nashville based, six member band mixes their bluegrass and country roots with pop rock sounds to create music that is uniquely KingBilly. Beach will be familiar to the band as they were the back up band for last year’s Spirit of the West artist, Sarah Buxton. A fireworks display will follow the concert at 10:00 PM.
Sunday, August 2nd will round out the event with an Ecumenical “Cowboy Church” Service with Don Funke, Bozeman, MT at 10:00 AM, the Home On The Range Champions Match Ride Rodeo at 1:00 PM and the 100th Anniversary of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at 5:00 PM.
A U.S. Postal pictorial commemorative stamp cancellation will be held on the official date of Incorporation on October 29th at City Hall. Postcards and other items will be available to purchase during the summer event. For those not living close by, items can be purchased to be held at the Community Learning & Technology Center until the cancellation date for those wishing to mail a commemorative item to their grandchildren, friends or themselves on the official date.
As with any celebration of this type, donations of any size are welcome. Anyone interested in donating to the centennial costs can contact Wosepka, CPA at 701-872-4321. Those interested in volunteering during the event can call City Hall at 701-872-4103 or email cityofbeach@midstate.net. For reunion information, contact Judy Ridenhower at 701-872-4987 or email judyridenhower@midstate.net. For more information regarding the half marathon or 5K/10K walk/run contact Co-Organizer Pastor Paul Peterson at 701-872-4302.
Many more details for each day of the celebration are available at www.beachnd.com, along with registration forms. Items will be updated as activities are added or change.
One of the event planners, Kim Nunberg says the five day event will have something for everyone. Activities begin with an opening ceremony on Wednesday, July 29th in Gazebo Park at the corner of Central Avenue and Main Street. The Dickinson Elks Sod Buster Band will entertain with old-time music at Gazebo Park beginning at 5:00 PM, followed by a picnic of hot dogs and a Coke for 10 cents. The Opening Ceremony will begin at 6:00 PM with Mayor Walt Losinski as Master of Ceremonies.
Event planners set a family registration fee of $25 which will allow access to the Friday night Beach Party concert, Saturday lunch, as well as wrist bands for their children’s entrance to the inflatable games, swimming pool, whiffle ball game and air rifle contest. Those not registered can purchase a wrist band for their children for $10 each or pay as they go. All concerts will be located at the Golden Valley County Fairgrounds. Children’s inflatable games will be located at Gazebo Park, as will the vendors. Food and beverage vendors will also be located at the fair grounds during the concerts. Interested vendors can contact Bobbi Hildebrant at 701-872-4369 for more information.
All-School Reunion registration will be open beginning at noon on Wednesday, July 29th, and each day thereafter from 8:00 to 5:00 at located at Lincoln Elementary’s east entrance. Those pre-registered will be able to pick up their Centennial and reunion information, name tags and children’s wrist bands at the registration table.
Other activities include a golf tournament each day Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 7:00 AM; free-will breakfasts Thursday through Sunday; and kid’s activities Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Thursday, July 30th activities include a kids whiffle ball game, free-will BBQ chicken dinner at Golden Valley Manor and the Johnny Holm concert.
According to Nunberg, Friday, July 31st is the day set aside for class reunion gatherings. Class reunion schedules will be available at the registration table for classes that provide information to Judy Ridenhower. Other activities on Friday are the American Legion Alumni Baseball game on Friday afternoon, car show, Daae Family Christian Concert, ZZ Not, tribute band for ZZ Top. Due to the class reunion get-togethers, the concert will begin at 9:00 PM. All other evening concerts begin at 8:00 PM.
Saturday, Aug. 1st will be a full day beginning with the half marathon or 5K/10K walk/run. The parade will begin at 11:00 AM with the theme “Celebrating A Century”, followed by a picnic lunch and Centennial Coin Auction. To register a float for the parade, contact City Hall at 701-872-4103.
Also on Saturday, a demolition derby sponsored by the fair board, will be held at the Golden Valley County Fairgrounds, at 1:30 PM. For more information regarding the derby contact Bob Schmeling, Fair Board President at 701-872-4671.
The Saturday night concert will feature KingBilly. The Nashville based, six member band mixes their bluegrass and country roots with pop rock sounds to create music that is uniquely KingBilly. Beach will be familiar to the band as they were the back up band for last year’s Spirit of the West artist, Sarah Buxton. A fireworks display will follow the concert at 10:00 PM.
Sunday, August 2nd will round out the event with an Ecumenical “Cowboy Church” Service with Don Funke, Bozeman, MT at 10:00 AM, the Home On The Range Champions Match Ride Rodeo at 1:00 PM and the 100th Anniversary of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at 5:00 PM.
