Mission
The Butterfield Preservation Foundation’s Mission is to preserve, promote and support the development of a community wide park system that provides for recreation and outdoor education opportunities for all residents, as well as to offer diversified programs, educational opportunities and activities that provide personal enjoyment, contribute to a sense of self fulfillment, and enhance the quality of life.
Purpose and Challenges
The Butterfield Preservation Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. This shall include (a) developing financial support for the Butterfield Park District by receiving gifts, bequests and endowments; (b) promoting use of the Butterfield Park District's resources and services; (c) increasing public recreational, educational and conservation programs of the Butterfield Park District; (d) acquiring, holding and conveying land for the future development of public parks and outdoor recreational areas; and (e) furthering any and all of the purposes set forth herein by other means, which shall be for the sole benefit of the Butterfield Park District, a unit of local government which qualifies as an exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Code.
Our Board Members
Rick Garbett – President Butterfield Preservation Foundation
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Todd Berntsen - Treasurer Butterfield Preservation Foundation:
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Qualifications: Mr. Berntsen owns a Pepperidge Farm distributorship in the neighboring Downers Grove/Woodridge communities. He has lived in Butterfield East for close to 15 years. Todd is the father of two boys that are currently benefiting from the park district's summer camp, before and after school, and athletic programs. He has three step children that all went to the Butterfield before and after school programs. Two of them worked seasonally at the pool. As a small business owner, he brings a perspective of being fiscally responsible to the board. In addition to his family's positive experiences with the Butterfield Park District's programs, he has been a park district Commissioner for the last five years. Growing up in Northeastern Minnesota allowed him to develop a strong sense of community and love of the outdoors. This Foundation will provide for the development of both of these things in the Butterfield Park District community.
Scott Toennessen - Vice-President Butterfield Preservation Foundation:
Throughout his career and various levels of leadership Mr. Toennessen has gained a unique optic to daily operations, financial acumen, project management, strategy, political savvy, and regulatory process.
Mr. Toennessen, along with his wife Ragen and sons Dane, Benjamin, and Theodore, have resided in the unincorporated Lombard for the past 18 years. He considers the area a special place to raise a family and has deep roots into the community. He has served the community area in roles such as Triton College selective Admission Board, PTA President for Butterfield School, Advisory Board for District 44, and President of Butterfield East Community Group. Mr. Toennessen has become an advocate for the park district with active participation in the recreation programs and looks forward to innovative collaboration for the future of the BPD.
Mr. Toennessen is originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and following graduation from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Psychology, Biology, and Business Administration in 2003. After that, he started a journey in healthcare leadership.
His entire career was spent mostly in the Chicagoland area as an employee of Mercy Health, Wheaton Eye Clinic, Rush University Medical Center, and now Advocate Health. During his time building experience, he obtained a Law Degree (Health Law) from Loyola Law School in Chicago.
Shane Askin – Secretary Butterfield Preservation Foundation
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Adam Fencel - Trustee Butterfield Preservation Foundation
Gary Scheifer - Trustee Butterfield Preservation Foundation