Former State Rep. Lance Horbach, Tama, tells of the legislative effort to create the endowment program which adds funds to community foundations in Iowa. Tama Co. Foundation Chair Brian Sokol is at right. -Photos provided

The Tama County Community Foundation (TCCF) 10-Year Anniversary Celebration, hosted by TCCF’s Governing Committee, was held on June 10, from 6-8 p.m. at the ZCBJ Hall in Clutier.

At 7 p.m., Brian Sokol, TCCF’s Governing Committee Chair, made short remarks and introduced former State Representative Lance Horbach, who was instrumental in passage of House File 2302, the bill that created the County Endowment Program. The County Endowment Program distributes 8/10ths of 1 % of the State’s commercial gaming revenues to the

85 counties that do not have a state-issued commercial gaming facility.

Horbach, and other representatives, recognized that with a little monetary help and the desire of interested community members and groups, much could be done in local communities. According to Horbach, invested community member volunteers are the backbone of the community and help make local projects successful.

Kaye Englin, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa (CFNEIA), of which the TCCF is an affiliate, spoke after Horbach. “We are grateful for the good work TCCF has done for the county over the past 10-years,” said Englin. “With the continued work and support of passionate volunteers and donors, TCCF will continue to grow, and be able to award more grants to those in need.”

Tama County Community Foundation members Ardene Cross, Clutier (left) and Kathy Fatig, Chelsea, assisted in hosting the 10th anniversary celebration of the foundation in Clutier on June 10.

MaryFasse-Shaw, TCCF’s Development Associate made a few welcoming comments. She noted when she visited agencies on site visits, everyone was very proud of what TCCF money helped them accomplish.

Jodi Phillips and Audrey Smith were present to represent several Chelsea businesses. Phillips owns the Periwinkle Bed and Breakfast and Mystery Murder Theatre as well as several buildings in downtown Chelsea. One of the downtown buildings houses the BBQ restaurant ALFS, run by Audrey Smith. Both Tama County wineries, Fox Ridge and JEV, were there to help celebrate, giving guests a chance to taste their wine selections, as well as selling bottles of wine. Two of the door prizes included a Periwinkle overnight stay and Murder Mystery donated by Phillips. Those winners were Blake Pearson of Clutier and Gary Fattig of Chelsea. Other door prizes included a bottle of wine from both wineries. Joanne Husak, Tama, won the bottle of wine from JEV, and Catherine Wieck, Dysart, won the bottle of wine from Foxridge. The fresh flower table decorations, donated by Norton’s Greenhouse in Toledo, were given to all who attended.

In 2006, TCCF gave out $46,672. Since then, TCCF has given out a total of $826,796 in discretionary funds and has given out $1.2 million in total funds. Nonprofits and government agencies are eligible to apply for a grant.

For more information on how to apply for a grant or how to start a fund with TCCF, please contact Development Associate, Mary Fasse-Shaw, at 641-751-5251 (Cell) or 641-484-5355 (Home).

The Tama County Community Foundation is a local organization making grant investments to organizations that create a stronger and more vibrant quality of life in Tama County and helps people establish permanent endowment funds for the causes they care about in their community. The Tama County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, a nonprofit committed to creating long-term impact in 19 counties in northeast Iowa. For more information, contact 319-287-9106 or visit www.cfneia.org. CFNEIA is confirmed in compliance with national standards for U.S. community foundations.

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The Tama County Community Foundation (TCCF) 10-Year Anniversary Celebration, hosted by TCCF’s Governing Committee, was held on June 10, from 6-8 p.m. at the ZCBJ Hall in Clutier. At 7 p.m., Brian Sokol, TCCF’s Governing Committee Chair, made short remarks and introduced former State Representative Lance Horbach, who was instrumental in passage of House File 2302, the bill that created the County Endowment Program.

The Tama County Community Foundation (TCCF) 10-Year Anniversary Celebration, hosted by TCCF’s Governing Committee, was held on June 10, from 6-8 p.m. at the ZCBJ Hall in Clutier. At 7 p.m., Brian Sokol, TCCF’s Governing Committee Chair, made short remarks and introduced former State Representative Lance Horbach, who was instrumental in passage of House File 2302, the bill that created the County Endowment Program.