PIN OAK FOUNDATION RECEIVES GRANT FROM TRACY FAMILY FOUNDATION FOR GARDNER CAMP
Quincy, IL – Pin Oak Foundation has been awarded a $13,750 grant from Tracy Family Foundation toward the purchase of a passenger trailer for use in outdoor activities at Gardner Camp. Gardner Camp, located on 372 acres near Hull, Illinois, is a not-for-profit, private foundation established through the generosity of the late John Willis “Jack” Gardner, II. Mr. Gardner appointed the State Street Bank Trust Department to develop Gardner Camp into an outdoor education and recreation center for youth organizations. Pin Oak Foundation identified a need to expand outdoor learning areas for youth at Gardner Camp.
“We are so grateful to the Tracy Family Foundation and Pin Oak Foundation in supporting our youth outdoor education program. Ensuring that all children have access to the outdoors was the vision of Mr. Gardner when creating Gardner Camp. This grant is extremely helpful in bringing his vision to life. We are now able to transport youth to outdoor classrooms that were previously inaccessible,” states Amy Lefringhouse, Gardner Camp’s Executive Director.
Activities and time spent in the outdoors and in nature have been proven to reduce stress, calm anxiety, build muscles and strengthen friendship bonds in children. Local communities in Adams and Pike counties have established that improving the mental health of individuals within the community is a primary issue on which to focus. The funding of this project provides access to outdoor benefits and personal wellness to all children in the surrounding area.
Established in 1997, the Tracy Family Foundation is funded by Dot Foods Inc. and seeks to strengthen Brown County and the surrounding region by investing in education, youth, families and the community.
Created in 2017, Pin Oak Foundation exists to provide support for non-profit youth programs within the Adams and Pike County areas of Illinois and surrounding region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Pin Oak Foundation utilizes contributions to enhance outdoor recreational and educational activities such as archery, hunting, trapping, shooting and agricultural activities.
