Brownsville School Foundation, Inc. Addresses Kiwanis
The regular weekly luncheon meeting of Kiwanis met on Thursday, November 15, 2018, at the Farm Bureau Building in Carmi with Yesterday’s Catering providing the meal.
President, Katelyne Wolff, opened the meeting and welcomed members and guests. Those guests present were: CWCHS Key Clubbers, Jace Carter and Alexis Switzer; Patrick Hunn with Greg Stewart; Abbey Gholson; special guests Gaven and Tiffany Browning, and presenters Jonathon Farmer and Pamela Deig.
One of the principal service projects for Kiwanis is supporting the Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation, and with that in mind, the Board wanted to give locally to an individual that could most benefit. That individual is a 1st grader at Lincoln Attendance Center who was born with spinal bifida. Gavin is a robust 6-year old son of Bill and Tiffany Browning. Gavin and his mother were present to receive a check from Kiwanian, Sandra Bryant.
Abbey Gholson representing First Bank’s “Giving Tree” was also present to explain the Christmas-giving project and the benefits to the many young people who will receive the gifts.
The program for the day – Brownsville School Foundation, Inc. – was presented by foundation officers, Pamela Deig, President, and Jonathon Farmer, Treasurer. The inception of the program came as a result of the need to refurbish the existing playground and the area that surrounds it at the Brownsville School, a school serving students with intellectual disabilities from nine counties located at Brownsville, IL. When Pamela Deig, Carmi Township Supervisor, received a donation request and realizing her agency could not participate, the creative wheels started turning. She along with like-minded, passionate individuals for the students at Brownsville School created the 501(c) (3) non-profit organization making donations tax deductible. The Foundation was started in June, 2018.
Jonathon Farmer, a resident of Fairfield and the Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge, explained the two-stage implementation of the playground project with an estimated cost of $200,000. Phase 1 (fall/winter 2018) is under way with the help of grant funds through the five local Elks Lodges, individual donations, and several businesses providing their time, equipment and expertise for free. Specific businesses mentioned which have been helpful were O’Daniel Trucking, Ackerman Farms, WSI of Mt. Vernon, and Hargrave Landscaping. Phase 2 (spring/summer 2019) will include installation of new more handicapped “inclusive” playground equipment.
Farmer suggested a T-shirt fund raiser is planned for the future. And, he encouraged community’s participation in helping the Foundation secure the resources it needs to be successful by contacting a Foundation officer. He also invited those interested to attend one of the monthly Foundation meetings.
