Rush County Community Foundation

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RCCF Scholarship Applications Now Available

The Rush County Community Foundation is proud to announce that scholarship applications for the 2012 – 2013 school year are now available. Applications, instructions and cover pages are available at the Guidance Department at Rushville Consolidated High School and Knightstown High School for Ripley Township students. They are also available at the Foundation office, or online at www.rushcountyfoundation.org.

“Last year we awarded over $88,000 in local scholarships to Rush County students.” stated Terry VanNatta, Foundation Assistant Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer. “Thanks to the generous support of the Rush County community we have now awarded over $830,000 in local scholarships to Rush County students since our first scholarships were awarded in 1995.”

Applications, instructions and the cover page for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship the Foundation will be awarding is now available. There will be one of these scholarships awarded this year. The scholarship is available to graduating seniors or nontraditional students who are Rush County residents and entering postsecondary education for the first time. The completed application package may be submitted to the Guidance Department of Rushville Consolidated High School, Knightstown High School or to the Rush County Community Foundation office. Deadline for application for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is 4:00 PM, February 3, 2012.

Applications, instructions and cover pages for all local scholarship funds held at the Foundation are also available at this time. The cover page provides an explanation and any restrictions that are placed on the scholarship and the instructions are a guide that must be followed while completing the application. A completed application package for each scholarship to which the student applies, may be submitted the Guidance Department of Rushville Consolidated High School, Knightstown High School or to the Rush County Community Foundation office. Deadline for application for all local scholarship funds held at the Foundation is 4:00 PM, March 9, 2012.

“Our scholarship application and cover pages are revised each year.” VanNatta added. “All scholarship applicants will want to make sure they have the 2012 – 2013 application and the current cover pages for their application to be considered. This year there is a separate instruction page which must be followed while completing the application which we hope will make completing the application easier for all applicants.”

RCCF Announces Cycle III, 2011 Community Grants Awarded

The Board of Directors of the Rush County Community Foundation is very pleased to announce their Cycle III 2011 Community Grants awarded from the unrestricted funds endowed at the Foundation. This was the last of three annual cycles in which Rush County non-profit organizations could apply for funding for their projects in 2011. The next grant cycle for non-profit organizations wishing to apply for is the Cycle I, 2012 grant cycle whose deadline for application will be at 4:00 PM, February 15, 2012.

These grants are made possible through the generosity of the founding contributors and donors of the following unrestricted funds endowed with the Foundation:

  • Laura May & Howard H. Brown Memorial Fund
  • H. N. (Doc) Thelma Jaggers Fund
  • Gerald W. and Anita J. Mohr Community Fund
  • Pioneer Hi-Bred Fund
  • Rush County Community Fund
  • George Patrick “Pat” Todd Memorial Fund

The following organizations received grants from the Cycle III, 2011 process:

  • Manilla Community Volunteer Fire Department – toward the purchase of new automobile extrication equipment to replace outdated equipment
  • City of Rushville – to assist with the purchase and installation two stream gauges to monitor water levels of Flatrock River in flood events
  • Town of Glenwood – toward the purchase and installation of a replacement furnace and to add air conditioning to their Community Building in their town park
  • Rush County Youth Soccer – toward the purchase of benches and uniforms
  • Boys and Girls Club of Rush County – to assist with the purchase and installation of new energy saving light fixtures in their main gymnasium
  • Rush County Historical Society – toward the reconstruction of the front porch at their Gowdy House Museum
  • Rush County Commissioners/Rush County Master Gardeners – to assist with the purchase of new trees for the west side of the Rush County Courthouse
  • Rushville Township Volunteer Fire Department – toward the purchase of a positive pressure ventilation fan to force heat and gases from buildings

Thanks to the generous financial support of the Rush County Community the Rush County Community Foundation has now awarded over 235 Community Fund grants to organizations throughout Rush County. These grants have totaled over $715,000 since the first grant was awarded in 1994. If you are interested in learning about the grant process or would like an application, please stop by the Foundation office at 117 N. Main in Rushville of call the office at 765-938-1177.

