ROCHELLE — The open house for the Rochelle Area Community Foundation’s 2018 grantees was a success by all accounts from the organizers and the attendees.

The foundation’s first ever event of its kind was held Thursday evening to showcase the 30 non-profits that received grant funding all in one place at the same time. It was not only an opportunity for the public and the donors to learn more about the organizations, but also a way for the non-profits to exchange ideas.

RACF president, Cal Jacobs, said he received positive feedback about the event as well as how the grants were processed this year. Jacobs acknowledged the relationships between the community, RACF, and the non-profits.

“If RACF wouldn’t have been able to give these grants, all of these non-profits wouldn’t be able to carry out their missions, which ultimately benefit the community,” Jacobs said. “I feel that’s very important, and that’s the number one thing we do.”

The City of Rochelle sponsored a table at the open house.

“It was wonderful to see the positive impacts these grants have in our community; many of the funded projects may not be able to move forward without this assistance,” Jeff Fiegenschuh, City Manager, said. “Kim and her board are to be commended for their support of the greater Rochelle area.”

Also representing the city as well as the Children’s Action Network, Michelle Pease expressed gratitude for the foundation’s assistance in helping the community’s youngest residents.

CAN was also the recipient for a $500 instant grant door prize drawing that attendees participated in during the Thursday open house.

“CAN is so grateful for the RACF. They help us support our mission to assist our community children. It does take a village!” Pease said. “A big thank you to Connie Rivera for giving CAN the $500 door prize drawing!”

Kim Montgomery, Executive Director for RACF, said she also heard positive feedback regarding the event. Although premature to say the foundation will hold another event of this type next year, she thought it might be a possibility.

“I think the event has been fantastic, and I heard that from a lot of the people here…I thought for a long time it would be good to get the non-profits into a venue to learn more about each other and the volunteer opportunities available,” Montgomery said. “We also intend to do some site visits throughout the year as well.”

The extent of those on the receiving end of RACF’s funding is far-reaching. From expanding transportation with Lee-Ogle Transportation Services and feeding those in need during Thanksgiving at the VFW Post 3878, to display cases at the Flagg Township Museum, incentives for the county’s drug program, and pool pass scholarships with the Flagg Rochelle Community, the RACF impacts the entire region.

“We need to continue to grow the funds. This year we had a record amount of grant money awarded and it’s my intention as board president to make that grow every year,” Jacobs said.