T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY Attendees to the Third Annual Community Foundation of Marshall County’s Valentine Party took advantage of appetizers prepared by Iowa Valley Community College District’s Chancellor Chris Duree and Barb Jennings. Held at the Black Box Theatre at The Orpheum, guests had the opportunity to meet Foundation Director Rev. Dylan Does and socialize with board members.

Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14, but board members and supporters of the Community Foundation of Marshall County were already in a celebratory mood Thursday night at The Orpheum Theatre complex.

And why not?

Not only did guests have the opportunity to meet ebullient Foundation Director Rev. Dylan Does, they had a chance to see photos of funded projects flashed on a giant screen in The Orpheum’s Black Box Theatre.

Since its inception nearly 11 years ago, nearly $1 million dollars in funds have been awarded to dozens of projects county-wide benefiting thousands of Marshall County residents.

In remarks, Foundation Board Chairman Steve Troskey and Does acknowledged the many contributions of retired executive director Bettie Bolar and volunteer board members, current and past.

Does, who started his tenure Oct. 31 last year, also credited a young son for giving him inspiration to make Marshall County a better place to live, work and play.

Next month Does said CFMC will be awarding more than $107,000, in grants, up $5,000 from last year.

Awards will be made at the end of the month.

“We will be deciding on what grants we are going to award dollars at a Feb. 28 board meeting,” Does said. “Decisions will be made on grantees and amounts to each. Then we will send invitations to our winners afterwards.”

He added: “I am really impressed with the county’s support of both the grant side where we can meet critical needs now — as well as the willingness to look forward to the future of Marshall County.”

In past years, awardees have ranged from the Central Iowa Art Association to the town of Clemons to the Mid-Iowa Antique Power Association,

At its annual award ceremony last March, Foundation board members took turns handing out checks totaling $102,000.

The awards are made possible from monies generated from commercial gambling tax revenue and endowments.

In 2016, 32 community projects were funded by CFMC.

Projects funded have been a mix of either program-based, such as an activity, or capital-based, such as the building of or a physical improvement.

The organization’s mission: ‘Is to improve the quality of life in Marshall County by building charitable endowments and by addressing critical needs of our communities in partnership with nonprofit organizations and donors.”

Other board members are David Barajas Jr. Vice Chair; Joel Greer, Secretary; Dan Zuelke, Treasurer; Jill Brockman; Mary Jo Baitinger; Katie Fink; Karn Gregoire; Betsy Macke; Heidi Dalal; Kileen Matt Stalzer, Brian Danielson; Nan Ryden; Deirdre Gruendler; and Heidi Peglow.

“I have been on the board one year, and It has been a great experience,” said Fink of Marshalltown.

“The foundation does some great things in our community. The grants we give out to not-for-profit organizations are a significant asset to the county. It has been a great organization to be involved with.”

For more information contact Does, 641-758-3028, or cfmarshallco@gmail.com. or iowacommunityfoundations.org/community-foundation-of-marshall-county.