Small Acts Make Big Impact
SMALL ACTS MAKE BIG IMPACT
Bluestem Association for Students Education (B.A.S.E.) originated with a small act. In 1997, a few people met with the idea that Bluestem Schools needed a charitable foundation to benefit the district. Thus, in 1998, BASE was established. Funding began with a trickle of gifts from employee withholding and the first small classroom grant was awarded that same year.
Over the years, BASE members have held haunted houses, garden and home tours, ran concession stands, served dinners and receptions; each to raise money for the foundation. All the while, increasing numbers of Bluestem employees continued to loyally make monthly charitable contributions to BASE. These funds have been returned to the classroom in the form of grants to support innovative curriculum and teaching materials for Bluestem students.
Along this journey, our community has experienced heartbreaking losses of friends and family. Grieving families seeking a positive outcome from their personal tragedy have turned to BASE to memorialize their loved ones. This collection of small acts has created 3 memorial scholarships granted annually to Bluestem graduates; provided Christmas gifts to needy families in our community; purchased yearbooks for underprivileged students, and library books for our school libraries.
Not only have members of our community contributed, but a number of businesses serving Bluestem and its patrons have also donated to BASE. Business gifts, both large and small, have made a significant difference in the number and quality of BASE grants and scholarships awarded.
Collectively this multitude of small acts has made a big impact on our community over the past 11 years. Employee giving along with nearly $40,000 in memorial gifts and business gifts of almost $19,000 has allowed BASE to give out $16,000 in scholarships and $28,000 in classroom grants to benefit Bluestem students.
When considering your charitable giving, remember that a good deed, no matter how small, can produce a great result. Giving locally benefits your family, friends and neighbors. BASE is a 501c3 charitable foundation. For further information about donations or memorials to BASE, ask a BASE member or call Bluestem Central Office (742-3261) to get contact information for Pam Patterson, Becky Wolfe, Connie Chilcott, Marcy Patterson or Debbie Rieb.
