<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0EUFns_1H0x6C8K00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0EUFns_1H0x6C8K00" width="1019" height="776" ><figcaption>The Battle Creek Community Foundation honored its supporters and the impact of giving on the community at an Oct. 21 event in downtown Battle Creek. Photo provided.</figcaption></figure>The Battle Creek Community Foundation (BCCF) celebrated its supporters while highlighting the community impact of their giving during its 2026 Heritage Society and Trustee/Trustee Emeriti Event on Oct. 21 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Battle Creek.Held under the theme “Growing Opportunity Together,” the event brought together Heritage Society members, current trustees and trustee emeriti, and offered attendees a look at how BCCF puts philanthropic resources to work through its Opportunity Funds, which support nonprofit programs addressing community needs.Christopher Baldwin, chair of BCCF’s Board of Trustees, reflected on the importance of celebrating progress while investing in future generations.“Just as a seed needs care and nurturing to grow, opportunities need the people who are willing to plant that seed for a stronger future. … Those seeds are actively creating opportunities that will benefit individuals, families and future generations through our community,” said Baldwin.A fireside chat moderated by BCCF Donor Engagement Manager Danni Doty featured three nonprofit leaders who shared how support from the foundation’s Opportunity Funds helps address needs across the community:• Whitney Wardell, president and CEO of Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek, said BCCF funding helped launch first-time homebuyer education courses. The organization provided housing education and assistance services to more than 350 individuals and families during its past fiscal year.• Lashi Mai, founder and executive director of Catching the Dream Learning Center. The center serves about 75 children annually, helping kids in Battle Creek’s Burmese community prepare for kindergarten while also providing parenting education, English language classes and enrichment programs for older adults.“We are like a bridge, helping children understand English alongside their home language, as well as the expectations and culture of school,” Mai said.• Emily Olmstead, Calhoun County location leader for Isaiah 117 House, whose Safe Sleep, Safe Transportation initiative helps provide beds, car seats and other essentials for children entering foster care and the families welcoming them.Olmstead described providing a 9-year-old girl with her first bed.“We can’t change the reasons that they’re coming into care, but we can change the message we’re sending to them on that day,” she added.BCCF President and CEO Mary Muliett connected those examples to the foundation’s broader work, noting that BCCF awarded more than $15 million in grants and scholarships during the past year.“Your trust, your investment, they allow us at the Battle Creek Community Foundation to connect resources with people and partners that turn opportunity into a lasting community impact for generations to come,” said Muliett. – Ann Pulsipher</div></body>

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The Battle Creek Community Foundation (BCCF) celebrated its supporters while highlighting the community impact of their giving during its 2026 Heritage Society and Trustee/Trustee Emeriti Event on Oct. 21 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Battle Creek. Held under the theme “Growing Opportunity Together,” the event brought together Heritage...

Local foundation celebrates supporters, community impact

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The Battle Creek Community Foundation (BCCF) celebrated its supporters while highlighting the community impact of their giving during its 2026 Heritage Soc

Local foundation celebrates supporters, community impact

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