The Thermal Belt Friendship Council was recently awarded an Arthur M. and Frances H. Wilhelm Fund Grant from the Polk County Community Foundation.  The fund was created in 2003, from an anonymous donor who had lived in the home of Arthur and Frances Wilhelm. The fund was established to honor the Wilhelms and “to stand as a lasting celebration of the neighborly spirit of the Wilhelms.”
The Thermal Belt Friendship Council is a nonprofit organization formed in 1986.  The organization’s purpose is to promote stronger relationships and diversity among the residents in Polk County.
The friendship council is active in promoting social activities that bring diverse groups together for the purpose of promoting racial harmony.  Programs include several potluck dinners during the year, Christmas caroling at a local living assistance home, monthly group luncheons at various area restaurants that highlight blacks, whites, and Hispanics fellowshipping together in unity, an annual community picnic, a Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration and outreach to all races and ethnicities. One of the highlights of the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration is a scholarship awarded to a qualified area high school student.
“The Thermal Belt Friendship Council is delighted to have been selected to receive blessings from the Arthur M. & Frances H. Wilhelm Endowment Fund,” said Dr. Joseph Fox, friendship council president. “It is because of the love and support of individuals such as the Wilhelms that the friendship council continues to give back to the community.”
Information about the Thermal Belt Friendship Council can be found at friendshipcouncil.homestead.com.
– article submitted Lynnea Stadelmann