Contact: Michelle DeHaven, Executive Director
Phone: (815) 801-3035
Email: fcfdirector@freeportcommunityfoundation.org
[FREEPORT, IL – August 8, 2022] – The Freeport Community Foundation is pleased to announce the 1st Annual Bridges to the Future Gala to be held on August 11, celebrating the vital work and success of area nonprofit leaders who are deeply enriching lives while effectively achieving their organizations’ mission and goals.
At the Bridges to the Future Gala, the Matthew A Marvin Community Impact Award is to be presented to Denny Garkey in recognition of his vision for and dedication to Little Cubs Field (Freeport, IL) since its formation in 2008. The Craig Wilson Ecological Stewardship Award is to be presented to Karen & Steven Herdklotz of Hoo Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center (Durand, IL) in recognition of their commitment to caring for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife and conservation education for over 35 years.
“The 2022 award recipients Denny Garkey of Little Cubs Field and Karen & Steven Herdklotz of Hoo Haven were nominated by members of their community because of their passionate commitment to their cause,” stated Michelle DeHaven, Executive Director of the Freeport Community Foundation. “Both Little Cubs Field and Hoo Haven inspire and enrich our communities with resources that positively impact our lives now and will have a lasting impact for generations.”
About Denny Garkey & Little Cubs Field: In 2003, Denny Garkey had a vision for developing Little Cubs Field that became a reality in 2008. Little Cubs Field is a venue for recreational programs, community events, fundraisers, tournaments, and corporate outings to stimulate local, regional and national interest in the Freeport area. It is estimated that Little Cubs Field generates over $400,000 for the local economy each year.
About Karen and Steven Herdklotz & Hoo Haven: Hoo Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center was provided the highest quality care possible for North American wildlife for nearly 40 years. From very humble beginnings sprouted what would become the largest 100% volunteer-operated and privately funded wildlife rehab center in the state of Illinois. When the Herdklotz’s first became licensed wildlife rehabbers, their kitchen and bathroom were the primary places where little bunnies and songbirds could be found. Then, came the owls, the squirrels and larger mammals and raptors. Eventually, in 2000, a building specifically designed for the medical needs of these animals was constructed on their property and the 501C3 status became a reality. Today, Hoo Haven rests on a rural 20 acres with many specially designed enclosures to rehab every native animal or bird imaginable Hoo Haven primarily serves a five-county area of Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin including Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, Jo Daviess and Rock County in WI. Hoo Haven also works closely with the Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Karen Herdklotz’s extensive critical care nursing skills as well as the medical backgrounds of many volunteers allow Hoo Haven to provide advanced trauma care and neonatal care to the wildlife brought to the facility.
Limited seating is still available for the Bridges to the Future Gala. RSVP is required by 4 pm, Tuesday, August 9.
Location: The Muse on Cedar Creek, 395 West N. Cedarville Rd, Freeport, IL (just east of Cedarville)
Date: August 11, 2022
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
by Email: ofcmanager@freeportcommunityfoundation.org
by Phone: (815) 801-3035
Online: Bridges to the Future Awards Gala
The Freeport Community Foundation (FCF), founded in 1975, is a regional philanthropic organization guided by community leaders who are dedicated to empowering nonprofits to develop solutions that help northwest Illinois communities thrive. For more information, please call (815) 801-3035 or email fcfdirector@freeportcommunityfoundation.org
###
