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
Michael Kryger – President Butterfield Preservation Foundation
Michael has resided for 25 years in unincorporated Glen Ellyn where he and his wife (Anne) raised their three children. The Krygers have been active in the Butterfield Park District community, with Michael serving as a Butterfield Park District Commissioner since 2002 (five years as Board President) and both Anne and Michael serving in various capacities with the Butterfield Swim team.
Michael holds a degree in Electrical Engineering (Bradley University, Peoria) as well as a MBA in Finance (Lewis University, Romeoville) and has recently retired from Commonwealth Edison where he worked for 33 years as an engineer and as a Purchasing Manager.
Michael has a strong sense of family and community with the desire to ‘pay it forward’ to the community and families that have been influential and supportive during his residency in the Butterfield Park District community.
Rick Garbett – Vice President Butterfield Preservation Foundation
Todd Berntsen - Treasurer Butterfield Preservation Foundation:
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.
Mark Gil - Trustee Butterfield Preservation Foundation:
Mr. Gil is a leader in the business community in our area and has used his success to benefit the people who live in the area over and over again. His efforts have improved and protected our environment for many generations to come. His financial support has provided immediate support to children and families in our programs. His ongoing support has helped develop a following of supporters throughout our community and his long term vision has helped in the sustainability of our parks and recreation programs and services.
Mark has embraced our community and supports us whenever he can. He has been the Sponsor of our Family Fun Fest- Community Appreciation Days, since its inception, as well one of the key sponsors of the 2016 Swim Conference Meet hosted at the Butterfield Park District Aquatics Center.
Mark Lives in the neighboring community of Lisle with his wife Frances and daughter Izabella who has participated for years in the Park district’s programs and swim team.
His efforts have repeatedly provided funding for High Risk children, Play Equipment, Playgrounds, Early Childhood programs and services, as well as transportation and essential field trips. Mark was the 2016 recipient of the Illinois Association of Park District’s – Best Friend of Illinois Parks Award - Small Business.
Scott Toennessen - Trustee 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 – Trustee Butterfield Preservation Foundation