Background
Since Maggie's death, her family has donated money in her memory to domestic violence shelters, domestic violence survivor programs, and programs at Plainwell High School and Kalamazoo College. Some of the donated money was raised from five annual Maggie's Golf Outings, run by her Aunt Elaine.
In the past few years, Martha, Maggie's mother, and some friends have raised money by knitting and selling Maggie's Hats and making Baby Cakes (baby shower gifts). The proceeds from these efforts for the past two years were combined with a personal donation from Martha and Rick, Maggie's stepfather.
On September 1, 2010, with a total of 15,000 dollars the Remembering Maggie Fund was born under the auspices of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. The RM Fund still needs to grow larger through more donations.
Purpose of the REMEMBERING MAGGIE FUND
The Fund will give grants to individuals and programs that promote relationship violence prevention through the education of young people in the components of healthy, respectful relationships.
The focus group of these efforts would be 5th grade to college age persons. In retrospection on the loss of Maggie, her family feels that more understanding of respectful and mutual interactions could have resulted in a different outcome. It is the wish of her family that other young people learn to relate to and help each other more actively before violence may occur.
Goals for the Fund
On September 1, 2010, the Remembering Maggie Fund had a balance of $15,000.
By July 1, 2011, at a minimum, the Fund needs to be at $20,000.
By July 1, 2012, the final goal of $25,000 must be met to remain a donor-advised fund at Kalamazoo Community Foundation.
Meeting the July 1, 2012 goal will allow grants to be given depending on the market and total value of the Fund.
The goal for the next two years is $5000 per year. Donations beyond the $25,000 target will help the goal be reached earlier. Funds beyond $25,000 on July 1, 2012 will allow grants to be awarded earlier to applicants meeting the purpose of the fund. As a donor-advised fund, the family will be able to give input and suggestions to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation in awarding grants.
Steps to donate online to the Remembering Maggie Fund through the Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Go to www.kalfound.org
Click on the Online Giving line on the left menu.
On the form that appears, indicate amount to donate in box.
Click on the check circle next to words, "A named charitable fund..."
In the search box below, type "Remembering Maggie" and click on SEARCH button
Now, in the drop-down menu just below SEARCH, choose the Remembering Maggie Fund option.
Continue below to enter your donation information. The donation will be a secure transaction through KCF.
You will receive a written confirmation of the tax-deductible monetary donation from KCF.
To send a donation by US. Mail
Send monetary donations to:
Remembering Maggie Fund
c/o Kalmazoo Community Foundation
151 South Rose St. Suite 332
Kalamazoo, MI 49007-4775
Checks can be made out to: KCF/Remembering Maggie Fund.
You will receive a written confirmation of the tax-deductible monetary donation from KCF.
