Rush County Community Foundation

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Rush County Community Foundation Cycle I, 2010 Community Grant Deadline

Garry Cooley, Executive Director of the Rush County Community Foundation, has announced that the application deadline for the Cycle I, 2010 Community Grants is 4 PM, Monday, February 15th.

Through our Cycle I, 2009 grant cycle the Board of Directors and staff of the Foundation are proud that over $600,000 has been awarded to Non-Profit Organizations to benefit Rush County citizens from discretionary endowment funds which benefit our community through our Community Grant program. stated Cooley. Without the generous financial support of our founding contributors, our donors and the Rush County Community we would not have been able to assist these organizations with over 200 grants since our first grant was awarded in 1994.

If your organization is interested in applying for this grant cycle please contact Cindy Taff, Grants Coordinator, Terry VanNatta or Garry Cooley at the Foundation office.

2009 Music for Rush County Fund Grant Awarded

The Music for Rush County Fund Grants Committee recently met to review grant applications for the 2009 grant cycle and to make their recommendations to the Rush County Community Foundations Board of Directors.

The Music for Rush 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 $9,000 in grants to promote the purpose of the fund for the enjoyment of Rush County residents.

The committee is comprised of the President of the Rushville Music Study Club, the Chair of the Rushville Consolidated High School Music Department and the President of the Board of Directors of the Rush County Community Foundation. They review all applications and then make their recommendations to the Foundation Board for final approval.

This years recipient is the City of Rushville Riverside Park Amphitheater Committee to assist in bringing the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight Wright-Patterson AFB to the Rushville Amphitheater on August 22nd.

If you would like more information about the Music for Rush County Fund or any of the more than 140 funds at the Foundation please contact the Foundation office.

2009 Education Fund Grants Awarded

The Rush County Education Fund Grants Committee recently met to review grant applications for the 2009 grant cycle and to make their recommendations to the Rush County Community Foundations 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 Funds selection committee.

With this years grants since the funds inception, over $20,000 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 2009 grant cycle:

  • Rushville Elementary School to assist with Rushville Elementary Literacy Groups project.
  • Rushville Consolidated High School toward the RCHS Character Counts project.
  • Milroy Elementary School toward the Meander through the Middle East project.
  • Benjamin Rush Middle School to assist with the Advancing Learning, Achievement and Success Through Art project.
  • Rushville Consolidated High School toward the Independent Living Center project.
  • All elementary schools within Rush County Schools system to assist with The Cowboy Astronomer project.

If you would like more information about the Rush County Education Fund or any of the more than 140 funds at the Foundation please contact the Foundation office.

2009 Chicken Fry Thank You

We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the annual Rush County Community Foundation Chicken Fry on September 5th 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 be entering our 18th year of meeting the philanthropic needs of Rush County.

A big thank you to Roy Mohr for once again chairing the event and to our board members, past board members, committee members, spouses of current and past board members and two of our Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients 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 and staff who assisted our volunteers prepare and serve the meal.

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

From the staff of the Rush County Community Foundation,

Garry E. Cooley, Executive Director
Terry B. VanNatta Assistant Executive Director and CFO

Marcia and Les Blair Community Scholarship Fund

Friends and family of Marcia and Les Blair recently established a new designated scholarship endowment at the Rush County Community Foundation in their honor.

The Marcia and Les Blair Community Scholarship Fund was established to support a person striving to improve themselves by working toward a degree, an advanced degree or toward additional certification in their chosen occupation. The recipient of this scholarship must be a current Rush County resident and must have resided in Rush County for at least the last three calendar years; must be currently employed in Rush County; must show proof of admission and be attending or planning to attend an accredited college, university, trade or vocational school.

I brought up the idea of a scholarship fund to Katie (Blair Burkhardt) since we were planning a milestone birthday party for Mrs. Blair, stated Diana Meo. We wanted to include Slabtown graduates from the 60s 70s 80s and 90s, which is a long time for anyone to stay motivated to write and produce scripts for an annual show. She has been an inspiration to so many students throughout the years that it seemed fitting to start the fund and announce it at her birthday celebration. Mr. Blair has also been very supportive of the community and youth through many decades, so we wanted to include him on the fund as well.

