WHAT IS THE SAINTE MARIE FOUNDATION?
The Sainte Marie Foundation is a not-for-profit, charitable corporation, duly organized under the laws of the State of Illinois. Contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible; the Foundation has 501(c)(3) status.
WHY CREATE THIS FOUNDATION?
The Foundation was established to preserve and improve the quality of life in Sainte Marie, to help prevent its deterioration, to honor its history and to insure continued contact with former residents.
It does so by:
--Preserving the history of Sainte Marie, including restoring historical buildings and starting a Sainte Marie Museum.
--Improving community facilities to serve as a model for other small, rural towns that are struggling with identity and survival issues.
--Creating events/art that celebrates small town and rural life.
--Encouraging programs that involve former Sainte Marie residents who want their children, grandchildren and friends to experience life in their hometown.
--Providing a quarterly newsletter about Foundation activities that also include information about former Sainte Marie residents.
WHO SUPPORTS THE FOUNDATION?
Many people who grew up in Sainte Marie are willing to support their hometown. Many still have relatives, often parents or grandparents, who live in the area. We hope they have happy memories of going to school here, making their first communion at St. Mary's Church, attending community events, and just generally enjoying the freedom and energy involved in growing up in a small town.
SO WHAT DOES THE FOUNDATION DO?
The Foundation provides financial support for various projects that are advantageous to Sainte Marie. Such projects may include: restoring an historical house, providing programs to link residents of urban and rural areas, supporting special projects of the Community Club, providing funding to improve the village, establishing a historical museum, publishing a historical book for the 175th anniversary and mailing a newsletter four times a year. The newsletter gives former Sainte Marie residents information about what is happening in the village as well as news about former residents who are scattered around the world.
SAINTE MARIE FOUNDATION