Dear Editor,

We appreciate the editorial "When planning, count your community in" in the Nov. 8 issue. The emphasis it gave to the importance of having a community foundation to receive charitable gifts to support the future needs of the community is right on target.

The Imperial Community Foundation was organized in 1999 with this mission statement, "To accumulate, invest and distribute funds to provide for the enhancement of the community of Imperial and the surrounding area."

Estate planning and charitable giving is an ongoing process. Our local foundation offers area residents a way to give back to their community through tax deductible gifts. Foundations in surrounding communities like Holyoke, Wray, Benkelman and Cozad have had a great impact on community betterment projects, hospitals, schools, etc.

A well-funded foundation could have the same effect in the Imperial area. With your help, we can continue building this foundation to accomplish future projects. Thank you for your support.

The Imperial Community Foundation Board
Marvin Large, President
John McGrath
Kami Balthazor
Jane Moreland
Don R. Banks
Doug Gaswick
Lori Pankonin

Source: November 15, 2001 in the Imperial Republican.