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The Four County Community Foundation, which issue grants for seniors, youth, environmental enhancements, the arts, community projects and scholarships, will host a 20th anniversary celebration from 1-3 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Romeo Parks and Recreation Building, 361 Morton St. in Romeo, with hors d'oeuvres and a short presentation to follow. Foundation board members, Emeritus members, staff, donors, dignitaries and the public are invited to attend.

"It's just time to celebrate," said Janet Bauer, president and chief executive officer of the foundation."

The foundation serves the corners of Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties in the communities of Allenton, Almont, Armada, Capac, Imlay City, Dryden, Lakeville, Leonard, Oxford, Romeo and Washington. It was created in 1987 when St. Joseph's Mercy of Macomb purchased the Community Hospital on the border of Macomb and Lapeer counties for $2.5 million. That facility, along with St. Joe's other properties, have since been bought by the Henry Ford Medical Center.

The founders of the hospital decided to use the profits of the sale and create the foundation to support the same communities the hospital served. Since then, it has grown to nearly $11 million in endowment funds, and has granted around $4.6 million to the community.

"We quarterly accept grant applications from the community," Bauer said. "Then we have a volunteer committee review the grant applications. They make the recommendations to the board."

More than 700 applications were received in 2006, and 421 grants were approved totaling $361,000.

Grants range from school services to downtown activities. The Imlay City Community Schools district received $15,640 for a communications systems where parents and guardians received e-mail or phone messages if school was canceled or delayed due to inclement weather.

The Imlay City Downtown Development Authority received a $5,000 grant earlier this year to purchase an outdoor movie screen system for their movie nights in July and August. Averaging around 100 individuals each Thursday night, G- and PG-rated movies shown included "Over the Hedge" and "Night at the Museum."

"The Four County Community Foundation is a great resource for the community it serves," said DDA Director Brad Barrett. "We were able to provide an additional family-friendly activity in the Imlay City community."

Other grants included thermal imaging cameras for area fire departments to help see if people or pets are still in a burning building, and to detect hot spots in the walls or attic. Seven Ponds Nature Center in Dryden and the Concerts in the Park series in Almont have also benefited.

The foundation continues to look for donors, where in doing so more grant money can be given out. And the struggling economy in Michigan has led to a higher amount of requests.

"We've had more requests by non-profits who serve emergency needs," Bauer said. "The donations are down for the general public, and the service requests are up."

The foundation's motto is "For good, forever." Those who would like to take part in supporting the community, either as a one-time gift, on a regular basis, or as a volunteer, can call (810) 798-0909.

To attend the celebration, RSVP by calling the phone number.

Jeff Hoard can be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8127 or jeff.hoard@lapeergroup.com