KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) has announced that a $15,000 match incentive for the Community Urgent Relief Fund has been successfully met.
Previously, the Community Urgent Relief Fund was created in partnership with United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region to support nonprofits during this pandemic.
Following the establishment of the fund, KZCF announced that the Richard G. Tomlinson Family Fund would launch a new initiative for additional funding.
According to KZCF, the Tomlinson family would match all donations to this fund up to $15,000, meaning that a total of $30,000 in additional funds could be raised.
KZCF announced Wednesday that the incentive goal had been met in less than a week. By April 2, only six days after the challenge was issued, the $15,000 match was exceeded.
“The fact that we met and exceeded the match challenge so quickly captures the spirit of collective power and compassion in our community,” vice president of Donor Relations at KZCF Joanna Donnelly Dales said in a statement. “We are inspired by the gifts made to the fund and appreciate the Tomlinson family for energizing our community with their generosity.”
The Richard G. Tomlinson Family Fund fund was originally created in 1998 by Richard Tomlinson (known by “Pop” to his sons), and is now advised by his wife, Kathie, and three sons, Bill, Steve and Charlie.
“Thank you Kalamazoo for stepping up and meeting the challenge,” Charlie Tomlinson said. “Pop would have been proud and our family is deeply appreciative of this community’s capacity to support one another during this unprecedented time.”
A list of beneficiaries from this initiative can be viewed in part below:
- Senior Services – Supports Senior Services in providing meals to home bound seniors, technical tools for nursing staff and teleconferencing to coordinate staff and volunteer services.
- South Michigan Food Bank – Supports efforts in purchasing and distributing food to people who do not have access to food.
- St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Diaper Bank – Supports the Diaper Bank in meeting growing demands for diapers through purchasing additional diapers, repacking supplies and cleaning supplies.
- Ministry with Community – Supports Ministry with Community staff housing, day shelter needs and transportation.
- South County Community Services – Supports South County Community Services’ staff capacity to work from home, mileage reimbursement for food deliveries and general outreach, and direct assistance to clients for transportation, housing, utilities and food.
- Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes – Supports purchasing more food, program supplies and also paying staff.
- Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services – Supports housing for homeless individuals identified as needing quarantine at a local hotel.
- Kalamazoo Continuum of Care – Supports hand washing stations and portable restrooms in public spaces for the homeless.
- African Community Kalamazoo – Supports purchase of food, diapers, water, gas cards for food supply delivery to African immigrant families.
- Kalamazoo Collective Housing – Supports purchase of food and other essential items for 28 low-income individuals living in KCH housing program.
A full list of beneficiaries of this fund and initiative can be viewed at this link. More information on how to donate to the fund can be found here.
