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Welcome to
Betty Erickson Carey Foundation
Honoring the Legacy of Betty C. Erickson
Betty Erickson Carey Foundation exists to honor the legacy of Betty C. Erickson by continuing the community traditions she helped establish, fostering creativity, connection, and service through arts, crafts, and community gatherings in Sandwich, Illinois, and surrounding areas. Inspired by Betty’s lifelong passion for bringing people together, the foundation supports local artisans, small businesses, nonprofit causes, and community enrichment projects that reflect the heart of what Betty created.


Our Purpose:
• Preserve and grow the “Under the Big Top” community event ensuring its place as a cornerstone gathering for local families, businesses, and artists for years to come.
• Support local artisans, crafters, and entrepreneurs by providing a platform to showcase their talents, share their crafts, and build sustainable businesses.
• Invest in community enrichment projects that reflect Betty’s lifelong dedication to the Sandwich community from youth programs to senior care, civic engagement, and local beautification.
• Promote volunteerism, service, and inclusion, offering opportunities for all ages to participate in building a stronger, more connected community.
• Honor Betty’s legacy of compassion and leadership, ensuring that the values she lived by continue to touch future generations.
At its heart, Betty Erickson Carey Foundation is about more than events it is about bringing people together, celebrating the talents of our neighbors, and carrying forward a legacy of kindness, service, and community spirit that Betty C. Erickson so beautifully modeled.