Lora Brook Hatfield Memorial Scholarship Established

Nancy Newton and Brad Hatfield established a new designated scholarship endowment at the Rush County Community Foundation in memory of their daughter.

The “Lora Brook Hatfield Memorial Scholarship Fund” was established to help a graduating high school senior of Knightstown Community High School and/or Rushville Consolidated High School further their education at an accredited college, university, vocational or trade school. The recipient must have maintained a G.P.A. of 2.5 or above to be considered. Depending on the amount available each year, if only one scholarship is awarded it will go to a graduating senior of Knightstown Community High School. If two scholarships are to be awarded then one will go to a graduating senior of Knightstown Community High School and one to a graduating senior of Rushville Consolidated High School.

“Our family and friends helped us decide to create this scholarship in memory of Lora because she loved school and planned to attend college,” stated Nancy. “She attended both Rush County and Knightstown schools so we wanted a student from both schools to benefit.”

“With her love of learning she also loved to help those who needed help through tutoring them,” stated Brad. “She also loved her name, especially her middle name, and felt it was a pretty name so in establishing the name for her fund we wanted to use her complete name to keep our memories of her.”

“We decided to establish this with the Foundation because we had heard great things about working with them,” added Nancy.

“I want to thank Nancy and Brad on behalf of the Foundation and our Board of Directors for establishing this scholarship,” stated Garry Cooley, Foundation Executive Director. “This is another case where a young person was taken from her family and community so tragically. No matter how many families I work with in establishing a fund in memory of a loved one, I can see and feel their loss and always tell them I don’t know how I would handle the loss in their situation. I only hope that by establishing this Fund that it will help ease their loss knowing that this scholarship will link her name to the Rush County community and the Foundation forever as it provides scholarships to assist local students not only today, but for our future generations.”

If you would like to make a donation to this Fund you may send your donation to the Rush County Community Foundation, 117 N Main St, Rushville, IN 46173 with a note included that you would like it added to the Lora Brook Hatfield Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Center Christian Church, Gray Family Endowment Fund Established

The children of the late Donald and Norma Lee Gray recently established a new designated endowment fund at the Rush County Community Foundation.

Marilyn Gray Roberts, Janet Gray Sparks and Brian Gray established the “Center Christian Church, Gray Family Fund” in memory of their parents to provide annual support to benefit the Music Department of Center Christian Church.

“We chose to name this fund to honor Center Christian Church for being an integral part of our family’s lives for over 70 years,” said Marilyn.

“As Mother was a pianist and organist at the Church from the time she was a teenager until her death in 1992 we wanted to have a way of providing support to their music department forever,” stated Janet. “Mother also taught piano and organ for over forty years and Dad always supported her devotion to music and we are appreciative of the efforts of the Church to keep music as an important part of worship and church life.”

“Our family’s roots in Rush County go back to 1863,” stated Brian. “We believe in the future of the Foundation and believe that it is a safe, stable place to invest dollars that will benefit the Church in which we were raised.”

“It was an honor and pleasure to work with Marilyn, Janet and Brian to establish this fund in memory of their parents with the Foundation,” stated Garry Cooley, Foundation Executive Director. “By establishing this fund it will make sure the Gray family name is a part of Center Christian Church, the Foundation and the Rush County community not only today, but for our future generations. It will also provide invaluable support to the music department of Center Christian Church forever.”

If you would like to make a donation to this Fund you may send your donation to the Rush County Community Foundation, 117 N Main St, Rushville, IN 46173 with a note included that you would like it added to the Center Christian Church, Gray Family Fund.

Rush County Community Foundation Announces 2011 Scholarship Recipients

On Monday, May 23, 2011 the Rush County Community Foundation distributed 113 scholarship awards to 80 students at their 2011 Scholarship Celebration at Rushville Consolidated High School from 53 local scholarship funds established with the Foundation. Also recognized was the 2011 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. Over 240 Founding Contributors, fund representatives, donors, Foundation board and committee members, recipients and their families attended the celebration.