My brothers and I wanted to have the focus on community since we would like to support those living and working in Rush County, added Katie Burkhardt. For a couple who only originally planned to be in Rush County for two years maximum, they have now raised their family here and have been instrumental in bringing high-quality theatre arts and English education to high school students for years.

Mr. and Mrs. Blair may not have been born in Rush County, but they have made if a great place to live and come home to for those of us who have left, added Diana. For so many graduates of Rushville Consolidated High School, we feel honored to support such a worthy fund in honor of two very talented and giving educators.

It was an honor and pleasure to work with Diana, on behalf of Slabtown graduates, and Katie on behalf of her family, along with Edna Moster, Sharlene Foster and Al Hodge in establishing this Fund, stated Garry Cooley, Foundation Executive Director. On behalf of our staff and Board of Directors I want to thank everyone involved with establishing this fund which will help Rush County residents improve themselves in their chosen field. By starting this fund it will also link Marcia and Less names to the Foundation and the Rush County community 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 Marcia and Les Blair Community Scholarship Fund.

Alex Workman Memorial Fund Established

Robert and Angela Workman, parents of the late Alex Workman recently established a new endowed fund with the Rush County Community Foundation. The Alex Workman Memorial Fund was established to support the needs of families who have children with Autism or teachers who work with children with Autism in Rush County. The annual distribution will be awarded through a competitive grant process from the fund. A grants committee for this fund will be meeting early in May of each year to make their recommendation for awarding the annual distribution to the Foundations Board of Directors with the distribution available to the grantee by June 1st of each year.

Angela and I decided to establish this fund after Marie Godar, a long time family friend, approached us with the idea, stated Robert. We decided to name it after Alex because he was a very special little boy and we wanted his name to live on.

We decided to give parents of children with Autism and teachers who work with Autistic children the opportunity to benefit from this Fund to help raise Autism awareness, stated Angela. Nothing can replace Alex, but by establishing this Fund to assist those families with Autistic children we know that the memory of Alex will live on forever.

Rob and I want to thank the Raleigh Volunteer Fire Department, their Ladies Auxiliary and the Eagles Lodge for their generosity in helping our family added Angela.

On behalf the Board of Directors and staff of the Foundation, I want to thank Rob and Angela, their family and friends and the organizations who raised money to assist in establishing this fund, stated Garry Cooley, Foundation Executive Director. They suffered a tremendous loss with the death of Alex. But, by choosing to establish this Fund his name and memory will be linked to the Rush County community and the Foundation forever. They also are giving families of children with Autism and teachers who work with Autistic children an opportunity to apply for financial assistance in helping those children.

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 Alex Workman Memorial Fund.

In its 18th year of meeting the philanthropic needs of Rush County, The Rush County Community Foundation, Inc., the Foundation of Rush Countys future, is a nonprofit public charity established to serve donors, award grants and scholarships, and provide leadership to enrich and enhance the quality of life in Rush County, Indiana, not only today, but for our future generations. For more information please visit or contact Garry Cooley, Executive Director, or Terry VanNatta, Assistant Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, at their office at 117 N. Main St., Rushville, IN 46173, or call them at (765) 938-1177.

Crysten Butler Williams And Jett Williams Memorial Fund Established

The families of Crysten Butler Williams and Jett Williams, represented by Jeff and Cyndy Butler, recently established a new Advised Pass-Through Fund with the Rush County Community Foundation in memory of the loved ones they lost in a tragic automobile accident on February 15, 2009.

The Crysten Butler Williams and Jett Williams Memorial Fund was established to provide support for the purchase, construction and maintenance of playground equipment to be located at McNabb Park in Carthage, Indiana. The purpose of the fund also allows the purchase of a monument or signs showing the equipment which was purchased with donations received into this Fund.

