TAEF – History Press Release

The Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation (TAEF) began with a bequest to the Thornapple-Kellogg School District in 1992 by Francis Trouyot in loving memory of his wife Fran Poland Trouyot, originally of Middleville. The Board of Education suggested the creation of a foundation to guard the gift from being absorbed into the school’s general budget. Eleven residents accepted positions as Charter Board Members. Among those were former superintendents Stephen Garrett and Gerald Page, Katie Wieringa, Diane Weatherhead, Marilyn Finkbeiner, Deb McKeown, Wayne Finkbeiner, Judi Dean, Robert Bender, Alice Jansma and the first Board President Rex Schad. The group set forward the Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation’s mission to receive and disperse funds to begin or maintain educational programs for Thornapple-Kellogg students or district residents.  In 1993, the first scholarship was awarded to Jill Townsend, who received the traditional TAEF scholarship of $500.00 renewable for up to four years. Jill Townsend, now Kaminski spoke with a TAEF representative Marilyn Finkbeiner about how the scholarship impacted her life. Kaminski responded, “Every little bit of financial assistance helps while attending college, the TAEF Scholarship provided for me an extra bonus especially while purchasing books and supplies needed in the classroom.” She added, “Earning the scholarship enabled me to see the importance of assisting with non-profit organizations to better other individuals. It was also important to me knowing that the whole community of Thornapple-Kellogg was interested and vested in my education.” Kaminski received Bachelor of Science in Statistics from Grand Valley State University and a Quality Engineering Certificate from Ferris State University. She worked as a Statistical Engineer for BOSCH in Kentwood for six years. In 2001, she left her position to raise her children Anna and Lane. Anna attends Kindergarten and Lane preschool.  Once the children are in school full-time Kaminski would like to use her statistical background and work as a data analysis part-time. Her husband Bob, of 9 years, is a teacher at Thornapple-Kellogg Middle School.

                           

Since its beginning, the Tornapple-Area Enrichment Foundation has expanded and now serves over 22 funds, awarding multiple scholarships each year. Now, TAEF will increase its community impact further through their formal affiliation with the Barry Community Foundation (BCF.)  Jon Simpson, TAEF board member, comments on TAEF and its new affiliation, “The Scholarship Committee of the Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation has done an excellent job administering our scholarship. A fine achievement considering the Committee is entirely made up of volunteers from our community. It is our belief that by becoming an affiliate of the Barry Community Foundation...the Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation will benefit from BCF's many resources, such as a full time staff, and be able to "streamline" an already effective scholarship program. For example, by being able to find more creative ways to inform TK students about the many scholarships available to them.”  Simpson and his wife Kay also give a scholarship through the Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation. Simpson adds, “We have been very happy that the Jon & Kay Simpson Scholarship has been able to provide financial help to many wonderful TK students, and we are pleased to know that the "scholarship delivery system" is being improved to insure that many more TK students will be helped in the future.”  

TAEF became a formal affiliate of the Barry Community Foundation on August 14th of this year. The Barry Community Foundation, established by a 350,000 gift from the Thornapple Foundation in July of 1995, has also grown through this affiliation and Barry community support. Bonnie Hildreth, Barry Community Foundation President comments, “While BCF has experienced tremendous growth through many community partnerships, the affiliation with TAEF will enhance and strengthen both organizations. TAEF brings expertise and historical scholarship governance, while the Barry Community Foundation provides staff and resources to stay on top of the ever changing IRS rules and regulations.”

Please watch the paper in coming weeks to learn more about the affiliation and what it will mean to donors, students and the community. For further questions please contact the Barry Community Foundation at 269-945-0526.