Reese Memorial Fund accepting grant applications from youth recreation groups

Following their third successful 5K fundraiser, officials from the Mike Reese Memorial Fund will be accepting grant applications through the end of August.

The annual Mike Reese Memorial 5K Roast, Run & Family Fun event began in 2021, in memory of Reese, 42, who served as state representative in the 59th District for more than a dozen years before dying unexpectedly in early 2021.

This year, more than 40 gift baskets were raffled, 25 local businesses and elected officials sponsored the 5K and helped raise more than $20,000 which will be put toward youth recreation organizations in the form of local grants.

“It brings us great joy when we can play a part in helping a recreation group get started or improve their facilities,” said Dawn Keefer, a fund volunteer. “Supporting activities for children is the whole purpose of the fund and that’s why the community has been so supportive of us.”

Grants are allotted in three categories: start-up, capital improvement and equipment. The deadline to apply for the current round of grants is Sept. 1, and a second round will be due March 1, 2024.

In addition to youth organization grants, the fund has provided scholarships to local high school graduates and athletes without the financial resources to participate in summer travel sports.

“Mike reflected on what he learned about life through sports quite often and he loved stories of young people achieving great things,” said Reese’s wife Angela. “We hope that his love for recreation and youth achievement will bring aspirations and success to more children and teens.”

For more, see MikeReeseMemorialFund.com/grants.