A U.S. Postal pictorial commemorative stamp cancellation will be held on the official date of Incorporation on October 29th at City Hall. Postcards and other items will be available to purchase during the summer event. For those not living close by, items can be purchased to be held at the Community Learning & Technology Center until the cancellation date for those wishing to mail a commemorative item to their grandchildren, friends or themselves on the official date.
As with any celebration of this type, donations of any size are welcome. Anyone interested in donating to the centennial costs can contact Wosepka, CPA at 701-872-4321. Those interested in volunteering during the event can call City Hall at 701-872-4103 or email cityofbeach@midstate.net. For reunion information, contact Judy Ridenhower at 701-872-4987 or email judyridenhower@midstate.net. For more information regarding the half marathon or 5K/10K walk/run contact Co-Organizer Pastor Paul Peterson at 701-872-4302.
Many more details for each day of the celebration are available at www.beachnd.com, along with registration forms. Items will be updated as activities are added or change.
Beach Centennial Features Three Evening Concerts
Beach Centennial will take place July 29th through August 2nd. Part of the celebration will include concerts at the Golden Valley County Fairgrounds by Johnny Holm, ZZ Not, and KingBilly.
Johnny Holm will be the first entertainer for the venue Thursday, July 30th. The Johnny Holm band is reported to be the most widely known and most widely traveled rock and roll band in America. Those familiar with Johnny Holm know his shows hold the momentum with a “never a dull moment” attitude.
The nationally recognized ZZ Top tribute band, ZZ Not will provide musical entertainment for the Beach Party on Friday night, July 31st. As a part of the Miller Time Live National Tour 2009, ZZ Not provides an uncanny ability to mirror the original ZZ Top without altering the foundation of the trademark ZZ Top look and sound. The good times will keep rollin’ with the appearance of the Miller Girls joining ZZ Not at the Beach Party. Due to the class reunion get-togethers set for Friday, the ZZ Not concert will begin at 9:00 PM. All other evening concerts begin at 8:00 PM.
The Saturday night, August 1st will feature KingBilly. The Nashville based, six member band mixes their bluegrass and country roots with pop rock sounds to create music that is uniquely KingBilly. Beach will be familiar to the band as they were the back up band for last year’s Spirit of the West artist, Sarah Buxton.
Tickets for each concert can be purchased separately by contacting Beach City Hall at 872-4103 or emailing cityofbeach@midstate.net. All seating is festival seating.
Many more details for each day of the celebration are available at www.beachnd.com, along with registration forms. Items will be updated as activities are added or change.
Johnny Holm will be the first entertainer for the venue Thursday, July 30th. The Johnny Holm band is reported to be the most widely known and most widely traveled rock and roll band in America. Those familiar with Johnny Holm know his shows hold the momentum with a “never a dull moment” attitude.
The nationally recognized ZZ Top tribute band, ZZ Not will provide musical entertainment for the Beach Party on Friday night, July 31st. As a part of the Miller Time Live National Tour 2009, ZZ Not provides an uncanny ability to mirror the original ZZ Top without altering the foundation of the trademark ZZ Top look and sound. The good times will keep rollin’ with the appearance of the Miller Girls joining ZZ Not at the Beach Party. Due to the class reunion get-togethers set for Friday, the ZZ Not concert will begin at 9:00 PM. All other evening concerts begin at 8:00 PM.
The Saturday night, August 1st will feature KingBilly. The Nashville based, six member band mixes their bluegrass and country roots with pop rock sounds to create music that is uniquely KingBilly. Beach will be familiar to the band as they were the back up band for last year’s Spirit of the West artist, Sarah Buxton.
Tickets for each concert can be purchased separately by contacting Beach City Hall at 872-4103 or emailing cityofbeach@midstate.net. All seating is festival seating.
Many more details for each day of the celebration are available at www.beachnd.com, along with registration forms. Items will be updated as activities are added or change.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Names Sought for All-School Reunion Committee
The All-School Reunion Committee needs mailing addresses or information on the following individuals. If your name is listed or you know the whereabouts of someone on this list please contact beachnd@gmail.com or leave a post below.
