The North Bend Area Community Foundation (NBACF) is filled with heartfelt gratitude and excitement as it announces a truly remarkable gift—a $1.1 million endowment from the estate of James and Sandra Kruger. This extraordinary act of generosity, made possible through the family’s thoughtful decision to conclude the James and Sandra Kruger Foundation, marks a defining moment in the Foundation’s history and ensures its mission will thrive for generations to come.
“Jim and Sandra Kruger cared deeply about this community,” said NBACF Treasurer Deanna Wolf, noting that the Krugers’ generosity has long shaped the North Bend area. “This gift represents the very best of what it means to love your community by continuing to invest and grow it for generations to come,” said Nicki Chromy. NBACF Treasurer Deanna Wolf shared that “Jim and Sandra Kruger cared deeply about North Bend, and their legacy of giving has touched nearly every corner of our town.”
The Krugers’ devotion to the North Bend area has long been evident through their many acts of generosity—supporting St. Charles Church, funding the James and Sandra Kruger Community Room in the North Bend Public Library, purchasing the first pedestal at the Veterans Memorial Park, and restoring the historic North Bend Carnegie Library to its former beauty. Now, through this extraordinary endowment, their spirit of giving will continue to shape and strengthen the community for decades to come.
In recognition of this milestone, Kenneth Patry, officer of the Kruger Foundation, met in North Bend with Melissa Diers, Executive Director of the Fremont Area Community Foundation, along with NBACF board members Mary Le Arneal, Nicki Chromy, Deanna Wolf, Diane Hines, Leigh Feala, Bev Grueber, Rich Samuelson, and Maynard Flamme.
“The North Bend Area Community Foundation expresses its deepest appreciation for this transformative act of generosity and stewardship,” Wolf shared. This endowment empowers us to dream bigger, serve more, and expand our impact. It ensures that Jim and Sandra’s love for this community will live on in every project, every grant, and every act of service we’re able to support.
The Kruger family’s vision and generosity will create lasting and flexible support for civic, cultural, educational, health, and general welfare needs—helping address both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. Their gift stands as a shining example of how one family’s commitment to community can echo for generations.
As the Foundation celebrates its 25th year, it proudly reflects on the momentum this new gift brings. To date, the NBACF has built an endowment fund of $550,000 and has awarded grants to 81 local projects totaling $400,000. With the Kruger family’s $1.1 million endowment, the Foundation’s potential to enrich and sustain the North Bend area grows exponentially.
The NBACF extends its deepest thanks to the Kruger family for their faith, generosity, and enduring dedication to the community they loved so dearly. Their legacy will continue to shine brightly—an inspiration to all who believe in the power of giving back and the promise of a stronger future for North Bend.
