Cook County Community Fund Reaches First Goal

The Cook County Community Fund, an affiliate fund of the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation, recently met its first financial goal by raising $25,000 in permanent funds. Established in 2003, the Fund's mission of is to promote private giving for the public good, and to enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Cook County by attracting charitable gifts, making philanthropic grants, and providing responsible financial stewardship and community leadership.

The Cook County Community Fund Advisory Board established the Fund's first financial goal in early 2004 and the goal has already been met. The Fund received 52 gifts from 45 individuals, businesses and other organizations across the county.

Leigh D. Mathison, chair of the Cook County Community Fund Advisory Board, is pleased with the early, positive response. "We are thrilled with the many individuals and businesses who have already contributed to the Cook County Community Fund and thank them for their support," she said. "We have many additional people, both residents and part-time visitors, who have expressed great interest in supporting the Fund before the end of the year. We look forward to making our first grants next year."

Holly C. Sampson, president of the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation, said she is impressed with the dedication demonstrated by the community in supporting the Fund. "The community clearly understands the need to build a permanent charitable resource to support the critical needs in Cook County. This fund will support important projects, both now and in the future. We are also grateful to the advisory board members of the Cook County Community Fund for their voluntary service to this new initiative."

Members of the Cook County Community Fund Advisory Board include Sharon Bloomquist, Bob Fenwick, Scott Harrison, Howard Hedstrom, Bob Jonason, Mike LaVigne, Dana Logan, Leigh Mathison, David Nasby, Beth Rogers Kennedy, Mark Sandbo, Stephen Surbaugh, Michael Trace and Debi Westby.

Gifts to the Cook County Community Fund are managed by the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation and the earnings from these resources are available for local grantmaking. Gifts and pledges of all sizes are welcome. Gifts of cash and appreciated securities may be contributed.

The Cook County Community Fund is one of three affiliate community funds managed by the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation. The foundation also manages the Two Harbors Area Fund, established in 1998, and the Apostle Islands Area Community Fund, established in 2000.

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