Jennifer Winters brought up the idea of establishing a fund with the Foundation, stated Jeff. After thinking about it we decided it would be a wonderful way to honor Crysten and Jett so they wont be forgotten.

Crysten and Jett spent almost every sunny, and some not so sunny days going to McNabb Park, stated Cyndy. When I think of Crysten and Jett, I think of the park and the times they enjoyed there. Many of the people in our community wanted to help us. We knew by establishing this fund with the Foundation they would be helping not only us, but the entire community. With this fund we want to add more playground equipment in order to make the park a better place for all families to enjoy.

On behalf of the Foundation and our Board of Directors I want to thank Jeff and Cyndy, as well as all family members of Crysten and Jett, for establishing this fund with the Foundation, stated Garry Cooley, Foundation Executive Director. Their families suffered a tremendous loss. They have chosen to use the proceeds of this fund to help the children of the Carthage community enjoy the park in the future. The permanent monument and signs at the park will keep Crysten and Jetts memory alive forever.

To make a donation to this Fund please 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 Crysten Butler Williams and Jett Williams Memorial Fund.

Robert N. Veatch And Mary Lou Veatch And Family Fund Established

Robert N. and Mary Lou Veatch recently established a new designated endowment fund at the Rush County Community Foundation in honor of their family and their ties to the Rush County community.

The Robert N. Veatch and Mary Lou Veatch and Family Fund was established to support equally to the music and athletic programs at Arlington Elementary School. The principal of Arlington Elementary and the Rush County Schools Board of School Trustees member who serves Posey and Walker Townships will serve as the selection committee for this Fund. They will make annual recommendations to the Board of Directors of the Rush County Community Foundation for use of the funds from this endowment.

Given our familys support and interest in sports and music, we thought it was appropriate to provide a resource for future generations to continue to enjoy these activities as part of their educational experience, stated Robert. Our son, Marvin, had the idea for us to consider establishing this fund. He, along with our other children, Marc and Marla Jane, as well as Mary Lou and I plan to support this fund in the future. That is why we chose to name the fund as we did.

Bob, as well as each of our children attended the Arlington School, stated Mary Lou. Each has fond memories of their time at the school and we wanted to recognize our appreciation for the education they received through the establishment of this fund.

On behalf of the Foundation and our Board of Directors I want to thank Bob, Mary Lou and their family for establishing their Fund with the Foundation, stated Garry Cooley, Foundation Executive Director. It was an honor and a pleasure to work with and assist them in establishing their fund as they desired. This fund will link the Veatch family name to the Foundation and the Rush County community not only today, but for our future generations. It will also provide invaluable support to the students of Arlington Elementary School in the areas of music and athletics forever.

Tobi L. Coon, T.L.C. To Earth Fund Established

Aaron and Kelli Jo Coon, parents of the late Tobi L. Coon recently established a new pass through fund with the Rush County Community Foundation.

The Tobi L. Coon, T.L.C. to Earth Fund was established to raise money for the construction and maintenance of a playground in her honor. Tobi Land will be located at Caldwell Pioneer Acres, home of the Pioneer Engineers Club of Indianas annual steam show south of Rushville.

Kelli Jo and I feel children are our future and we must evolve and unfold their bodies and minds, stated Aaron. There isnt a better place than a beautiful playground in mother natures backyard.

There are angels among us and the location for Tobi Land is very special to Aaron and I with our families and friends. We look forward to the 2009 steam show as it will be a joy to see and hear all our little friends playing and laughing at Tobi Land, stated Kelli Jo. Nothing can replace our baby girl. It gives us hope to have such a wonderful community that has come together to help turn our tragedy into a positive as shown by the fundraiser we had last October. That fundraiser was so successful that we plan to have another event this fall on October 17th.

On behalf of the Foundation and our Board of Directors I want to thank Aaron and Kelli Jo for establishing this fund with the Foundation, stated Garry Cooley, Foundation Executive Director. They suffered a tremendous loss but with the building of Tobi Land they will be helping children in the future have a great place to enjoy while visiting Caldwell Pioneer Acres. It will also keep Tobis memory alive and well for them and their families and friends as her name will be a part of that playground forever.

