Learn about LS endowment fund on June 16, 6:30 p.m.

LIME SPRINGS - A solid group of locals attended a meeting to explain the new Lime Springs Area Community Endowment Fund (LSACEF).

Pat Boyle and Jan and Randy Cray recently established the fund. Boyle described his thoughts. “A year ago, our lives changed drastically. It made some of us think, ‘What would happen if some of our businesses closed?’”

He noted area folks are very supportive of the library, pool, parks, fire department and more. “But we have lost our local ambulance service and EMTs.” 

He wanted to do something. “We have a lot of young families in town. They are the future of our community. We asked some of them why they live in Lime Springs.” Their answers ranged from jobs to the Mill pond and the pool and parks.

“We have over 300 jobs in this small town. A&K has about 25, Johnson Farms has 45, Upper Iowa Beef has 170 and Casey’s has 30. How do we keep these young people here?”

An advisory board was formed to promote and distribute funds from LSACEF. Members chosen for the board included a few older leaders (Boyle, Jan Cray and Ronda Hughes) but consist mostly of younger members of the community (Cody Bakken, Matthew Leverson, Amanda Ullom and Stacy Dohlman).

He noted the endowment fund will help give grants to projects near and dear to the younger generation. 

The goal is to raise $100,000 this year and into next year. It takes two years to really get started and before funds are distributed.

Several representatives of Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa were present. They stated this was the foundation’s 65th anniversary as an organization. Lime Springs is just one of about 900 funds they manage. Those funds total about $130 million. Howard County Community Foundation is another one of the funds they manage.

The funds stay in tact, and only about 4% is given in grants each year.

Ullom gave a testimonial, stating she and Jason moved to Lime Springs in 2008 for the school. And then the school closed. “We stayed because of the community. I go to Cresco three times a day. It would be easier to move to Cresco, but we love Lime Springs. The endowment funds will help when people come forward with ideas.”

To learn more about how you can help Lime Springs grow, plan to attend another meeting on June 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center in Lime Springs. Or contact any of the committee members.