By Mari Radtke
Katie Roberts, Executive Director Siouxland Community Foundation welcomed a full lhouse to the Prairie Heritage Center on Tuesday June 29. Siouxland Community Foundation has been selected to administer the gifts bestowed on Prairie Heritage Center this day.
Denise Steffen, Vice Chair of Siouxland Community Foundation outlined how a portion of the funds to the foundation are received. Gambling funds are a major source to the well-regulated foundation. The Siouxland Foundation is the parent to O’Brien County Foundation. Since 2005, O’Brien County Foundation has given out $1.4 million in grants to worthy local entities. The foudation is simply a vehicle to provide gifts to worthy entities.
Gregg Struve spent a long time learning the best way to provide this gift. The Dan and Jean Struve Charitable Fund benefiting Prairie Heritage Center begins with a $100,000 gift from Gregg. This pass-through fund is expected to be used up within the next 4 years. Donations to enhance the fund are accepted. There is an additional $200,000 gift for the Dan and Jean Struve Endowment for benefiting Prairie Heritage Center. His additional gift will go on top of whatever funds are acquired in the endowment.
Gregg recounted Jean’s words following Dan’s passing. “Dad was very involved with the center when he was a supervisor. They made a lot of trips out there,” she said when making a $500 donation to the center.
“The galleries have not been redone since 2006. I am just very excited about redoing the galleries,” said Gregg Struve in describing some of his motivation for making this gift. The endowment will begin distribution once it reaches $200,000. Gifts can be given directly to the endowment fund. The faster the $200,000 is reached the faster funds will be disbursed to the Prairie Heritage Center. The endowment is to provide up to 5% of its value each year to the Prairie Heritage Center. Specifically, the Fund will provide funds for the PHC to develop and enhance the environmental conservation education to help preserve and protect O’Brien County’s prairie heritage, through such things as educational and interactive displays, exhibits, and educational materials.
He spoke highly of the design team selected and the selected design team which includes M. Catton & Co. of LeMars, Iowa and Kraemer Designs located in Ohio.
Preliminary work has been underway for several weeks including visits to nearby nature centers and personal visits from the design professionals.
For more information to donate contact Katie Roberts at 712-293-3303.