Garry Cooley, Foundation Executive Director, welcomed everyone on behalf of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and staff. “Tonight is a time to celebrate the generosity of our founding contributors and our donors and a time to recognize our recipients by awarding scholarships to assist them in achieving their educational goals.” Cooley stated.

Michael R. Wicker, Foundation Board President, thanked everyone for attending our annual Scholarship Celebration. “It is nice for us to see the founding donors and scholarship recipients join together for this celebration this evening, and, because of the growth of our scholarships we have had to move to a larger facility here at Rushville Consolidated High School,” he stated. He then introduced the Foundation board members and then encouraged the recipients to “be excited about what you are going to do. Choose a field of interest to be something that will excite you to where every morning you will want to get up and be the best you can be. This will allow you to enjoy it the rest of your life.”

Terry VanNatta, Assistant Executive Director and CFO of the Foundation joined Wicker, fund representatives, Foundation board members and Cooley in presenting the scholarship awards to the students. After the presentation of the scholarships Cooley stated “Our first scholarships were awarded in 1995 when five students shared in $8,750 in scholarships from the Frank and Frances Hilburt Fund. Last year, 62 students shared in 86 scholarships totaling over $76,000 from local scholarship funds. Tonight, 80 students have shared in 113 scholarship awards totaling over $88,000 from 53 scholarship funds established with the Rush County Community Foundation. Since those first Hilburt scholarships, we have now awarded OVER $820,000 from local scholarship funds established with the Rush County Community Foundation to assist Rush County students. Including the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships, the Foundation has now awarded almost $3 million toward educating the youth of our community.”

One of the highlights of the annual celebration is to have past Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients return, after completing four years in the program, to update and let everyone know what their scholarships have meant to them. 2007 recipients, Kelli Liggett and Spencer Abrams, were in attendance and addressed those present. They each thanked the Foundation and Lilly Endowment, Inc. for their scholarships and stated how much they meant to them through their four years of college. Kelli attended Butler University where she graduated with degrees in Political Science and Chemistry. She will be attending the Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis where she will pursue her law degree. Spencer graduated with a degree in Management with concentrations in Marketing and Strategic Management and is currently working toward a MBA in Management at Purdue University. The Foundation congratulates them on their previous achievements and wishes them success in their future endeavors.

Following are the 2011 scholarships and recipients:

