By STEVE KEIL
DSNWK

A $125,000 commitment from the Robert and Patricia Schmidt Foundation, Hays, helps Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas surpass 35-percent of the $1 million fundraising goal for the Jim and Rose Blume Endowment.

The establishment of the Jim and Rose Blume Endowment was announced in October during DSNWK’s annual awards banquet commemorating 50 years of services.

“We greatly appreciate the Robert and Patricia Schmidt Foundation for their generous contribution,” said Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President and CEO. “It means a great deal to all of us and to our mission. Bob and Pat were longtime supporters, and I believe they both would be very excited to see DSNWK take this step towards establishing an endowment that benefits families in the same communities they held dear to their hearts too.”

“Bob and Pat Schmidt were leaders and visionaries in the community. This grant, through their foundation, continues that leadership and vision for our future by helping us pave the way forward for this special fund to support our programs today and into the future.”

The fund is named in honor of DSNWK’s former President and CEO Jim Blume and his wife Rose.

Blume, who has always been considered a visionary, dedicated his life to ensuring people with disabilities were given equal opportunities, dignity and respect. Over his many years of service to DSNWK, Blume changed the way people saw one another. No longer were people being cast off because of their disability; they were being recognized for what they could contribute.

Blume retired from DSNWK in 2005. He is a Deacon at St. Pius X Church in Aurora, Colo., where he lives with his wife.

To give to the Jim and Rose Blume Endowment, visit www.dsnwk.org or contact Steve Keil, Director of Development, at 785-625-5678 or at [email protected].

DSNWK is a Hays-based 501c3 non-profit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 18 northwest Kansas counties since 1967.