White Pigeon Area Community Foundation celebrates 25th anniversary
Founded in 2000 as a geographic affiliate of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, WPACF connects donors with opportunities to support local projects and programs. Over the years, the foundation has funded scholarships for White Pigeon Community Schools, supported the township library’s OVIE Bookmobile and Summertime Tunes concert series, and backed initiatives such as Wahbememe Park and the Everett F. Gray Stadium.
The White Pigeon Area Community Foundation (WPACF) marked its 25th anniversary Friday, celebrating a quarter century of philanthropy, scholarships, and community investment.
Founded in 2000 as a geographic affiliate of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, WPACF connects donors with opportunities to support local projects and programs. Over the years, the foundation has funded scholarships for White Pigeon Community Schools, supported the township library’s OVIE Bookmobile and Summertime Tunes concert series, and backed initiatives such as Wahbememe Park and the Everett F. Gray Stadium.
Among its enduring funds are the 1st Lt. Jonathan W. Edds Memorial Fund, honoring the late White Pigeon native’s service and sacrifice; the Adele M. Gray Fund, which has supported both school and community projects; and the Eric & Lynn Jones Family Fund, which recently contributed to the capital campaign for the new St. Joseph County United Way facility.
“These funds demonstrate the many ways donors have chosen to invest in the White Pigeon community,” said Lindsay Aguilar, executive director of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation. “From honoring loved ones to strengthening education and meeting emerging needs, the foundation ensures that local philanthropy has a lasting impact.”
The WPACF is guided by an advisory board that includes President Eric Jones, Michele Bush, Jackie Krull, Shelly McBride, Bobette Melchi, Barb Niblock, and Sally Vallenga.
Looking ahead, the foundation says it will continue to build permanent resources to benefit White Pigeon for generations to come.
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