The Hendricks Family Foundation recently made a $25,000 gift to support the commissioning of the USS Beloit directing the gift to support of the USS Beloit Legacy Fund. The Foundation gift is just one of several from Hendricks held companies for the commissioning including a $50,000 Admiral level gift from ABC Supply, $25,000 from both Hendricks Commercial Properties and Corporate Contractors, Inc., and in-kind support from Geronimo Hospitality Group.

Commander Kissinger, Diane Hendricks, and Brent Fox, surrounded by the crew of the USS Beloit.

“The commissioning of the USS Beloit is a once in a generation opportunity for the City of Beloit,” said Diane Hendricks, President of the Hendricks Family Foundation. “We have a national platform to showcase this amazing City, sharing elements of our history, our commitment to hard work and to our long-standing relationship to the military.”

The Legacy Fund, established to support the needs of USS Beloit crew members and their families, allows the community of Beloit to develop an ongoing relationship with the crew. “We are embracing the USS Beloit crew as members of our community,” continued Hendricks. “The fund will help ensure that we can care for our own as they work to protect our freedom.”

During a recent visit, Commander Kissinger shared her vision for the fund noting that enlisted personnel and their families sacrifice a great deal to serve in the Navy. They do not earn a high salary and when life’s unexpected events occur, they sometimes need a helping hand. It could be an accident, a death in the family, a house fire – any number of things. Easing the burden during tough times helps create a community on the ship and with the greater Beloit community.

“Serving the crew is a privilege,” notes Lisa Furseth, the Hendricks Family Foundation Executive Director.
“It is a perfect use for our funds.”

The USS Beloit has been delivered to and accepted by the Navy. The ship will be commissioned at an official Navy Commissioning Ceremony in the near future. For more information about the commissioning or to contribute to the Legacy Fund, visit USS Beloit Commissioning Committee.