Jess McCurry | Nelson County Community Fund

Winter Warmup Tropical Mah Jongg ’26

by Jess McCurry | Apr 11, 2026 | Past Events

The evening of January 16 might have been dark and cold, but 56 warm-hearted supporters of the Nelson County Community Fund (NCCF) turned out to enjoy a tropically-themed Mah Jongg party organized by super volunteers Suzzane McQueen and Lena Kroll.

Participants, many dressed in appropriately themed costumes, played a couple rounds of Mah Jongg with frequent visits to nearby tables for delicious nibbles and drinks. Each of the 14 game tables was decorated by the participants to capture the fun and spirit of the fundraising event, and awards were given for the most creative decorations.

Photos supplied by Suzzane McQueen, Event Co-organizer

NCCF President, Ken Heise, thanked both the organizers and participants for coming out in support of NCCF, whose mission is to raise funds to address humanitarian needs and opportunities in Nelson County. The party was both fun and successful, raising $3,500.

ReadyKids

by Jess McCurry | Apr 11, 2026 | Grantee Spotlights

Three years ago, Nelson County was identified as a “Maternity Care Desert.” ReadyKids, with the help of an NCCF grant, expanded their Healthy Families program to Nelson County by providing free in-home visits to help new families support healthy childhood development, encourage positive parent-child relationships, and strengthen family function.

Success Story:

“Home visiting provided me the reassurance that I am doing all of the things that I should be doing in preparing for a baby and helped me to make goals to see that everything is possible.”

– ReadyKids Healthy Families Participant

North Branch

by Jess McCurry | Apr 11, 2026 | Grantee Spotlights

North Branch School (NBS) in Afton is a nonprofit, independent school for preschool to 8th grade. A 2025 NCCF grant, matched by the Perry Foundation, is helping to fund a new classroom and performance space on the NBS campus.

Success Story:

From Eliza 2025 Graduate: “Through my time at NBS, I learned to see school as being more than just grades. For me, it was an opportunity to grow as a thinker, leader, and friend within a circle of people I could trust and who trusted me.”

From Grace 2007 Graduate: “With each passing year, I am more grateful to have been raised in an environment that fosters community, curiosity, creativity and respect for people and the Earth.”

MIMA Music

by Jess McCurry | Apr 11, 2026 | Grantee Spotlights

Modern Improvisational Music Appreciation, or MIMA Music, provides music enrichment programs to Blue Ridge Respite Enrichment and North Branch students in Nelson County.

Success Story:

MIMA programs include the Blue Ridge Respite (formerly the Nelson Enrichment Club) offered by Here to Stay Wintergreen. MIMA offered tailored music programs to engage seniors who are experiencing mild to moderate memory loss or dementia.

Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital Free Fresh Farm Stand

by Jess McCurry | Apr 11, 2026 | Grantee Spotlights

The Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital Free Fresh Farm Stand program distributes healthy food, nutrition education, and preventative healthcare screening to Nelson County residents.

Success Story:

From Lee, a Fresh Farm Stand recipient: “I am 100% Permanent and Total Disability from military service, but do not qualify for means-based assistance. Visiting the Free Fresh Farm Stand was a great experience as I was able to eat well for over a week basically free”