1948 Jack Sleight
1956 John Irons
1966 Tom Smith
1973 Cheryl Brown
1974 Tracy Streitz
1983 Kirt LaForge
1991 Shawn Svihl
1997 Jake Gardner
1948 Jack Sleight
1956 John Irons
1966 Tom Smith
1973 Cheryl Brown
1974 Tracy Streitz
1983 Kirt LaForge
1991 Shawn Svihl
1997 Jake Gardner
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Golden Valley County Community Foundation Established
Established in 2008 by a group of concerned residents, the Golden Valley County Community Foundation provides a method of receiving funds/donations to benefit projects or non-profits in Golden Valley County. The Fund is affiliated with the North Dakota Community Foundation, which is a non-profit tax-exempt corporation under IRS Code 501(c)(3) and North Dakota Law.
Management & Purpose
All contributions and bequests received by the Golden Valley County Community Foundation are placed into a permanent endowment fund. Earnings from the fund are used to support projects or programs in Golden Valley County as determined by a board of local citizens. The North Dakota Community Foundation provides professional management for the Fund. Gifts to the Fund are tax deductible to the full extend of Federal and State Law.
Matching Gift Opportunity
The North Dakota Community Foundation annually will match all gifts to the Golden Valley County Community Foundation dollar for dollar up to the first $10,000.00 raised. If the community can raise $25,000.00, and additional $5,000.00 will be added to the matching total.
Methods of Giving
Outright Gifts: This is a simple, convenient way to donate and receive a maximum tax advantage. Money, securities, or appreciated property may be transferred to the fund, and the donor receives a tax deduction based on the value at the time of transfer. The donor will not be subject to capital gains tax on any appreciation.
Bequests: Donors may provide gifts to the fund through their will. The will can provide for a stated sum, percentage, or for the residue and remainder of the estate, real or personal.
Deferred Gifts: Gifts made in this manner can pay a lifetime income to the donor or her designee. Upon death, the residue of the gift becomes property of the Golden Valley Community Foundation.
Life Insurance: By naming the Fund as the irrevocable beneficiary of a life insurance policy, donors are entitled to an immediate tax deduction in the amount of the cash value of the policy. Premiums paid thereafter are deductible from income tax.
Memorials: Gifts honoring individuals are an appropriate way of indicating one's care and concern.
*Be sure to consult with you financial or tax advisor for details.
Getting Involved
If you are interested in donating or would like more information, here is how you can get involved:
Online contributions to the Golden Valley County Community Foundation are available at the North Dakota Community Foundation' website, www.ndcf.net/DonateNow/DonateNow.asp, and select the Golden Valley County Community Foundation Fund.
Inquiries about the Golden Valley County Community Foundation and donations may be directed to:
Golden Valley County Community Foundation
PO BOX 784
Beach, ND 58621 Phone: 701-872-3121
Specific questions related to methods of giving and tax-exempt benefits may be directed to:
North Dakota Community Foundation
Attn: Kevin Dvorak
PO BOX 387
Bismarck, ND 58502 Phone: 701-222-8349
Management & Purpose
All contributions and bequests received by the Golden Valley County Community Foundation are placed into a permanent endowment fund. Earnings from the fund are used to support projects or programs in Golden Valley County as determined by a board of local citizens. The North Dakota Community Foundation provides professional management for the Fund. Gifts to the Fund are tax deductible to the full extend of Federal and State Law.
Matching Gift Opportunity
The North Dakota Community Foundation annually will match all gifts to the Golden Valley County Community Foundation dollar for dollar up to the first $10,000.00 raised. If the community can raise $25,000.00, and additional $5,000.00 will be added to the matching total.
Methods of Giving
Outright Gifts: This is a simple, convenient way to donate and receive a maximum tax advantage. Money, securities, or appreciated property may be transferred to the fund, and the donor receives a tax deduction based on the value at the time of transfer. The donor will not be subject to capital gains tax on any appreciation.
Bequests: Donors may provide gifts to the fund through their will. The will can provide for a stated sum, percentage, or for the residue and remainder of the estate, real or personal.
Deferred Gifts: Gifts made in this manner can pay a lifetime income to the donor or her designee. Upon death, the residue of the gift becomes property of the Golden Valley Community Foundation.
Life Insurance: By naming the Fund as the irrevocable beneficiary of a life insurance policy, donors are entitled to an immediate tax deduction in the amount of the cash value of the policy. Premiums paid thereafter are deductible from income tax.
Memorials: Gifts honoring individuals are an appropriate way of indicating one's care and concern.
*Be sure to consult with you financial or tax advisor for details.
Getting Involved
If you are interested in donating or would like more information, here is how you can get involved:
Online contributions to the Golden Valley County Community Foundation are available at the North Dakota Community Foundation' website, www.ndcf.net/DonateNow/DonateNow.asp, and select the Golden Valley County Community Foundation Fund.
