By Margot Holland, BAPA Executive Director
Great news! As we approach our 70th anniversary of serving the Beverly/Morgan Park community, the Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Lead Trust has awarded the Beverly Area Planning Association a challenge grant — they will be matching donations dollar for dollar up to $10,000, doubling the value of contributions!
Whether you’re a current BAPA member, planning to renew your annual membership or a first time member, we hope you can find a little extra in your budget now that your monetary contribution will go twice as far!
Supporting BAPA’s Mission
“The Driehaus Trust generally only supports organizations that are successful in carrying out their missions in a meaningful manner,” said Thomas Chomicz, BAPA Vice President. “The Driehaus grant not only provides funds to support BAPA, but recognizes BAPA’s success in serving the Beverly/Morgan Park community.”
This generous matching grant from the Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Lead Trust will enable BAPA to expand on our grassroots work in the community. We have been busier than ever carrying out our mission: working on beautification projects that target public spaces, reinvigorating important programs that support neighborhood schools, strengthening services to local businesses, reactivating community associations, and lots – lots! — more.
Help BAPA Work Even Harder!
“BAPA continues to thrive with our ‘back to the basics’ approach of serving the community,” said BAPA Board President Josh Barron. “We have realized an increase in membership, successfully improved community events and added many supports to the needs of the community. The most gracious matching grant from the Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Lead Trust is another awesome opportunity for our community. This will allow BAPA — with your help — to double the value of donations and to underscore the importance of how dollars donated by our community and important partners like the Driehaus Trust make it possible for BAPA to work harder and better in our community.”
BAPA relies on financial support from neighbors like you who understand our mission to keep Beverly/Morgan Park strong and beautiful. But an important aspect of this grant opportunity is the positive reflection of BAPA’s longstanding work and of our neighborhood.
“This grant is a validation of BAPA’s leadership and work,” said BAPA Board member Craig Huffman. “It is the ultimate stamp of approval. As a new BAPA Board member, I am excited to see this momentum. It bodes well for the future of BAPA and the importance of the Beverly/Morgan Park community.”
The residents and businesses in Beverly/Morgan Park have a long history of supporting BAPA’s work, and we are hoping that community members who have dropped away from supporting BAPA financially and neighbors who have not yet become members will view this grant as an opportunity to show their confidence in BAPA’s work and double the impact of their dollars.
But contributors have to act soon. Donations are requested by Oct. 30.
Please use the membership envelope enclosed in this issue of The Villager or visit our newly updated website, www.bapa.org where it’s fast and easy to sign up online.
2016 BAPA Membership Committee
Please join our neighbors on BAPA’s 2016 Membership Committee in supporting BAPA during this matching grant campaign. Serving on the committee are: Victor Both, Co-Chair; Thomas Chomicz, Co-Chair and BAPA Board Vice President; BAPA Board Members President Josh Barron, Vice President Lanetta Haynes Turner, Treasurer Dennis McClelland, Secretary Monica Wilczak, and Board Members Frank Gall, Chris Gonzales, Steve Hall, Craig Huffman, Maureen Ohle, Maureen Reilly, Fr. Larry Sullivan, Sean Terry, Brian Wilson; Community Members Lydia Barnes, Neil Byers, Caroline & John Connors, Phil & Mary I. Doran, Susan & Patrick Flood, Bill & Gerry Gainer, Denise & Gary Gardner, David & Liz Gruba, Julie Harrigan, Sharon & Gary Jenkins, Paige & Brian Keeley, David Lauryn, Jim & Carol Lett, Jessica & Mike McCarihan, Sr. Jean McGrath, Mike & Karen Moran, Joe Murphy, Michelle & Brian Page, Audrey Peeples, Dr. John & Erin Ross, Peggy & Mike Rourke, Mark & Josie Singler, Scott & Erin Smith, Mike & Laurie Stanton, L. Patrick & Lorraine Stanton and Willie & Kerry Winters.
If you need more information about BAPA and our work, please feel free to call me at 773-233-3100 ext. 207. I am eager to make time to talk about all the wonderful work being accomplished on behalf of our community.
