Clayton County Foundation for the Future making connections for COVID-19 relief

Recognizing that food distribution is critical at this time, the family of Andrea Bockenstedt decided to make a gift from Andrea’s memorial fund to the Family Resource Center in Guttenberg to feed the hungry. The center's food distributions have tripled due to COVID-19.

"They say a beautiful soul is never forgotten. One way our family chooses to remember Andrea is by giving,” said Hayle Bockenstedt, Andrea’s sister. “This year, we have chosen to remember Andrea by giving to the Family Resource Center in an effort to fight hunger during these trying times in our community. We cannot express the amount of gratitude we have for the Family Resource Center and the part they play in helping each and every person live their life."

The most vulnerable people in our community need our help. In the wake of a global pandemic, low-income families and seniors on fixed incomes are experiencing food insecurity and struggles with housing, child care and transportation costs. In the days to come, these needs will only increase. Clayton County Foundation for the Future, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, is tapped into the needs of the community during this pandemic and works with generous community members to make an impact.

River City Paving, located in Dubuque and serving Northeast Iowa, made a generous gift of $2,500 to the Foundation for addressing COVID-19 critical needs. The company gave a total of $25,000 to affiliates of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque.

The Clayton County Foundation for the Future will use the gift from River City Paving to make grants to the Shepherd of the Hills Crisis Fund, which assists with emergency housing, rent, and utilities; and the Clayton County Food Shelf as they feed hungry families. 

Community foundations often serve as philanthropic centers for disaster recovery because of their unique ability to bring together service providers, community-based organizations, businesses, government representatives and others—as well as their capacity to distribute funds from donors. Disaster preparedness and response is just one way of the many ways that community foundations take the long view for their communities. 

The Foundation is also helping support local nonprofits during these uncertain times through Great Give Day, a 24-hour online giving event that gives nonprofits the opportunity to fundraise, reach new donors and compete for prizes and matching gifts. Great Give Day is Thursday, May 14, and donors can schedule gifts beginning May 4. Thanks to a match from the Leroy and Colleen Darby Family Donor-Advised Fund, Clayton County nonprofits who raise $250 on Great Give Day will earn an additional $250. Visit greatgiveday.org to learn about participating nonprofits and make your gift.

“Though we may feel isolated during these uncertain times, our community’s generosity shines as a steadfast reminder of the importance of working together,” said Emily Sadewasser, foundation coordinator. “We thank everyone who has made a contribution of time, talent or treasure, helping ensure the vulnerable are cared for and our community is in the best possible position to endure this crisis — and move forward after it has passed.”

For information about how you can help, contact Emily Sadewasser, foundation coordinator, at 563-880-6044 or ccff@dbqfoundation.org.