  • Hubert and Grace Alexander Scholarship – Michael Tully
  • John Sam Anderson Scholarship – David Slaton
  • William F. and Lelande Anise Hunt Beher Memorial Scholarship – Jonathan Flanary
  • Marcia and Les Blair Community Scholarship – Carrie Wilson
  • Jack and Cinda Brown Basketball Mental Attitude Scholarship – Ashley Hedrick and Tanner Hedrick
  • Richard and Loretta Busald Family Nursing Scholarship – Karen Carpenter
  • BPW Working Woman’s Scholarship, in memory of Marjorie Emsweller – Carrie Wilson
  • Hubert E. and Anna L. Chance Scholarship – Leah Worley
  • Harold Clifton Jr. Memorial Scholarship – Laura Hoeing and Curtis Schwering
  • Richard S. Earnest Diabetes Scholarship – Taylor Clemmons
  • Morris F. and Jane Marshall Fisher Fund – Fayella Horn
  • Danny E. and Barbara J. Gettinger and Family Scholarship – Emilie Kuhn
  • David L. Green, M.D. Creativity Award – Angelea Hauk and Stephen Hittle
  • Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Green and Barbara Blackledge Green Memorial Scholarship – Rebekah Rogers
  • Dr. Frank H. and Jean C. Green Memorial Scholarship – Brandon Herbert
  • Carol Niehoff Hardwick Memorial Scholarship – John Eric Beaman
  • Kyle Henderson Memorial Scholarship – Tyler Murphy and Curtis Schwering
  • Frank L. and Frances L. Hilburt Scholarship – Denise Amos, Mary Angle, Brandi Bales, Danniella Banks, Ean Billman, Jordon Borders, Jessica Bostic, Julie Brashaber, Keith Brashaber, Karen Carpenter, Kelsey Carter, Jeremiah Catron, Blake Connolly, Jessica Ernstes, Christy Field, Elizabeth Flath, Cassidy Gordon, Dexter Haler, Anthony Harcourt, Allison Harpring, Morgan Herbert, Jake Hoeing, Brittani Hood, Greg Hood, Jackson Hubbell, Valerie Martin, Adam Masters, Abigail Neuman, Sarah Smith, Tiffany Spaeth, Megan Turner, C.J. West, Casey West, Allison Wilson, Emily Wilson
  • Jeff Hufford Memorial Scholarship – Taylor Edwards
  • Courtney Anne Huskins Memorial Scholarship – Mikayla Carpenter, Taylor Edwards and Sarah Smith
  • Michael J. Keith Memorial Scholarship – Donnathon Buckley and Clayton Lower
  • Kiwanis Scholarship – Taylor Mock and Katherine Tompkins
  • Madeline Gullion Knight Memorial Scholarship – Hannah Conklin
  • Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship – Joshua Hoeing
  • Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Nominee Fund – Cory Back
  • Grayson J. Mahin Scholarship – Anthony Cheek
  • Laurie Saunders Marlatt Memorial Scholarship – Emily Hamill
  • Thomas F. Marshall Memorial Scholarship – Ann Megee
  • Jessy L. McClure Memorial Scholarship – Taylor Edwards
  • Joan L. McLaughlin Memorial Scholarship – Julie Brashaber and Hayli Valentine
  • Mental Health Association Bobby Dean Interest Free Student Loan – Karen Carpenter
  • Robert Meyer and Family 4-H Scholarship – John Eric Beaman
  • Phillip E. Mitchell Scholarship – Kyle Morgan
  • Dick Neeb Memorial Scholarship – Nicolas Hatfield and Tyler Murphy
  • Bob and Avie Pike Family Memorial R.N. Scholarship – Hayli Valentine
  • Rex A. and Lucille G. Readle Educational Fund – Kristian Bradley and Valerie Martin
  • Duward G. Reddick Kiwanis Scholarship – Brandon Herbert
  • R.N. Club Scholarship – Hayli Valentine
  • Rush County Friends of Purdue University Scholarship, Mary K. Waits, Principal Donor – Fayella Horn and Cory Back
  • Rush County Junior Leader 4-H Scholarship – Bobbi Ann Amos, Katelyn Ash and Jonathan Holzback
  • Robert H. Schondelmayer Bible College Scholarship – David Drake
  • Charlotte Frame Sleeth Trust – Chelsey Alexander and Lacy Seever
  • Mildreth I. (Jackson) and Byron P. Smith Fund – Lacy Seever and Jonathan Thompson
  • Holli Spaeth Memorial Scholarship – Carrie Alexander, Laura Hoeing, Jonathan Holzback, Taylor Mock and Curtis Schwering
  • Ashley Spurlin Memorial Scholarship – Katelyn Ash
  • Maurice “Porky” Wainwright Scholarship – Tyler Murphy
  • Wilma B. Wainwright Memorial Scholarship – Keith Brashaber
  • Jean H. Walker and Ivan G. Alexander Fund – Karri Duffy
  • Ward, Richardson and Corn Families Scholarship – Lacy Seever
  • Marian G. White Purdue Scholarship – Emilie Kuhn, Michael Tully and Douglass Wicker
  • Alice R. Wiley Scholarship – Leah Worley
  • Gordon D. and Mary S. Wilson Fund – Kathleen Brown, Mikayla Carpenter, Jordan Mullen and Katherine Tompkins
  • John and Susan Wilson Unsung Hero Award – Bobbi Ann Amos
  • ACE/Rita Yager Memorial Scholarship – Laura Hoeing and Curtis Schwering

Thank you Stagg’s Dairy Treats and Restaurant

We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the annual Rush County Community Foundation day at Stagg’s Dairy Treats and Restaurant on Sunday, May 15th. Without the continued support of the Rush County community and our supporters who live outside the county, we would not be in our 20th year of meeting the philanthropic needs of Rush County.

