In conjunction with the 1st Annual Toast to Agriculture on Friday, March 9th, Benton Community Foundation will be sponsoring a new award for Benton Community Farm Family of the Year. We would like to use this honor to recognize families who are keeping the tradition of agriculture alive, while also being significant contributors to our community through volunteerism and philanthropy in non-profit and agriculture-related organizations.

The Community Foundation will be accepting nominations for this award until Friday, February 24th. We encourage you to think about our community and the farm families that are always willing to step up and lend a hand. This is your opportunity to recognize and say thank you for their efforts! Download the guidelines and nomination form now!

Details about the Toast to Agriculture will be sent out very soon, but we hope that you’ll mark your calendars to join us for a lovely evening at the Benton County Country Club. Along with dinner and the announcement of the Farm Family of the Year, we will enjoy the humor of America’s Funniest Farmer Jay Hendren.

For more information, please contact Ashley Bice at 765.884.8022 or ashley@bentoncf.org.

Posted February 3rd, 2012

Jean Glotzbach, Coordinator of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, was spending time with her grandkids, Luke, Grace, and Lucy when Ashley Bice delivered $500 from Santa.

Santa decided his last stop this year would be for the children. He presented the final $500 grant to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library!

Jean Glotzbach brought Imagination Library to life in our community in July 2007. Originally started by Dolly Parton in her home county in Tennessee in 1996, Imagination Library provides free books to children from birth to age 5. The program is open to all Benton County residents; each child enrolled receives one free book every month in the mail. The books are their's to keep! Jean explained to Santa, "Dolly started the program to promote early literacy in young children. Children who are read to on a regular basis are children who love to read!"

Benton County's program has served over 400 children in the last four years. There are currently 265 children receiving the books each month. "The funding from this program comes from the good people and organizations in Benton County. Our monthly bill is $525 or more", wrote Glotzbach. "I have had letters from parents that tell me how excited their little one is when the new books come in the mailbox. Parents also tell me how much they enjoy reading these special books to their child or children."

Parents who are interested in enrolling their children in this program may pick-up a registration form at any Benton County Public library or they may call Jean at 765.884.0541. The only requirements is that they live in Benton County and are under the age of 5.

Benton Community Foundation would like to thank everyone who wrote to Santa this year in the Letters 2 Santa promotion. We received over 40 letters for many excellent organizations making great things happen in our community. All applicants are encouraged to watch the Foundation website for additional funding opportunities in 2012. On behalf of Santa....Merry Christmas!!

Posted December 23rd, 2011