Photos by Sandra Michaud; Article by Hallie Richwine

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The Grant County Community Foundation hosted the 6th annual kickoff breakfast for the planning of the Give Grandly event this May. The breakfast took place at Bear Mountain Lodge with around 50 people in attendance from various local non-profit organizations. Barrett Brewer, the foundation's founder and chair, opened the meeting and then turned it over to Carol Fugagli.

"I remember a cold, dark day in December of 2013 when I was filling out an online form for an event called Give Grande," Fugagli said. "I thought, this is interesting, an online event to raise money for organizations throughout the state." Fugagli said, at first, she thought there would be competition among the non-profits for donations. "Fortunately, there were people with a broader vision than myself, because look at us now."

With more than 50 organizations participating, Give Grandly has raised over a half a million dollars in the five years it has been active. Fugagli commended the organizations for making positive changes in the community.

In the past the Grant County Community Foundation organized Give Grandly. This year the non-profits together form an entity called the Southwest New Mexico Non-profit Corporation. The Grant County Community Foundation is still the fiscal agent, but as a corporation, SWNMNPC will have legal standing in the state, helping receive matched funds.

Fugagli is the acting President of the newly formed corporation and announced Melissa Amarello of the Advocates for Snake Preservation as the Vice President. Annette Toney of the Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest acts as the Treasurer, and they are looking for a Secretary. People are also being asked to step up to be board members and to act on committees.

Give Grandly will happen on May 11, 2019 from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in conjunction with opening day for the Farmer's Market.

The meeting wrapped up with Brewer presenting the Volunteer of the Year award to Charmeine Wait. Wait was unable to attend, but Patrick Hoskins, President of Silver City MainStreet, accepted the award on her behalf.