GIVING

Stories

Memorial giving builds relationships through the Foundation

Many years ago, Steve Johnson became familiar with the Community Foundation of Howard County when he gave a memorial in honor of someone he knew. This was the beginning of building a relationship with the Foundation through memorial giving. Through Steve's memorial giving and various contacts, he began to learn how the Foundation could help him with his charitable giving goals.

  • This knowledge was helpful when his wife passed away and he was looking for a way to honor her memory and teaching career. With this in mind, he came to the Foundation. "I knew the Foundation would work with me and take good care of my fund. I think the Foundation's investment services are as good as anybody's or better," he said.

    Working with Foundation staff, Steve established the "Patricia F. Johnson Scholarship." The scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a bachelor's degree in language arts, arts or music. "My wife taught for more than 25 years," said Johnson. "She taught language arts, and was a good singer and artist. This scholarship honors her talents."

    Steve also utilizes the Foundation for his memorial giving. He uses memorial giving as a way to honor someone he knows and to build up the scholarship fund he established. Steve recommends giving memorials through the Foundation and believes the staff works hard to find the right recipients for the scholarship.

    "Endowed funds through the Foundation will last into the future," he said. "The value of the scholarship will increase. In the beginning, we were able to award a $500 scholarship and now that is up to $1,000. You can start a fund and add to it over time through various types of giving and amounts. Using the Foundation is a good way to support the local community."

    For more information about the benefits of giving through the Foundation and the different types of funds, contact Todd Moser at (765) 454-7298 or todd@cfhoward.org.

Building Transformation Makes Room For Adult Day Programs Expansion

It was a chance to renovate and reimagine. With the help of the Community Foundation of Howard County, Bona Vista Programs in Kokomo, Indiana, was able to transform a 27,000-squarefoot building that formerly housed its manufacturing training center into a new home for its extensive and expanding Adult Day Programs.

  • For years, the Bona Vista Crossing facility was a place to teach and develop manufacturing skills. With a shift in the need for such programs, Bona Vista looked to rework the vacant space and expand their adult-day program options. The result is a splendid facelift for a valuable location that can now be used in different, more efficient ways to benefit the community and those with disabilities.

    A range of services will be available in the new layout, which includes a gym and recreation area, sensory room for behavior management, an art room and art gallery, a computer lab, and three additional general-purpose classrooms. The added space also helps Bona Vista expand part of its WorkForce Diversity community employment services, an important program that provides Pre-Employment Transition Services as options for transition age youth 14-22 years old.

    The project goals include expanding and offering innovative programs for those with disabilities right here in north central Indiana. The updated facility will allow Bona Vista to continue to help families, loved ones and those individuals with disabilities to remain in Kokomo and continue to be contributing members in the community.

    For more information about the benefits of giving through the Foundation and the different types of funds, contact Todd Moser at (765) 454-7298 or todd@cfhoward.org.

Robert Hill : Scholarship supports nursing students

Robert Hill has created the ‘June Brown Hill PEO Nursing Scholarship’ in memory of his wife, June. Robert knew that this was important as June had asked that he set up a scholarship program in her honor after she passed. “June wanted someone from Howard County going into nursing to receive the scholarship,” explained Robert.

  • Both born and raised in Greentown, Ind., the two met at and attended Union Township High School (which would later be consolidated to form Eastern School Corp).

    Eager to become a couple, the pair got married on Oct. 3, 1938, before graduating high school. Soon after Robert and June moved to a house near Oakford, Ind., and then bought a home on Main Street in Greentown, Ind. They enjoyed remodeling, painting and creating their home together. June and Robert graduated from Union Township after taking night classes in 1947 and 1946, respectively. The Hill’s had five children. They moved the family to the country after purchasing June’s family farm which sat on 90 acres of land. The kids were involved in 4-H cattle and swine raising.

    Not only were the kids involved in the community, but Robert and June were also. Robert was a member of both the Greentown Dentist and Physician acquisition committees, allowing Greentown residents access to local health and dental care. Robert also served on the Purdue University Industrial Advisory Committee, was an active member of the Greentown Lions Club and helped out at the Sangralea Home for Boys in Onward, Ind.

