?Your contribution is already reaping rewards for the community,? Mike Kleiber, HCF board president, told the donors. ?As pledge payments are fulfilled and additional contributions are received, the endowment earnings will grow and make an even larger impact in our community.?
About 10 organizations submitted applications for consideration.
The six checks were presented to recipients during a 6:30 p.m. reception in the Hillsboro Middle School lobby. Impact Fund donors were invited to attend.
Ceremonial checks were presented to the recipients during halftime of the Hillsboro High School boys? basketball game with Smoky Valley.
Following are the six grant recipients, with a brief synopsis submitted by each organization regarding its intent for the funds.
? Marion County Emer?gency Medical Services ($1,000).
?Marion County EMS is interested in updating our current training mannequins to prepare our student EMTs for their state tests. With a new mannequin, current and future students will have the tools necessary to enhance their skills.
?This will also be used to update and refresh current EMTs, improve their skills and meet new standards of care. Training materials and funds are always at the back burner and help is needed to maintain our standard of care.?
? Hillsboro Public Library ($1,000).
?Hillsboro Public Library has seen dramatic increase in the number of audio books checked out by patrons and we would like to increase our audio book selection to fill patron needs. We would purchase as many titles as funding would allow with the emphasis on inspirational fiction titles.
?These titles are also in demand through the statewide Inter?library Loan program. The average cost per audio CD book is $20.?
? Marion County Parents as Teachers ($1,000).
?USD 410 has a goal of expanding our existing Marion County Parents As Teachers program within USD 410 in order to provide timely services to families on our USD 410 waiting list.
?Parents As Teachers is designed to enhance child development and school achievement through parent education. Our mission is to provide the support and encouragement that parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life.
?This grant will specifically fund the week-long certification training that is required and sponsored by Parents As Teachers National Center once a new parent educator is hired.?
? Hillsboro Elementary After-School Program ($1,000).
?Over the past 15 years we have been able to provide after-school programs to our students and help fund other activities through Hillsboro Recreation Commission and other community offerings and summer camps.
?At one time we had a budget of over $6,000. Our funding came through some special education monies and grants written by Communities In Schools. With newer guidelines for those organizations, those funds are no longer available to us.
?For the past six years we have depended solely on community support through service clubs and individuals to fund our activities.
?Summary: To help provide the needed financial support to students that need help to join activities in our community.?
?? Hillsboro Senior Center ($1,500).
?The Hillsboro Senior Center is in urgent need of roof repairs. Without immediate attention, parts of the building, such as roof structures and ceiling, will continue to deteriorate. One of our seniors experienced with the installation and maintenance of metal roofs has volunteered to serve as co-director of this project. The grant will provide tools and materials for the project. Labor will be primarily by volunteers.?
? Chess Guild-Hillsboro High School ($500).
?The Karpov Summer Chess Camp Scholar?ship will be awarded to one non-graduating Hillsboro High School Chess Guild team member to attend the summer 2008 chess camp at Karpov Interna?tional School of Chess located in Lindsborg.
?The applicant will complete a scholarship application (provided by team sponsor) including an essay detailing their team competition involvement during the current competitive season, participation in team functions and their desire to increase their knowledge of the game of chess.?
