When the Kimball Area Foundation incorporated in 2005, they did so with hopes of establishing a $1 million endowment fund in relatively short order. Within a year, they receive a challenge contribution of $100,000 from FirsTier Bank.

Six years later, however, the organization dedicated in part to area economic development projects is still trying to achieve their goal. So Kimball Area Foundation (KAF) fund advisory members have scheduled their first annual dinner and benefit auction for November 4 at the event center.

“So many people haven’t heard of us,” says advisory member Kim Baliman. “We’re getting the word out.”

Open to invited couples the dinner will feature both live and silent auctions. Proceeds help grow the endowment.

The foundation works by investing donated funds, returning the interest back into the community in the form of grants for new business or the enhancement of existing businesses, the development of leadership skills or entrepreneurial education programs. The advisors work on a voluntary basis and the organization is set up as a 501(c)3. The only monies not spent locally go to the Nebraska Community Foundation, which handles IRS paperwork.

Once they reach the $1 million goal, KAF plans to keep tax documents in house.

Though sometimes operating out of the limelight, hampered by the recession and perhaps hurt by a perception that with only three non-McConnell members—Baliman, Merceda Dietz and Jan Sears—its advisory body lacks diversity, KAF can point to a number of successes.

Over the years they have sponsored community concerts, purchased paint to refurbish the Plains Historical Society museum building downtown, supported the city’s clean up day in 2010 and created programs for the Kimball Public School’s entrepreneur club.

“I believe we need this foundation,” Baliman says. Donations to KAF, she explains, essentially keep Kimball dollars in the area, directing them toward projects that affect quality of life and economic viability.

“I firmly believe we should grow our local businesses first,” she adds.

The foundation counts 39 “founding members,” or those who have donated $1,000, and six who contributed more. The dinner and auction marks their first public fundraising effort in some time. They intended to introduce the annual event a year ago, but eventually opted to wait until economic conditions improved.

“We know the first year [of this event] will be the hardest,” Baliman admits.

KAF is still seeking items for auction, including local arts, crafts, baked goods and gift baskets from area businesses.