New growth will be taking place at the Shiawassee Family YMCA due in part to a generous grant from the William “Bill” J. Brooks Memorial Fund administered by the Shiawassee Community Foundation.
Representatives from the Brooks family, YMCA and Shiawassee Community Foundation gathered Thursday morning to award the grant and kick-off the special project.
The funds will be used to help create four children’s gardens outside the YMCA facility. The gardens will not only add to the aesthetic appearance of the building but also give children an opportunity to learn about the growth cycle and other lessons as the gardens are created. Kathy Clapp, Child Care Director at the YMCA applied for the grant and said the gardens will be a tribute to Bill’s memory and dedicated to beautification of his community.
“I was very fortunate to have known Bill for many years,” wrote Clapp. “When I was planning this application, I kept in mind what he valued most – beautiful, well-kept areas for everyone to enjoy, especially children.”
The project begins this fall with cleanup and bulb planting. In the spring the new growth will be marked, and children will be able to experience their hard work come to life.
“Through grants, the Bill Brooks Memorial Fund not only helps with community projects, it extends the legacy of someone who loved this community and worked to see it grow and thrive,” said Shiawassee Community Foundation Director Kim Renwick. “We at the foundation are honored to help continue Bill’s legacy each year with grants made possible by his endowed fund.”
For more information on the William “Bill” J. Brooks Memorial Fund or the Shiawassee Community Foundation, visit shiacf.org. Any community members wishing to donate to the William “Bill” J. Brooks Memorial Fund may do so by contacting the Shiawassee Community Foundation.
PHOTO:
The William “Bill” J. Brooks Memorial Fund Grant is presented to the Shiawassee Family YMCA. Pictured are”: (l-r) Laura Archer, YMCA Chief Executive Officer; Kathy Clapp, YMCA Child Care Director; Heather Brooks, Bill’s wife; Cheyenne Brooks, Bill’s daughter; and Kim Renwick, Executive Director of Shiawassee Community Foundation.
