The Bent Tree Foundation has supported donations made on behalf of and in memoriam of several long-time residents of Bent Tree. Donations made in memory of a loved one are usually of a designated nature. The expenditure of these funds is usually specified for a particular project by the spouse or family of the deceased resident. Specific donations made thus far have been used in the following manner.
The Bill Bapst Memorial Fund
On July 15, 2013 the first Chairman of the Bent Tree Foundation, Bill Bapst, passed away. Bill had served as our chairman since the inception of the Foundation in July 2009. During his four years as Chairman, which ended on June 30, 2013, Bill oversaw the raising of funds and the implementation of the following projects:
- The playground equipment at the beach
- The Bent Tree Front Gate Project – landscaping and concrete curbing
- Fundraising for the Bent Tree Dog Park
- The Stray Animal Shelter behind the Cottage that has housed 31 dogs and 15 cats since completion in August 2012
- Funding for the care of the many stray animals that find their way into Bent Tree
Bill was also deeply involved in the major ongoing Foundation commitment to the children of Pickens County through student scholarships and teacher grants. To date, the Foundation in conjunction with the Tennis Club, the Saddle Club and the Bent Tree golf community has awarded 51 scholarships totaling $37,150 and 20 teacher grants totaling $15,245.
Donations in memory of Bill may be made through PayPal or by mailing a check to 744 Noah Drive, Suite 113-184, Jasper, GA 30143.
The Bob Jones Memorial Fund provided funds for additions and enhancements to the Bent Tree Memorial Gardens.
The Mary Marran Memorial Fund provided funds for a beautiful tree which was planted in Mary’s name in front of the Bent Tree Administration Building. The remaining funds will be used by the Bent Tree Gardners.
The Bent Tree Ladies Golf “Niners,” in conjunction with the Bent Tree Foundation, will raise funds in Flo Matthiesen’s memory. These funds will be dedicated to a Pickens High School graduating senior who plans to major in Education.
The Dick Marran Memorial Fund provided funds for Keep Bent Tree Beautiful which uses the memorial funds to enhance and maintain many different areas within Bent Tree.