BCM Marks 25th Anniversary With Endowment Fund

From Patch Reports

The will mark its 25th anniversary by establishing an endowment fund with a lead gift from the Stuart and Eulene Murray Foundation, according to a news release.

The Murray Foundation’s gift over four years is the largest single donation in BCM’s history, the announcement said. Distributions from the endowment will support BCM’s mission to help poor and low-income people of all faiths meet their basic needs and become financially stable in the wake of a crisis.

In appreciation of the gift, BCM will name it location at 2847 Piedmont Road the Stuart and Eulene Murray Building. The naming ceremony, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, March, 20, is open to the public. Dr. Gil Watson of will lead the prayer and dedication. Following the ceremony, BCM will celebrate its 25th anniversary at its annual Appreciation Dinner. 

“Regardless of the state of our economy, there are always people who are thrust into financial crisis by uncontrollable events such as illness, abuse, or job loss. This endowment will give BCM a permanent foundation, so that we can continue providing effective help for families that need to start again,” BCM Executive Director Helen Cunningham said in a statement. “This is such a unique opportunity for a human service ministry. Our board has dreamed of this for more than a decade, and we are deeply grateful to the Murray Foundation for adopting our vision and leading the way.”
 
Foundation trustee Joe McDonald said in a statement, “we are pleased to be a part of this defining moment in BCM’s history. BCM is a well-managed organization, and we believe strongly in their work. We have full confidence that this gift will be used wisely so as to make greatest impact on our community now and well into the future.” 
 
BCM, headquartered in Buckhead, serves people living in 15 zip-codes, stretching from Doraville to Fulton Industrial. Services are provided by a team of volunteers and professional social workers and include food, clothing, rent and utility assistance, new-worker support, life-skills training, transitional housing, mentoring and highly-personalized case management.