We want to say a special thank you to Carol Stagg and Marsha Haley for once again holding this annual fund raiser which supports the entire operation of the Foundation. Thanks also to their employees for their help and cooperation in assisting with this event.We also want to thank them for the fundraisers they hold each year which provide support to the following scholarship funds:

  • Holli Spaeth Memorial Scholarship which is held on June 16th each year
  • Michael J. Keith Memorial Scholarship which is held in March of each year
  • Kyle Henderson Memorial Scholarship which is held in April of each year
  • Danny E. and Barbara J. Gettinger Scholarship which is going to be held on July 17, 2011
  • Ashley Spurlin Memorial Scholarship which is going to be held on July 3, 2011

Through their generosity, a total of over $17,700 has been generated for their annual support days for our scholarships and operations.

Also, we want to thank our board and committee members who worked the event by cleaning tables and trays, sweeping the floors and emptying the trash containers as needed.

Once again, THANK YOU Rush County and we look forward to seeing you again at next year’s event!!

From the staff of the Rush County Community Foundation.

Thank You Rushville Knights of Columbus

We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the annual Rush County Community Foundation Chicken Fry on August 27th at the Knights of Columbus in Rushville. Without the continued support of the Rush County community and our supporters who live outside the county, we would not have been able to meet the philanthropic needs of Rush County since 1991.

A big thank you to our board members, past board members, committee members and spouses of current and past board and committee members for the time they spent preparing and serving the meal and cleaning after the event.

We want to say a special thank you to those who baked and donated the delicious desserts for the event.

We also want to thank the Rushville Knights of Columbus for once again holding this fundraising event for us and a big thank you to their members, volunteers and staff that assisted our volunteers in preparing and serving the meal.

Once again, THANK YOU Rush County and we look forward to seeing you at next year’s event!!

From the staff of the Rush County Community Foundation.

Rush County Community Foundation Announces 2011 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Recipient

One Rush County student has been named the recipient of a four year, full tuition scholarship as the Rush County Community Foundation’s 2011 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. This year’s recipient is the 30th Rush County student to receive a Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.

Joshua Hoeing will receive full tuition to the Indiana college of his choice and an $800 yearly stipend for required books and equipment.

Josh is a resident of Center Township and a senior at Rushville Consolidated High School. He is the son of Gary and Rose Hoeing. He plans to attend Rose Hulman Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. He has chosen this field because of his interest in engines and cars and he would like to work in the auto industry designing parts or cars. After graduating from college he hopes to someday return live in this part of Indiana but understands that it would depend upon where his job is located. “I really like this area,” stated Josh. “It is a great place to raise a family, the crime rate is low, the cost of living is not extremely high and I believe the school systems provide a well-rounded education for all students.” Upon being presented his scholarship he said “I am very honored to have been selected as the recipient for this scholarship. I am very excited, and at the same time, I am relieved to know that a large portion of my college expenses will be met with this award.”

Josh will graduate this spring and has been a leader throughout his high school careers. He was chosen from almost 20 applicants from Rush County. Academic standing, school involvement, and community involvement all play a key in the decision of the Nominating Committee. The Committee uses a blind application review process and does not know the names of the students. Each application is reviewed and judged separately by three members of the committee and is judged in ten separate categories. Their recommendation is then forwarded to the Board of Directors of the Rush County Community Foundation for final recommendation and submission to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. (ICI) for the selection of the recipients.

ICI is a nonprofit corporation that represents 31 regionally accredited degree granting, nonprofit, private colleges and universities in the state.

The scholarships are the result of a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative to help Hoosier students reach higher levels of education. Indiana ranks among the lowest states in the percentage of residents over the age of 25 with a bachelor’s degree. There were 142 scholarships awarded statewide.