Danny E. And Barbara J. Gettinger And Family Scholarship Established

The family of the late Danny Gettinger recently established a new designated scholarship endowment at the Rush County Community Foundation in his memory and in honor of their family and their ties to the Rush County agricultural community.

The Danny E. and Barbara J. Gettinger and Family Scholarship Fund was established to help a Rush County student continue their education at an institution of higher learning in the field of agriculture. Before Danny passed away he and I had talked about establishing a scholarship, stated Barbara Gettinger. We wanted a student who was going to study agriculture to benefit from our scholarship.

The recipient(s) of this scholarship must:

  • Be a permanent resident of Rush County
  • Have attended Rushville Consolidated High School for four years
  • Be a graduate of Rushville Consolidated High School
  • Have had a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • Be planning to study in the field of agricultural at a two or four year college or university or attending a college, university or trade school enrolled in an accredited agricultural short course

With the loss of our Father our family wanted to start a scholarship fund, stated Denise Hoeing. We wanted to name it after both our parents because of their ties to our community and Mom wanted to add and family as all our families are involved in the agricultural field. We knew the Foundation would be a good place to establish our fund due to the many scholarships they offer.

On behalf of the Foundation and our Board of Directors I want to thank Barbara, her children and their spouses for establishing their scholarship fund with the Foundation, stated Garry Cooley, Foundation Executive Director. It was an honor to work and assist them in establishing their fund which will link the Gettinger family name to the Foundation and the Rush County community not only today, but for our future generations. It will also be available to provide scholarships forever to assist Rush County students in achieving their educational goals in the field of agriculture.

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 Danny E. and Barbara J. Gettinger and Family Scholarship Fund.

Kyle Henderson Memorial Scholarship Established

Rodney and Loretta Henderson, along with their children Alisa and Josh, recently established a new designated scholarship endowment at the Rush County Community Foundation in memory of their late son and brother, Kyle.

The Kyle Henderson Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist with the costs of a Rush County student continuing their education. The recipient of this scholarship must be a graduate of Rushville Consolidated High School and a permanent resident of Rush County.

Preference will be given to a graduating senior of RCHS but if none apply then a student who is returning to school may be awarded this scholarship; students who plan to attend or are attending an accredited trade of vocational school studying agriculture, construction management, heating and cooling, electrical or plumbing; students who have been active in 4-H and/or FFA.

We wanted to name the fund to commemorate our sons life, stated Kyles Mother, Loretta. Our hope is that the memory of Kyle will continue through this fund.

We wanted to give preference to areas which were of most interest to Kyle, stated Kyles Father, Rodney. His passion for agriculture, HVAC, FFA and 4-H were evident through his involvement and hard work. We wanted to benefit those that share his passions without limiting the opportunity for those with similar interests to apply.

Our family decided to start the fund in honor of Kyle upon his untimely death, added Loretta. Alisa and Kyle were both very fortunate to receive financial assistance from the Foundation due to the generosity of their donors. There was no question that we wanted to give back to the Foundation and the Rush County community. Kyle loved to help others and our hope is that his scholarship continues his legacy.

On behalf of the Foundation and our Board of Directors I want to thank Rodney, Loretta, Alisa and Josh for establishing this scholarship in Kyles memory, stated Garry Cooley, Foundation Executive Director. As I told them, I cant imagine the pain they are feeling in losing a son and brother. I am pleased they chose to honor his memory by establishing this scholarship and it was my pleasure working with them to make sure it was established according to their desires. The Kyle Henderson Memorial Scholarship Fund will assist in their desires of continuing his legacy by linking his name to the Foundation and the Rush County community not only today, but for our future generations. It will be available to provide scholarships forever to assist Rush County students in achieving their educational goals.

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 Kyle Henderson Memorial Scholarship Fund.

 

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