Responding to the devastation caused by tornados and straight-line winds on December 11, the McKendree Village Foundation (MVF) presented Bishop Bill McAlilly with a $100,000 check for disaster recovery. Funds will be used in the legacy Tennessee and Memphis conferences to assist people impacted by the tornados, provide food and cleaning supplies, and meet other needs stemming from clean-up efforts.

“MVF board members quickly and unanimously approved the donation at our recent quarterly meeting,” said MVF Chair, the Rev. John Collett. “Using interest income earned from foundation investments, we are blessed to be able to help fund relief efforts in both conferences.”

Currently Bishop McAlilly and conference cabinet members are assessing the damage to UM churches, parsonages, and camps. “There are nine districts within the two conferences,” said McAlilly. “The cabinet members and I are grateful for the foundation’s generous donation. We will be able to make an immediate difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters throughout both conferences.”

The McKendree Village Foundation was formed in in 1996. Originally it supported the needs of McKendree Village residents. When McKendree Village was sold to a private company in 2011, the foundation became an independent charitable foundation. MVF supports benevolent care for eligible residents and underwrites the work and ministries of the Golden Cross Foundation and ENCORE Ministry Committee.