Inquiries about the Golden Valley County Community Foundation and donations may be directed to:
Golden Valley County Community Foundation
PO BOX 784
Beach, ND 58621 Phone: 701-872-3121
Specific questions related to methods of giving and tax-exempt benefits may be directed to:
North Dakota Community Foundation
Attn: Kevin Dvorak
PO BOX 387
Bismarck, ND 58502 Phone: 701-222-8349
Updated All-School Reunion List
The All-School Reunion Committee needs mailing addresses or information on the following individuals, if your name is listed or you know the whereabouts of someone on this list please contact beachnd@gmail.com or leave a post below.
1932-Norrene Johnston Vanderwald
1933-Helga Nellermoe Thoreson
1935-Katherine Moran Crawford
1937-Charles Cooper
1937-Dorothy Doyle Anderson
1943-Lorraine Maher Pierce
1948-Annabell Filkowski Karokas
1955-Eugene G. Kautzmann
1957-Glenette Fakler Lindbloom
1969-Bill Koehlm
1971-Esther Myers
1973-Cheryl Brown
1974-Warren McCall
1974-Tracy Streitz
1974-Deb Myers Northrop
1974-Patty Myers
1976-Kevin Thompson
1979-Shelly Kukowski
1980-Brad Brettin
1981-Lynette Edgerton Massey
1983-Kirt La Forge
1983-Tina Barnhart Just
1985-Carmen Barnhart Hoff
1986-Wayne Syvinski
1988-Lynne White
1989-Robert Korstad
1989-John Wold
1990-Jon Williams
1991-Shawn Svihl
1993-Case McDonald
1993-Dave Willason
1995-Brad Benasky
1997-Jake Gardner
Unknown
Nancy Ryman Christopher
Jack Sleight
Donald Kukowski
Robert Schaal
John Irons
Anne Raisler Ostrove
Darryl Kautzmann
Fred Jacobson
Deane Kukowski Taylor
Tom Smith
James Beck
Marcene Bruski
1932-Norrene Johnston Vanderwald
1933-Helga Nellermoe Thoreson
1935-Katherine Moran Crawford
1937-Charles Cooper
1937-Dorothy Doyle Anderson
1943-Lorraine Maher Pierce
1948-Annabell Filkowski Karokas
1955-Eugene G. Kautzmann
1957-Glenette Fakler Lindbloom
1969-Bill Koehlm
1971-Esther Myers
1973-Cheryl Brown
1974-Warren McCall
1974-Tracy Streitz
1974-Deb Myers Northrop
1974-Patty Myers
1976-Kevin Thompson
1979-Shelly Kukowski
1980-Brad Brettin
1981-Lynette Edgerton Massey
1983-Kirt La Forge
1983-Tina Barnhart Just
1985-Carmen Barnhart Hoff
1986-Wayne Syvinski
1988-Lynne White
1989-Robert Korstad
1989-John Wold
1990-Jon Williams
1991-Shawn Svihl
1993-Case McDonald
1993-Dave Willason
1995-Brad Benasky
1997-Jake Gardner
Unknown
Nancy Ryman Christopher
Jack Sleight
Donald Kukowski
Robert Schaal
John Irons
Anne Raisler Ostrove
Darryl Kautzmann
Fred Jacobson
Deane Kukowski Taylor
Tom Smith
James Beck
Marcene Bruski
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Making Golden Valley County A Better Place
Making Golden Valley County a Better Place
By Michael B. Hardy
In every persons life there comes a time when they are called upon to step forward and support the greater good. Actually, if you are like me, those calls seem to be coming more and more frequent as there are so many areas of need and worthwhile causes. Today, I’d like to address all current, past and prospective residents of Golden Valley County and share an opportunity and call to action for the perpetual benefit of the residents of the county. The time has come to nurture to life a community foundation for Golden Valley County. A permanent foundation established to provide support for various programs that would enhance the quality of life in Golden Valley County. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to pool our resources to establish a fund for the community that could support our elderly, our youth, civic or cultural programs that improve the quality of life in the area.
Where do we start? In conversations with Kevin Dvorak, Executive Director of the North Dakota Community Foundation, the NDCF stands ready to assist in the creation of a fund specific for Golden Valley County. This fund will require contributions by individuals, businesses and other sponsors to provide the pool of funds which are then invested via NDCF through professional investment managers. The earnings of the community foundation are then available to invest back into the community. Whether it is equipment for the manor, uniforms for youth baseball, community park beautification, scholarships for graduating seniors or promotion of historical points of interest, the focus of the foundation is the improvement of the quality of life in Golden Valley County. This is about leaving a lasting legacy to the region that nurtured us and instilled the values we carry with us through life. Now is the time to give back and make a contribution for the benefit of those who will follow us in keeping western North Dakota and Golden Valley County the special place that it holds in our hearts, that defined our values and shaped our families.
