Testimonials

"We became interested in the Foundation after the death of our daughter, Lindsey.  The Foundation is a great way to allow people make a contribution in memory of Lindsey and be able to help other young people in a positive way."

~ John and Becky Bakale

  Lindsey Bakale

Back in 1993, we lost our son, T.J.  He had gotten very weak due to chemo treatments for his cancer, but still loved to play on the playground at the Allendale Community Park.  We decided that in his memory, we would raise money through garage sales to upgrade the park playground.  As time passed on, we established the TJ Sikma Memorial Fund, which was the first fund opened within the Allendale Community Foundation.  A few years later, we also lost our daughter, Skylee.  The Allendale Community Foundation fund gave us an avenue to keep the memory of both of our children alive.   

Over the years, the T.J. & Skylee Starr Sikma Memorial Fund has grown as our sale gets bigger and bigger every year.   We have expanded some of our proceeds to help little ones come to America.  In 2001, we adopted two children from Guatemala, Gabe and MacKenzie.  Since that time, we have helped other families raise money to adopt two   children from South Korea and two children from Haiti.   Out of our despair, such joy has been accomplished because of the Fund.  Upon our deaths, we have made provisions for funding to continue from our estate into our children’s memorial fund.                                            

~ Terry and Valerie Sikma

 TJ Sikma          Skylee Starr Sikma

"My dear husband, Jim Kraker, passed away suddenly in July of 2003.  My children and I immediately knew that we wanted to establish a fund in his memory.  Jim grew up across the street from the Allendale Community Park and played in this park as a child.  The fund we established will be used for improvements to this park.  Our children will be the ones who determine what park project the interest from this fund will be used for each year, in memory of, and out of love for, their Dad."

~ Candy Kraker

 Jim Kraker

"The Sietsema's have lived in the Allendale area for several generations.  We have found it to be a great community to raise our families and conduct our  various businesses.  We have decided to establish a Donor Advised Fund so that we and our children will have a vehicle whereby we can accumulate some resources to contribute to various community needs in the future.  We are very thankful that the Allendale Community Foundation is available to assist us in accomplishing this goal."

~ The Sietsema Family

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