The Larkspur Community Foundation (LCF) joins her family and many friends in mourning the passing of Sandy Blauvelt. Sandy was the heart and soul of LCF from its inception. For many years, citizens had been asking about opportunities to contribute tax-deductible funds to community needs such as parks and social services. In 2005 the City Council began discussions about establishing a community foundation, similar to long-established city foundations in Marin. Sandy led the citizens group researching other foundations, funding, and possible projects and then became President of the “startup” Board of Trustees and subsequently President of the new foundation. She served in that capacity for the remainder of her life.
She brought to the position a deep knowledge of Marin’s people and institutions honed by many years in county government and civic involvement. Under her leadership the new foundation’s board of community members envisioned grantmaking in three categories: community events, capital projects, and modest grants addressing a wide variety of community needs and desires.
In its first seven years of operation, LCF raised more than $100,000 in philanthropic donations and made grants supporting education, social services, public safety and parks. Especially important for Sandy were volunteer recognition events at which dozens of individuals were honored for their hours of dedicated community service.
As a longtime Larkspur Parks and Recreation Board member, Sandy understood the interests and needs of Larkspur citizens concerning their parks. Her insights and experience provided invaluable information to the LCF Board when reviewing grant applications. LCF, through the generosity of citizens who contributed funds to help meet our community’s needs, provided many improvements and events for all ages at Piper Park. Sandy’s last grant recommendation was to approve funds to upgrade the Community Garden in Piper Park. The garden, established some 41 years ago, was an inspiration of Sandy’s.
Through Sandy’s leadership, the Larkspur Community Foundation has established a 10-year record as an organization that does its homework, carefully examines the pros and cons of funding grants, and stands by its founding principles. Thanks in great measure to Sandy’s vision and commitment, LCF continues working to preserve the small-town character of Larkspur and enhance the overall quality of life in the community.
If you would like to honor Sandy with a donation to her LCF