The Palmer Community Foundation (“PCF”) recently hosted our annual Community Celebration, a heartwarming event that brought together our vibrant community. Held at the Palmer Senior Center, this gathering was a time to reflect on the remarkable philanthropic achievements of the year and to celebrate the generous spirit that unites us.
Since our inception in 2017, we have had the privilege of awarding $85,000 in grants to causes in our community. This year, we awarded $15,000 to the grantees highlighted below. Our Community Celebration was a resounding success, raising over $2,000, and bringing us within a few thousand dollars of our annual $30,000 goal. The incredible generosity of our community celebration donors will be matched dollar for dollar when we meet our 2023 fundraising goal by the end of this year.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful community members who joined us in celebration. Special thanks to our cherished vendors, Turkey Red and Indigo Valley Cake, who provided the scrumptious fare that added to the festive ambiance. Last but not least, our grantees, the true stars of the evening, deserve a heartfelt round of applause.
CCS Early Learning: Cultivating Minds and Gardens
This remarkable organization serves children in the Mat-Su and Anchorage areas, providing Head Start education in a nurturing family-like environment. With the grant they received from PCF, CCS Early Learning was able to fund a garden project, empowering children to experience the joy and educational value of growing food. This experience culminated in a family-style sit-down meal, where the children and teachers shared in the harvest and the joy of a meal prepared together.
Valley Community Recycling: A Cleaner, Greener Future
Valley Community Recycling Solutions (VCRS) has been a vital part of our community for a quarter of a century. They’ve ensured that recyclables are kept out of landfills, all without charging a dime. PCF’s grant to VCRS was instrumental in the purchase of a refurbished floor scrubber, helping maintain their facility’s cleanliness, and advancing their mission of sustainability.
Palmer Family Church of the Nazarene’s Palmer Family Park: Where Play Knows No Bounds
Palmer Family Church of the Nazarene’s Family Park is a shining example of inclusivity. With PCF’s support, they created an accessible playground, open to all. This park offers a rich play environment with physical, sensory, and social activities, catering to all age groups and abilities. It’s a place where the community can come together to play and share moments of joy.
Mat-Su Services for Children & Adults: A Library of Recreation and Therapy
Mat-Su Services for Children & Adults operates a lending library stocked with recreational equipment and supplies, providing recreational and therapeutic alternatives for our community members.
Palmer Museum of History & Art: Nurturing Young Artists
The Palmer Museum of History & Art, through its Youth Summer Art Workshop, has been nurturing the artistic talents of children of all ages in our community. Weekly summer art classes led by local artists and teachers are offered, encouraging creativity and expression.
Me-2-We: Strengthening Community Bonds
PCF’s grant to Me-2-We supports Family Game Night, a unique monthly event that brings our community closer through the power of recreation.
Palmer Food Bank: Nourishing Our Neighbors
The Palmer Food Bank plays a vital role in our community by providing food to those who face food insecurity. With PCF’s support, they were able to design and install an exterior sign that raises awareness and support for their vital work within our community.
Palmer Methodist United Church’s Weekend Lunch Program: A Lifeline for Students
Palmer Methodist United Church provides the Weekend Lunch Program, a crucial lifeline for students facing food insecurity in Palmer-area schools. They ensure that these students have access to nutritionally-balanced, shelf-stable meals.
We are immensely proud of the impact our foundation and community have made together. It’s not just about the funds raised or the grants given; it’s about the unity, the compassion, and the unwavering spirit of giving that makes our community shine.
As we look forward, we remain committed to our goal of reaching $30,000 by year end, and we need your support to get there. Once we reach our target of $30,000, The Alaska Community Foundation and the Rasmuson Foundation have generously committed to matching our efforts. The good news is that we are just $2,600 away!
Your contribution, no matter the size, can help us unlock these matching funds and make a substantial difference in our community. Your support is invaluable in our mission to create a brighter future for all.