Pender, Neb. (November 9, 2026) The Pender-Thurston Education & Community Foundation Fund (PTECFF) is celebrating the completion of facility improvements at 12 Hills Dog Rescue, supported by a $3,419 grant awarded through the Fund's Raun-Samuelson Endowed Account.
The grant helped fund several improvements to the rescue's existing kennel facilities, including replacing water lines and watering nipples, repairing and replacing kennel divider panels, and completing painting projects. These updates help maintain a safe, functional environment for the dogs in the rescue's care while supporting the organization's daily operations.
An additional $600 raised through private fundraising efforts also contributed to the completed project.
The grant was made possible through the Raun-Samuelson Endowed Account, established by PTECFF Fund Advisory Committee member Matt Samuelson in honor of Patricia Ann Samuelson and Al Raun. The account supports charitable projects that strengthen communities throughout Thurston County, with an emphasis on youth, the arts, and community betterment.
"One of the reasons I wanted to establish this account was to create opportunities to support the organizations and projects that make a difference in our communities," said Samuelson. "12 Hills Dog Rescue is doing important work, and it's rewarding to see how these funds can help support the facilities they rely on to continue that work."
The completed project demonstrates how charitable giving through PTECFF can support a wide range of local needs. Through endowed giving, the Raun-Samuelson Account will continue creating opportunities to invest in projects that make a lasting difference throughout the area.
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About Pender-Thurston Education and Community Foundation
The Pender-Thurston Education & Community Foundation Fund (PTECFF) is an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation dedicated to strengthening Pender, Thurston and the surrounding communities. Led by a local volunteer advisory committee, PTECFF works to inspire charitable giving, foster community partnerships and invest in projects that enhance quality of life and create opportunities for future generations. Through its unrestricted endowment and other charitable accounts, PTECFF connects generous donors with causes they care about, turning local generosity into lasting community impact.
About Nebraska Community Foundation
Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln, the Foundation serves communities, donors and organizations by providing financial management, strategic development, education and training to a statewide network of 1,500 volunteers serving more than 265 communities. In the last five years, 45,993 contributions have been made to Nebraska Community Foundation and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, Nebraska Community Foundation has reinvested $517 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.
