Golden K Chairperson Kathy Jo Anderson, right, introduced guest speaker Tamara Juul, executive director of Dickinson Area Community Foundation, at the Monday morning meeting. (Richard Ochoa photo)

KINGSFORD — Sunshine is nice, but when coupled with warm weather it’s better yet. At this time of the year, melting snow can be euphoric. One wonders how the morning could get any better? How about adding a Golden K meeting, and sharing a beautiful day with friends?

The coffee is perking and the tables are set as Kathy Jo Anderson dons her chairperson cap.

Alyce Derwinski on piano and her multi-talented assistant, Richard Ochoa, lead the singers. The room fills with music and smiles. Next on the agenda is the “Welcome Song” for guest speaker Tamara Juul, executive director of the Dickinson Area Community Foundation. Paul Larson received a warm welcome after a long winter away. He is involved with the Hermansville Museum, which is on the register of National Historic Places taking one back to the logging industry in 1882.

Happy Dollars reflected Juul being glad to be at the meeting and the seniors glad to have her join them for the day. Happy Birthday was sung for Richard Ochoa.

Juul has been working with the DACF organization for 16 years. Her dedication has opened financial opportunities for people and businesses throughout the community. She says the foundation can be thought of as a community trust fund. It asks each of us “What is the legacy you want to leave?” Assistance and grants are available for projects which benefit the community. They are usually coordinated through non-profit organizations. If you see a need or are inspired to improve the community in some way, Juul and her team will do their best to guide you through the process.

A sustainable method of long-term financial security for an organization is an endowment fund. This is where capital is set aside and only the interest and profits are used to support the organization. If you or your business would like to participate, or appreciate a tax write-off, the DACF team can give you solid advice and options. Some of the programs retain investor discretion for the direction of funds. They strive to connect people with their passion to positively impact local communities.

There are several avenues one can travel to decide how to donate, invest and help, such as field of interest endowments, agency endowments, scholarships or one-time gifts. Meeting all state and federal standards, Juul and her staff work tirelessly to walk one through the process. They stand ready to help you make the most of your charitable intention.

What is your passion? What do you want to be your legacy? How do you want to make a difference?

Giving where you live allows DACF to make the community a better place to thrive. The Golden K is one of the organizations which has benefited from grant funds. Others include the Salvation Army, seniors centers and Moving Mountains, to name a few.

Whether you are a donor or a benefactor, the staff at DACF will help with the paperwork and details. They can be reached at 906-774-3131, or their website at dickinsonareacommunityfoundation.org.

Emily Cummings from the Dickinson County Library with be the guest speaker at 10 a.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. We’ll pour you a hot cup of coffee.