Club Blue Rockford presents checks to three childrenÕs charities

On Wednesday, June 15, the Club Blue 2016 Committee, along with presenting sponsor Illinois Bank & Trust, presented checks to representatives from Crusaders Community Health, Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity and ShirleyÕs Place/ The Salvation Army WomenÕs Restorative Justice Program.
The check presentation took place at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) 946 N. Second St., Rockford.
These 501(c)(3) organizations were selected by an independent, undisclosed selection committee to receive grants funded by monies raised at the 2016 Club Blue event for projects that carry out the Club Blue mission of providing for the basic goods and services that promote the safety, health and well-being of children in need in our community.
Crusader Community Health received a check in the amount of $75,000 to fulfill a grant that will fund the build out of four pediatric examination rooms at their new Kids Care Now Clinic on Alpine.
Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity received a check in the amount of $77,500 to fulfill a grant, which will fund the building of a new, single-family home for a deserving family.
ShirleyÕs Place received a check in the amount of $34,500 to fulfill a grant which will fund the construction of a safe dedicated playground for the children who reside there.
ÒWe are so proud to be able to contribute a total of $192,000 toward the critical services offered by these three organizations,Ó said Kristin Hatch, Event Chair of Club Blue 2016.
ÒWe encourage any local organization who serves the children of our community within the Club Blue mission to apply for our 2017 grant. Applications can be found on CFNIL’s website beginning July 1, 2016.”
The grant application period for funds raised by the 2017 event will run from July 1 through Aug. 1. Applications will be available on the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois website: http://cfnil.org/grants/club/.
An independent selection committee will review the applications for the Club Blue Grants Program.
CFNIL, Club BlueÕs partner in grantmaking and endowment, will oversee the process. The selection(s) will be announced Oct. 5 at the annual Club Blue Supporter Kick-Off event.
For more information about Club Blue Rockford, visit their website: www.clubluerockford.org
CLUB BLUE began in 2012 by 10 women who gathered together and were shocked to learn about the magnitude of child abuse in the Rockford community. The women decided to take action and eighty-two days later the first CLUB BLUE event was held. The CLUB BLUE committee is now 28 women strong and have raised over $1,000,000 to support children in need in our community.
The mission of CFNIL is to attract, grow and preserve a permanent endowment for the needs of the people of Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago Counties. CFNILÕs website address is www.cfnil.org.