[PRESS RELEASE] Blue Trident Foundation Pledges $50,000 to the Upper Valley Haven
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2022
CONTACT: Spencer Sanders, (802) 478-1806 or
Blue Trident Foundation Awards the Upper Valley Haven $50,000 Matching Gift for Food Programs Campaign
The Upper Valley Haven was recently awarded $50,000 of matching gift funding by the Blue Trident Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation led by Jaime and Pamela Ellertson of South Woodstock, Vermont. The funds will support renovations to the Haven’s building and equipment purchases that will make the Haven’s Food Programs more efficient and allow it to serve more people who are food insecure.
This gift will specifically aid the Haven on their plans to modernize and expand their food prep kitchen, replace old equipment and create a safer layout for their Food Shelf. In addition, when the campaign goals are met the Haven will be able to purchase a refrigerated cargo van to increase efficiency and broader geographical coverage of its food programs. The project’s total fundraising goal is $400,000.
Haven Executive Director, Michael Redmond, stated, “I cannot express deeply enough our gratitude to Jaime and Pam Ellertson and the Blue Trident Foundation for its generous challenge gift to the Food Services Capital Fundraising project. Their gift will encourage others to match their generosity to achieve the goals of the campaign. We know that many people cannot travel to the Haven and this van will support our community food programs throughout the Upper Valley. So many people will be helped through their generosity.”
Haven Food Shelf Manager, Lori Wick, added, “My sincere thanks for this extraordinary gift from the Ellertsons and the Blue Trident Foundation. It will help create a safer operating layout in our fast-paced Food Shelf, allowing us to make the most of staff and volunteer time.”
Jaime Ellertson expressed, “We have been involved in supporting the Upper Valley Haven for much of the pandemic and are happy to provide continued support for the meaningful food, shelter and community programs that the Haven provides to Vermont residents.”
Jim Zien, the Haven Board Vice President for Development, praised the Ellertsons as well. “Matching gifts are an excellent approach to inspiring giving toward the Food Services enhancement project from other supporters of the Haven’s essential work.”
The Upper Valley Haven is a private nonprofit organization with a budget of $3.7 million and nearly 50 staff. Since 1980, with the support of the Upper Valley community, the Upper Valley Haven has provided support for individuals and families who are experiencing poverty. The Haven supports people who are housed or food insecure through its temporary shelters, supportive housing, children’s programs, and community outreach support. The Haven operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and never charges for any services. The Upper Valley Haven serves more than 14,000 people annually.
Blue Trident Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation established by Jaime and Pamela Ellertson with a focus on public health, education, arts, and environmental efforts to improve the lives of others.
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