The Creston-Kootenay Foundation hosted an afternoon reception on Sept. 19 to honour the distinguished service of two of its founding board members, Larry Brierley and Peter Hepher. The event, which was held at the Creston Hotel’s conference centre, was attended by local politicians, representatives from many local non-profit groups, and past and present board members.
During the event, the vital role that both Brierley and Hepher have played in the formation of the Creston-Kootenay Foundation was celebrated. Brierley has been chair of the foundation from its very inception and has been the driving force behind its continued growth. Hepher has had many roles within the foundation but perhaps most significantly, he has used his considerable talent as a writer to promote the Creston-Kootenay Foundation in the local and regional press.
“They have been instrumental in creating a legacy not only for us but for generations to come in this community stretching from Yahk through to Riondel,” said current board member Heather Suttie. “Under their leadership, the Creston-Kootenay Foundation now has endowment funds of over one million dollars, giving it an ever-increasing ability to support local non-profit initiatives for the benefit of our residents. “
A number of speakers at the event, including past directors Julie Ewashen and Rita Scott, echoed these sentiments, thanking Brierley and Hepher for helping fulfill the vision of a community endowment fund.
Established in 2005, the Creston-Kootenay Foundation is a non-profit organization created by and for the people of the Creston Valley and surrounding area. The foundation takes pride in enabling generous citizens enhance the quality of life in their community and obtain their own charitable objectives.
The funds held by the foundation have grown from $328,000 in 2005 to over $1,000,000 in 2014. The interest from these funds has allowed the Creston-Kootenay Foundation to distribute grants from 2005-2012 totalling $193,000. In 2014 alone, the Creston-Kootenay Foundation distributed grants of approximately $35,000 to local non-profit groups.
For more information about the Creston-Kootenay Foundation or to donate, visit www.ckfoundation.com or email ckfoundation@gmail.com.
—CRESTON-KOOTENAY FOUNDATION