The White Pigeon Area Community Foundation (WPACF) proudly marks its 25th anniversary on September 19, 2025, celebrating a quarter century of giving, granting, and building permanent resources to meet the needs of the White Pigeon community—today and for generations to come.

Founded in 2000, WPACF has grown into a trusted resource for the White Pigeon area. As a geographic affiliate of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, WPACF connects donors with meaningful opportunities to give back locally, while leveraging a network of expertise and resources. Together, these partnerships ensure that every gift creates lasting impact close to home.

Over the years, WPACF has awarded scholarships, supported nonprofits, and invested in community projects that enrich everyday life in White Pigeon. Highlights of impact include:

• Education & Youth – Scholarships and grants that benefit White Pigeon Community Schools, along with support for White Pigeon Week at Camp Fort Hill, helping students learn and grow beyond the classroom.
• Community Enrichment – Support for the White Pigeon Township Library’s OVIE Bookmobile and Summertime Tunes concert series.
• Memorial & Legacy Funds – The 1st Lt. Jonathan W. Edds Memorial Fund, created in honor of 1st Lt. Edds’ service and sacrifice, supports Wahbememe Park and continues his legacy of pride for the White Pigeon community.
• Enduring Local Generosity – The Adele M. Gray Fund, which has supported the Everett F. Gray Stadium, White Pigeon Caring Families, and countless local initiatives. Known for her saying, “anything for the Chiefs,” Adele’s legacy continues to uplift the schools and community she loved.
• Family Philanthropy – The Eric & Lynn Jones Family Fund, an unrestricted resource that allows WPACF to respond to pressing needs, most recently supporting the capital campaign for the new St. Joseph County United Way facility.

“These funds demonstrate the many ways donors have chosen to invest in the White Pigeon community,” said Lindsay Aguilar, Community Foundation Executive Director. “From honoring loved ones to strengthening education and meeting emerging needs, the Foundation ensures that local philanthropy has a lasting impact.”

Funds of the White Pigeon Area Community Foundation include:

• 1st. Lt. Jonathan W. Edds Memorial Fund
• Adele M. Gray Fund
• Charles and Nancy DiGiovanni Fund
• Daisy M. Allabach Fund
• Eric and Lynn Jones Family Fund
• George Michael “Mike” Ford Scholarship Fund
• John & Lynda Appuhn Family Fund in memory of GW and Nora Ford
• Richard and Mary Magee Fund
• The Fund for White Pigeon
• White Pigeon Township Library Fund
• White Pigeon Township Library Fund – Agency
• White Pigeon Township Library Outreach Fund
• White Pigeon Township Library Outreach Fund – Agency

The work of WPACF would not be possible without the leadership of its Advisory Board:

• Eric Jones, President
• Michele Bush
• Jackie Krull
• Shelly McBride
• Bobette Melchi
• Barb Niblock
• Sally Vallenga

As WPACF looks ahead to the next 25 years, one thing remains unchanged: its mission to invest in people, projects, and possibilities that will shape White Pigeon for generations to come.