Foundation Mission

Mission Statement:

To enhance, enrich, engage, and support the mission of those living at Ridgecrest Village.

History of Our Retirement Housing Foundation

Ridgecrest Foundation’s charismatic founder, the late Reverend Dr. John W. Koning, strongly believed in the power of motivating the public to accomplish extraordinary goals and work together to benefit mankind. The development of our Senior Living Community is the result of his drive and ambition – it began as a dream, developed into a plan of action and, after enormous community effort and extensive fundraising, it became a reality.

Now, as responsible stewards of our resources and with a cautious eye on the changing patterns of giving, it was determined in 1997 to seek alternate sources of funding to ensure that Dr. Koning’s mission continues long into the future. The Ridgecrest Foundation began its operations as a separate entity and 501(c)3 organization to better enrich and enhance the lives of those living at Ridgecrest. It all began as a dream and goal of Dr. Koning and was carried on by his children, Constance Proffitt and John Koning, Jr., who initiated a very generous donation in their parents’ memory.

Our retirement housing foundation operates on funding from events, grants, financial planning, fundraising and more; from the lead of our Board of Directors, Administration and Director as we carry on the Koning tradition and “Welcome everyone home.”

Board of Directors

The Ridgecrest Foundation is greatly appreciative to all of our community members, board members, staff and residents for their continued support. Our mission is to better enrich, engage and enhance the lives of those living at Ridgecrest Village.

The Ridgecrest Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and local charity that has been established to assist Ridgecrest Village. This includes assisting residents with unforeseen financial needs or assisting staff in furthering their education in the field of Geriatrics.

If you have any questions or concerns about any of the funds or how to make a donation, contact Carrie Dreifurst, Development Director, at (563) 391-3430 or email cdreifurst@ridgecrestvillage.org.

Our Foundation Board

Foundation Director: Carrie Dreifurst

Other Board Members:

• Juleann Miller, President
• Hank Runge, Vice President
• John Nisly, Secretary
• Ross Stanforth, Treasurer
• Ann Garton, Trustee
• Stephen Mapes, Trustee
• Jim Tiedje, Trustee
• John Lawlor, Trustee
• Jim Collins, Trustee
• Dr. Alana Callendar, Trustee

Charitable Giving

The Ridgecrest Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and local charity that has been established to assist Ridgecrest Village and Crest Health Center in ministering to the elderly. This includes assisting residents with unforeseen financial needs or assisting staff in furthering their education in the areas of gerontology.

If you have any questions or concerns about any of the funds or how to make a donation, contact Carrie Dreifurst, Development Director, at (563) 391-3430 or email cdreifurst@ridgecrestvillage.org.

Ridgecrest Foundation’s Funding Opportunities

Koning Charitable Fund

The Koning Charitable fund is designed to provide financial assistance to individual residents who have exhausted their personal resources. This fund is named for the founder of Ridgecrest Village, the late Reverend Dr. John W. Koning. The Koning Charitable Fund provides you with an opportunity to touch the lives of individuals, just as Rev. Koning did throughout his life. While many of our programs focus on improvements that will benefit our resident population as a whole.

Give to Gain Fund

Ridgecrest Foundation Board of Directors accept proposals from all staff, Directors, or residents for different life enriching items such as the wheelchair bikes, that we raised money for during #GivingTuesday 2020 Campaign.

Nursing Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established by Ridgecrest Foundation in 2011 in support of those who are interested in furthering their education in the field of Geriatrics. The legacy of Dr. John W. Koning drives the vision of Ridgecrest Village, a vision focused on supporting our community and Ridgecrest Village, while caring for aging adults.

General Fund

This local charity fund is used at the discretion of the Ridgecrest Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Ridgecrest Foundation Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

• A Ridgecrest Foundation volunteer is always greatly appreciated. We have many opportunities for someone to join us at a special event such as a Dine to Donate at a local restaurant or even at one of our main annual events like our: Golf Outings, Annual Dinner or even our bowling event. The Ridgecrest Foundation has volunteer opportunities for everyone who would like to get involved.
• If you are interested, please reach out the to the Development Director, Carrie Dreifurst at (563) 391-3430 or cdreifurst@ridgecrestvillage.org and see how you can make a difference in the lives of those living at Ridgecrest.

Events

Dine to Donate – Barrel House

Annual Dinner

#GivingTuesday