Beacon Community Foundation Reports Strong Growth at Annual Meeting

Beacon Community Foundation reported continued financial growth and another year of community support during its 31st annual meeting held April 22 at the Nemont Friendship Room.

Foundation President Joan Bjarko called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m., with eight board members and eight community members in attendance. A quorum was confirmed, and the 2025 annual meeting minutes were approved as presented.

Financially, the foundation saw significant gains in 2025. Darrel Tade, CPA of Tade and Olson Accounting, reported the organization began the year with a fair market value of more than $2.429 million and ended with over $2.961 million.

New contributions totaled $578,450.89, highlighted by a major $302,694.49 gift from the Ophus Charitable Trust. Last fall, the late Lysbeth “Lynn” Hughes Ophus, a Scobey native, entrusted the Beacon Community Foundation with the very generous endowment. Her parents were Frank Jr. and Doris Hughes. She attended Scobey Schools and graduated from Scobey High School.

Total expenditures were $128,445....