Give a city a challenge and its people will meet it head on ... and then some. That's the sentiment expressed to more than 50 individuals who attended a celebration for the Neligh Area Community Fund, Aug. 15, at Blackburn Manufacturing in Neligh.

The reason for celebrating: the completion of the Jim and Pat Blackburn Challenge Grant. The Blackburns added $100,000 to the fund after its members raised $200,000. The $300,000 fund is part of the Nebraska Community Foundation and will draw almost 5% interest annually. The interest - which may total $15,000 - will be earmarked for public projects in Neligh.

The overall goal for the Neligh fund is $500,000.

"What can you do with $15,000 to create a margin of excellence in the community and invites others to say, 'We want to be in community with you.'?"

Jeff Yost, chief executive officer of NCF posed the aforementioned question. He said the state has enormous abundance and encouraged attendees to dream big.

"We use philanthropy to get that job done. We know Nebraska is full of Nebraskans which means we can get lots and lots done when we put our minds to it," Yost said.

It takes a village, or as Yost prefers, a community.

"We choose to be a community with one another. The places we see doing well are the places that choose to be in community with one another. There's a lot of intentionality that goes along with that."

According to Yost, one of the best ways to promote community, in Neligh's case, through the unrestricted endowment, is by continuing to build community with the people who live and work in the area.

Yost addressed the transfer of wealth in Antelope County. According to NCF figures, "Over the next 10 years, $679 million will transfer from one generation to the next. In 50 yearsm that number exceeds $6.4 billion."

LuAnn Schindler | SAM

Investment • Pinnacle Bank, represented by Julie Smith, made donations to the Neligh Area Community Fund, Aug. 15, during a challenge grant celebration at Blackburn Manufacturing in Neligh. Community fund members include Dr. Terry Jensen, Trish Smith, Brian Christiansen, Al Stelling,nChristina Brovant and Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen.

Wealth may be defined as real estate holdings, securities, retirement accounts and assets.

"Since many heirs no longer live within the state, much of that money will leave Nebraska," Yost said.

Al Stelling, chairman of the Neligh Area Community Fund, said committee members have discussed ways funds may be used for the community's benefit.

A bicycle station will be installed along the Cowboy Trail, in Riverside Park. A housing survey will be conducted, to address needs now and in the future.