Nonprofit leaders surprised during fundraiser held last week inside Pines library

By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(Jan. 25, 2018) The General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution last week presented community service awards to Kim Klump of Snow Hill and Anna Foultz of Ocean Pines.

Both women said the honor came as a total surprise – Klump assumed she was asked to attend the fundraising luncheon at the Ocean Pines Library to speak about her work as president of the Jesse Klump Memorial Fund, Inc., and Foultz said she expected to speak about her role as founder of nonprofit group Star Charities.

According to a new release, the award “was established to give chapters the opportunity to recognize worthy individuals in their communities for outstanding unpaid voluntary achievements in cultural, educational, humanitarian, patriotic, historical, citizenship, or environmental conservation endeavors.

“Anna Foultz, president of Star Charities, was recognized for her dedication and countless volunteer hours in support of military personnel and veterans as well as for promoting good citizenship in young women through Girl Scouts.

“Kim Klump, president of Jesse Klump Memorial Fund, Inc., was recognized for channeling her grief into a community-wide suicide awareness and prevention program and the scholarships provided to students demonstrating a willingness to help others.”

Regent Patricia Ayers presented each honoree with a certificate and lapel pin. They also received a portion of the luncheon proceeds for their respective organizations.

“They shocked me. I cried, because it’s one of their highest awards,” Foultz said. “I just couldn’t believe that they picked me as one of the awards.

“They surprised me and I stood there and cried. I said, ‘I can’t believe it, I’m so honored,’” she added.

Foultz said the accolade ranked among her most cherished.

“And they did it all behind my back! I didn’t know a thing,” she said.

Klump was also surprised – and tearful – during the ceremony.

“All we knew going in was that we were to talk about what we do in the community. I figured Anna and I were a guest speaker at their luncheon,” she said. “We got up and said our spiel, and then later in the program they told us the real reason we were there.

“We were both really surprised and shocked, because we had no idea,” Klump continued. “It was very nice for them to do it … I was overwhelmed and humbled. I became tearful, especially with the president, whom I’ve known for many years, I know shares a suicide in her family. She was relaying that to the people there and of course that brought more tears to my eyes.”

Star Charities, during its flagship Beef and Beer benefit earlier this month, raised almost $4,000 for the Wounded Soldiers in Maryland fund.

For more information on Star Charities, call 410-641-7667 or fax 410-641-7667.

The Klump foundation, in July, raised more than $26,000 during the annual Jesse’s Paddle fundraiser in Snow Hill. That money will pay for local scholarships and programs of the Jesse Klump Suicide Awareness and Prevention Program.

“Each year has been a record year [in fundraising], which is just amazing to us,” Klump said. “We thought it would drop off, but it hasn’t, which is wonderful.”

Sello’s Italian Oven & Bar on 9802 Golf Course Road in West Ocean City will host a fundraiser for the Klump foundation on Thursday, Feb. 1 from 6-10 p.m.

Tickets cost $75 and can be purchased at the front desk at Sello’s or at Baked Dessert Café in Berlin. Online tickets are $80 and can be purchased at www.Sellosoc.com.

The dance-party themed event will include lite fare by Sello’s, a dessert bar by Baked Dessert Café, a wine-tasting bar, and disco-themed prizes. A cash bar will also be available.

For more information about the Klump foundation, visit www.choosetolivemaryland.org.