Hank Krech has already done a lot for the Grand Bend community.
Among many contributions, he played a major role in the 2001 Canada Games project, was a charter member of the Grand Bend Rotary Club, chaired the Rotary Nature Trail, helped launch the Huron United Way, and served as a Director of the Palliative Care Association, the Grand Bend and Area Health Centre and the Grand Bend and Area Health Services Foundation.
Perhaps most important, he was founding Chair of the Grand Bend Community Foundation and led it until last fall. Under his leadership, the Foundation grew to almost $2 million and granted $700,000 to local charities. As Chair, Hank also launched the Community Improvement Coalition, which brings services clubs, the Foundation and the Municipality of Lambton Shores together to undertake major projects.
But for Hank, that’s not enough. To mark his retirement as Chair of the Foundation, he and his wife Jacqui have created the Krech Family Endowment Fund. “I wanted to leave a legacy after my term,” he says simply. “I see this as an opportunity to give back to a community that has been very good to me.”
The Krechs have chosen to create an “emerging fund.” They have committed to giving $2,000 a year for five years to create a $10,000 fund. “It’s easier to do it over five years,” says Hank. “And it’s something that we and others can add to over time.”
The money will be permanently invested, with a portion of the revenue used to support the Foundation’s operating expenses.
“We are thrilled that Hank has chosen this way to celebrate his involvement with the Grand Bend community,” said David Bannister, current Chair of the Foundation, in announcing the gift. “This is the first emerging fund for the Foundation, but we hope that others will consider this type of donation. It allows donors to plan their philanthropy and make a growing contribution to their legacy.”
Although no longer Chair of the Foundation, Hank will continue to lend his expertise and creativity as Honorary Chair. And of course, his legacy will live on forever in the Krech Family Fund.