State Bank & Trust, located in Fargo and my employer, has made available to each employee of the bank $1,000 to gift in a Pay-it-Forward program. I would like to make my gift to the current and future residents of Golden Valley County by aiding in the establishment of the Golden Valley Community Foundation. Furthermore, I would encourage and challenge the businesses and residents (current and former) of the county to step forward and participate in the development of the Foundation. As a further incentive to create the Foundation, the North Dakota Community Foundation will provide a generous $5,000 gift if the Foundation can successfully raise $25,000 in its first year. I know that the collective capacity of the current and former residents of the county is far greater than this modest amount.
Imagine if the Golden Valley Community Foundation could raise $25,000 per year for the next 5 years. With the matching funds from the NDCF, the balance would grow to nearly $200,000 within five years providing an estimated $10,000 per year that can be gifted back into the community. This is a very realistic goal and the NDCF stands ready to support our local efforts by matching dollar for dollar up to the first $10,000 raised annually following the first year. If the community can raise $25,000, there is a bonus $5,000 each and every year. Please consider supporting the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy to the people of Golden Valley County. Your attendance at the June 12 informational meeting is strongly encouraged so you can learn more about this opportunity and how you can make a difference.
(Mike Hardy is a Sr. Vice President and Sr. Portfolio Manager in the Trust and Investment Division of State Bank and Trust and lives in Fargo with his wife Barb and two children.)
By Michael B. Hardy
In every persons life there comes a time when they are called upon to step forward and support the greater good. Actually, if you are like me, those calls seem to be coming more and more frequent as there are so many areas of need and worthwhile causes. Today, I’d like to address all current, past and prospective residents of Golden Valley County and share an opportunity and call to action for the perpetual benefit of the residents of the county. The time has come to nurture to life a community foundation for Golden Valley County. A permanent foundation established to provide support for various programs that would enhance the quality of life in Golden Valley County. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to pool our resources to establish a fund for the community that could support our elderly, our youth, civic or cultural programs that improve the quality of life in the area.
Where do we start? In conversations with Kevin Dvorak, Executive Director of the North Dakota Community Foundation, the NDCF stands ready to assist in the creation of a fund specific for Golden Valley County. This fund will require contributions by individuals, businesses and other sponsors to provide the pool of funds which are then invested via NDCF through professional investment managers. The earnings of the community foundation are then available to invest back into the community. Whether it is equipment for the manor, uniforms for youth baseball, community park beautification, scholarships for graduating seniors or promotion of historical points of interest, the focus of the foundation is the improvement of the quality of life in Golden Valley County. This is about leaving a lasting legacy to the region that nurtured us and instilled the values we carry with us through life. Now is the time to give back and make a contribution for the benefit of those who will follow us in keeping western North Dakota and Golden Valley County the special place that it holds in our hearts, that defined our values and shaped our families.
State Bank & Trust, located in Fargo and my employer, has made available to each employee of the bank $1,000 to gift in a Pay-it-Forward program. I would like to make my gift to the current and future residents of Golden Valley County by aiding in the establishment of the Golden Valley Community Foundation. Furthermore, I would encourage and challenge the businesses and residents (current and former) of the county to step forward and participate in the development of the Foundation. As a further incentive to create the Foundation, the North Dakota Community Foundation will provide a generous $5,000 gift if the Foundation can successfully raise $25,000 in its first year. I know that the collective capacity of the current and former residents of the county is far greater than this modest amount.
Imagine if the Golden Valley Community Foundation could raise $25,000 per year for the next 5 years. With the matching funds from the NDCF, the balance would grow to nearly $200,000 within five years providing an estimated $10,000 per year that can be gifted back into the community. This is a very realistic goal and the NDCF stands ready to support our local efforts by matching dollar for dollar up to the first $10,000 raised annually following the first year. If the community can raise $25,000, there is a bonus $5,000 each and every year. Please consider supporting the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy to the people of Golden Valley County. Your attendance at the June 12 informational meeting is strongly encouraged so you can learn more about this opportunity and how you can make a difference.
(Mike Hardy is a Sr. Vice President and Sr. Portfolio Manager in the Trust and Investment Division of State Bank and Trust and lives in Fargo with his wife Barb and two children.)
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