And the Major Grant Awards Keep on Being Awarded!!

This year, the Club started a new program initiated by our Community Service Committee. The Major Grant Awards program started with a call for applications from organizations and entities for programs and projects that help improve the quality of life for Lake in the Hills and McHenry County residents. One of the requirements was that the project should demonstrate a need not currently supported by the organization's ongoing operating budget. Proposals were due by May 15, 2016 and the Club received 25 completed grant requests! This made it extremely difficult for the Community Service Committee as all the applications represented projects that clearly were worthwhile and beneficial to the community. The Club started issuing the awards on June 1, with TLS Veterans receiving a $2,000 grant which will enable them to implement upgrades at the New Horizons transitional living home. On June 8, 2016, the Club issued a $2,000 award to the National Alliance on Mental Illness - McHenry County (NAMI). This award will enable NAMI to provide Mental Health First Aid Training to approximately 120 first responders from the Lake in the Hills area. On June 15, 2016, the Club awarded its 3rd Major Grant Award to Turning Point, a domestic violence agency serving McHenry County. Turning Point assists victims of domestic abuse with advocacy services, counseling and emergency shelter. Jane Farmer, Executive Director for Turning Point, told the members at the meeting that the award of $2,000 will be used to purchase a new refrigerator for their shelter as well a bed.

 

Today, the Club awarded Grant # 4 and Grant #5! The first grant went to the Senior Care Volunteer Network, an organization dedicated to help seniors remain independent and at home for as long as possible. Their successful grant application for  $1,540 will fund a senior birthday bag program for 750 recipients. Executive Director Sarah Ponitz was on hand to receive the award. The second award was to Mane in Heaven, an organization that provides therapeutic benefits through animal assisted activity and therapy visits with miniature horses. Their successful grant application for $651 will help fund educational and therapy visits. Board members Jennifer Chernak and Hans Mach were on hand to accept the award on behalf of Mane in Heaven.

 

Executive Director Sarah Ponitz receiving grant check!

 

Board members Jennifer Chernak and Hans Mach receiving grant check!