11/07/2024
Montrose Area Foundation to Host Community Appreciation Event
In 2008, a group of visionary residents from the Montrose area came together with a mission to shape a brighter future for their community. Sixteen years later, the Montrose Area Foundation (MAF) proudly stands as a beacon of that mission, continuing to strengthen the social and economic fabric of the greater Montrose area.
The MAF was created with the goal of attracting charitable contributions from individuals and businesses who share a common purpose: to leave a lasting legacy of support for Montrose and its residents. As an endowment foundation, MAF ensures that donations are preserved for the long-term, using only a portion of the annual earnings to fund grants for local projects. This approach guarantees a perpetual impact, allowing the foundation to continuously reinvest in the community.
Since its founding, MAF has infused over $90,000 in grants into a variety of local projects that benefit Montrose residents. From enhancing summer recreation ball fields and city picnic shelters to renovating the American Legion, Montrose’s All-School Reunion, the MAF’s influence is woven throughout the community. Grants have also supported Vacation Bible School, Montrose swimming pool improvements, the Montrose Volunteer Fire Department/First Responders, McCook County Fairgrounds, the Family Math Project at Montrose School, and the First Circuit Court Appointed Special Advocate Program, among others. In 2013, the Montrose Area Scholarship Sub Fund was created to support Montrose High School graduates as they pursue post-secondary education. This December, the foundation will award its ninth round of scholarships for 2024 graduates, totaling $5,400, to students’ chosen institutions.
To celebrate sixteen years of community support and service, the MAF board of directors is inviting everyone to a community appreciation event on Saturday, December 7th, at the Montrose Legion. The festivities begin at 6:30 PM with a delicious meal featuring pork loin, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, and bottled water. To complete the meal, the Busy Bees community group will be providing homemade bars. For those interested in additional drinks, the Legion bar will be open.
Adding to the evening’s enjoyment, local musician Michael Flannery will entertain guests starting at approximately 7:15 PM. Michael’s engaging music is sure to bring joy to attendees, whether they join for the meal or simply come to listen. For a preview of his music, feel free to visit his page. Michael will be teaming with Salem native and accomplished musician Jon Johnson.
While the event is not intended as a fundraiser, a “free-will” donation bucket will be available for those who wish to contribute toward the meal. There will be no formal speeches or requests for donations—this is purely a celebration of our community and the impact MAF has made together with Montrose residents.
The MAF board of directors warmly invites everyone from the Montrose area and beyond to join them on December 7th at the Montrose Legion. This event is a chance to honor the positive difference the foundation has made over the years and to look forward to a future filled with growth, support, and community connection. Bring your friends, family, and children as we gather to celebrate sixteen years of making Montrose a better place to live, work, and thrive.
