Dear Neighbors, Donors, Sponsors, and Volunteers,

Thank You. What a simple thought, which carries a huge expression of gratitude. Gratitude to those that have helped your BallenIsles Charities Foundation to another record year of giving.

Grants of $1,571,000 were awarded this year to 56 deserving organizations and over $11.3 million since inception, 15 years ago. As you have heard me express before, BallenIsles is the most caring community, with philanthropy all around us. It is so important to Thank all of those who have made a difference and have supported our efforts.

We are a 100% Volunteer organization, which allows us to award 97% of all funds received.

I also want to thank our hard-working Board of Directors and Chairs who have directed our activities and welcome our newest Directors and Chairs this year. In addition, thank you to our dedicated Grants committee, which received 110 grant applications and selected those organizations for further personal vetting. A huge thank you to Jody Passov, who retired in June after many years as Grants Chair and Vice President.

Thanks to our Community Service Captains who organize the events that help our grant recipients run their programs, and our hundreds of volunteers who have worked those events, plus our Raffle and Tribute Card committees that help in raising additional funds. Thank you to the management and staff of the Country Club and the Community Association for their support and guidance.

In closing, we encourage you to learn more about the work we do. Follow updates through Happenings and our Where Does Your Money Go and Your Foundation Focus emails. Visit our redesigned website at BallenIslesCharitiesFoundation.org. Reach out to a Board Member to discover ways you can contribute.

Give Until It Feels Good and always remember: “No act of kindness or philanthropy, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

Thank you for your dedication and generosity.
Warm Regards,

Mark Freeman
BallenIsles Charities Foundation President