Education Fund Grants Awarded by the Rush County Community Foundation

The Rush County Education Fund Grants Committee recently met to review grant applications for the 2011 grant cycle and to make their recommendations to the Rush County Community Foundation’s Board of Directors.

The Rush County Education Fund was established on June 1, 1994 by Rush County Schools. The primary purpose of this Fund shall be to provide support for education related projects not provided for in the schools budget. These funds are to be made available to teachers, students, administrators and volunteer parents presenting an appropriate grant application to the Fund’s selection committee.

With this year’s grants since the fund’s inception, over $25,000 has been awarded to assist in education related projects in Rush County.

The committee is comprised of teachers, administrators and parents from all schools in Rush County. The committee reviews all applications and then makes their recommendations to the Foundation Board for final approval.

The following recipients received funding during the 2011 grant cycle:

  • Rushville Consolidated High School to assist with the Analyzing Graphs and Solving Equations using TI83 Plus Graphing Calculators.
  • Rushville Elementary West for the Number/Sense recognition program.
  • Rushville Elementary West to purchase Young Hoosier books for 2011-2012
  • Benjamin Rush Middle School to assist with the Advancing Learning, Achievement and Success Through Art project.
  • Rushville Consolidated High school toward the Character Counts program.

If you would like more information about the Rush County Education Fund or any of the more than 150 funds at the Foundation please contact the Foundation office.

RCCF Announces Music for Rush County Fund Grant

The Music for Rush County Fund Grants Committee recently recommended a grant for the 2011 grant cycle to the Rush County Community Foundation’s Board of Directors.

The Music for Rush County Fund was established in 1995 by the late Faith Ellison in memory of her husband, E. Floyd Ellison. This fund is to provide support to encourage music participation and enjoyment by Rush County residents. Since its inception it has awarded over $11,000 in grants to promote the purpose of the fund for the enjoyment of Rush County residents.

This year’s recipient is the City of Rushville Riverside Park Amphitheater Committee to be used to assist with the expenses for their 2011 summer concert series. This year the amphitheater will once again host seven concerts and all are free to the public.

If you would like more information about the Music for Rush County Fund or any of the more than 150 funds at the Foundation please contact the Foundation office.

Ashley Spurlin Memorial Scholarship Established

Mark and Jana Spurlin, along with their son, Ryan, established a new designated scholarship endowment at the Rush County Community Foundation in memory of their daughter and sister.

The “Ashley Spurlin Memorial Scholarship Fund” was established to help a graduate of Rushville Consolidated High School earn a college degree. The selection will be based on the applicant attending Indiana State University with preference being given to a graduating senior studying business or nursing. If there are no graduating seniors then it may be awarded to a student returning to Indiana State at a sophomore level or above studying business or nursing. Applicants must have maintained a G.P.A. of 2.5 or above to be considered.

“Ashley was an amazing young woman who was full of life,” stated Jana. “Her personality and smile would light up a room and she would be pleased that we established this fund to assist RCHS graduates achieve their educational goals in the future.”

“Ashley was a beautiful person inside and out,” stated Mark. “She was an amazing daughter to Jana and I and a great sister to Ryan. Throughout her entire battle with leukemia not once did she complain or say “why me”. She fought a heart wrenching battle and we know that by establishing this scholarship fund her memory will live forever through the students it will help,”

“I want to thank Mark, Jana and Ryan on behalf of the Foundation and our Board of Directors for establishing this scholarship,” stated Garry Cooley, Foundation Executive Director. “Having known them for many years I know how much their children mean to them and how they wanted them to have an opportunity to grow up in the same community as they had. It is always sad to lose a family member but even more so when it is your own child or sister. No matter when you saw Ashley, or what had happened, she was always smiling. I feel that she is smiling on her family now knowing that this scholarship will link her name to the Rush County community and the Foundation forever as it provides scholarships to assist local students not only today, but for our future generations.”

If you would like to make a donation to this Fund you may send your donation to the Rush County Community Foundation, 117 N Main St, Rushville, IN 46173 with a note included that you would like it added to the Ashley Spurlin Memorial Scholarship Fund.

 

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