For More Information:
Paul Lindsey (309) 944-0580
November 16, 2008
RISTAU FUND GRANTS AWARDS THROUGH GIFT
It was recently announced that a number of local charities were granted annual awards
from the Gretchen Ristau Fund that is managed by the GIFT Foundation.
Royal Family Kid’s Camp provides a week long camp for children in the foster care
system. “We are able to send 26 to 40 kids a year,” says Tom Rizzo, the group’s director,
noting that the children vary in age from 6 to 12 years.
The grant received by Marriage and Family Counseling will be used to pay operating
expenses and for services provided by the group’s counselor. Marriage and Family
Counseling has been providing mental health services for those in need since 1974.
Henry/Rock Island County Project Linius collects and makes blankets for distribution to
DCFS, hospitals, Dr. Offices, the Children’s Crises Center and other facilities where
needy children receive services. “Donations made from Henry County stay in Henry
County,” says Doris Conrad, coordinator for the organization.
The Good Shepard Foundation will use their grant for a bookkeeping computer program
and a refrigerator for their facility. The group provides substance abuse and dependency
counseling and has provided services to more that 110 clients this year.
“Gretchen Ristau was a wonderful lady,” says GIFT President Paul Lindsey. “It’s
appropriate that we recognize her today for her kindness and generosity.”