As 2021 drew to a close, the Seward Community Foundation held an end-of-the-year donation drive with an incentive for those who donated between December 1-20 a chance to name one nonprofit to receive a $1,000 mini-grant. A win-win for the lucky donor who gets to know that their donation to the SCF will help local nonprofits forever, but they also get to designate a nonprofit to receive a $1,000 mini-grant now. Except, the end-of-the-year winner did one better and split the $1,000 gift donation into four equal gifts of $250 each to grant to four local nonprofits. Ellen O’Brien and Rick Smeriglio, winners of our grant giveaway, chose four nonprofits that are very dear to them. Ellen said, “With so many good causes, it can be difficult to pick only one, or even just a few. Seward Area Hospice is close to my heart and a place many people don’t want to think about until they need the service. For me, it’s important to make sure Seward Area Hospice is an option for our communities. As my husband said, both He Will Provide Food Pantry and the Community Church’s Food Pantry in Moose Pass serve “an obvious need”. Especially these last couple of years and this time of year, the Seward Nordic Ski Club choice balances life with outdoor activities and fun (safe even in these “Covid times”).”
The Seward Area Hospice, He Will Provide Food Pantry, Community Church Food Pantry in Moose Pass, and the Seward Nordic Ski Club will each receive a $250 gift in Ellen and Rick’s name thanks to their thoughtful donation. “Thank you Seward Community Foundation, again, for this very satisfying opportunity,” Ellen said. Well, thank you, Ellen and Rick!
The generosity of our local community members gives SCF and area nonprofits the ability to assist and care for Seward and Moose Pass. What a great way to round out the year, and here’s to a fantastic 2022 for our local nonprofits and community services.