Community Foundation of Harford County Announces Establishment of Ben Boniface Deer Creek Valley Fund

From the Community Foundation of Harford County:

Community Foundation of Harford County is pleased to announce the establishment of the Ben Boniface Deer Creek Valley Fund. The fund was started by Darlington residents Billy and Barbara Boniface in memory of their son, Ben, who passed away last year.

The fund was established to support recreational and educational opportunities that foster increased awareness of the importance of the preservation of Deer Creek and its natural resources.

Deer Creek was an important part of Ben Boniface’s life. He spent a lot of time on the water and along its banks, and the fund was established by his family to preserve his memory in an area he loved.

The fund will be used for a variety of projects to provide people with greater access to and awareness of the Deer Creek area.

The family hopes to start an annual event in 2014 that will support the fund.

“Ben loved Deer Creek,” explained his father. “He loved kayaking, hiking, playing his guitar and writing songs there. Barb and I, along with his brother and sister, Billy and Bethany, know that Ben would be very pleased to have something named in his memory that would encourage others to enjoy the beauty and serenity of Deer Creek as he did.”

Tamara W. Zavislan, executive director of the Community Foundation of Harford County, said, “The Community Foundation is honored to host the fund in memory of Ben Boniface. Community Foundation of Harford County is of, for and by the community. This fund is a testament to our mission to make our county a better place, today and for future generations.”

Donations in support of the fund’s work may be made payable to the Community Foundation of Harford County (please note Ben Boniface Deer Creek Valley Fund in the memo line) and sent to P.O. Box 612, Bel Air, Md., 21014.

Community Foundation of Harford County (CFHC) is a nonprofit organization supported by the community through donations, enabling individuals, families and businesses to leave a legacy to benefit the causes that matter on a local level. Charitable gifts are used to make Harford County stronger through grant-making to local nonprofits and through scholarships. Since 2009, CFHC has awarded more than $140,000 in grants to Harford County nonprofit organizations. CFHC is one of 14 community foundations in Maryland and one of 700 across the country.