    June served in the community on the Eastern Howard Performing Arts Society board, was a member of the Greentown Historical Society and was active in the DM Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Sisterhood of Kokomo. Both Robert and June enjoyed golfing. The two were married for 69 years before June passed in 2007.

    Robert’s career took him from working as a farm hand to stringing wires and setting up poles for a telephone company. The majority of his career was spent at Delco Electronics in Kokomo where he started as a journeyman electrician. He retired as the General Superintendent of Delco Electronics Kokomo Maintenance in 1982 after 43 years of employment.

    Robert went on to start Consultants: Operational Management Programs (COMP Corp) which offered marketing and consulting services. After 22 years at COMP Corp, Robert sold his company in 2004.

    June was a loving devoted mother and housewife. But once three of the Hill’s five children were grown, she decided to change her career path.

    “June thought everyone on earth should do something for mankind,” said Robert. “She believed people should leave the world better than they found it.”

    Keeping her philosophy mind, June considered going to college to become a teacher, but eventually decided to pursue nursing and serve mankind in that manner.

    She studied nursing at Indiana University Kokomo (IUK) and maintained good grades all while taking care of her family. June graduated in the first nursing class at IUK as a Registered Nurse (R.N.) in 1969.

    After earning her diploma, June put her newfound R.N. skills to the test when she went to work at St. Joseph Hospital and later at Tipton Memorial Hospital. Robert recalled that June was a very caring nurse who believed “that you ought to give total care to a patient.” June went above and beyond to do more than just cure her patient’s illnesses, “she gave total care to her patients.”

    June’s legacy of total patient care will live on through the June Brown Hill PEO Nursing Scholarship. The fund will enable future nurses to obtain their degree and go on to offer total care to patients.

One80 Recovery Resources

You’ve heard the phrase “Location, Location, Location,” when buying a home or starting a business. Apply that phrase to a soon-to-be-constructed 16-bed recovery residence for men with substance abuse issues and where would you build it? How about in an industrial park, where a client who comes clean can literally walk out the door of despair and into a potential new life at the employment office in a manufacturing plant across the parking lot.

  • One80 Recovery Resources in Frankfort plans to open just such a place in 2021 for Clinton County men who may have lost their way. A Clinton County Community Foundation grant is a part of the phase one construction project for the 5,280-square-foot facility in Frankfort’s Industrial Park. The One80 team has plans to grow even more in the future, with an eye on being a significant regional recovery center with onsite inpatient and outpatient clinical care for up to 60 men.

    The location, in this case, is not by chance. One80 Recovery Resources research shows that a high percentage of Clinton County’s unemployed population have substance abuse issues. For many of these in need, One80 can offer an alternative to hopelessness and even potential jail-time. One80’s professionally developed treatment programs and modern new facility will provide the tools to help residents overcome not only physical and mental addictions, but also prepare them to resume their place in society, with the chance for a good job and a fresh start.

    For more information about the benefits of giving through the Foundation and the different types of funds, contact Todd Moser at (765) 454-7298 or todd@cfhoward.org.

Joe Dunbar: Empowering students through a scholarship fund

If you think about education in Kokomo for any length of time, you will think about Joe Dunbar. Joe grew up in Kokomo and both of his parents were educators. It was a natural thing for Joe to attend Ball State University and come back to Kokomo to teach. He had a very successful career as a teacher and administrator, but that wasn't enough for Joe. He has continued to provide insight and energy to the Kokomo/Howard County Partners in Education program, which has received nationwide recognition.

  • Joe has a hectic schedule of community volunteer commitments including church and many other organizations, and has served for several years a Chair of the Grant Committee of the Community Foundation. In addition to all of this, he finds the time to provide leadership as Chair of the Board of School Trustees of the Kokomo Center School Corporation. A wonderful man and a tremendous asset for our community, he is quiet by nature and leads by doing. Joe has established a scholarship fund with the Community Foundation and has provided for Grace United Methodist Church in his estate planning. He has also planned to endow a fund to support activities in the schools that cannot be funded by school budgets. Joe has told us, "I live here and school is what I know, so I put my life in it.” He certainly has done that, and our community is better because of Joe.

E.P. and Virginia Severns

"From those who are blessed, much is expected" is one of the guiding principles that shape the lives of the Severns family. "We have been pretty successful because of the support of this community and we want to participate in the life of this community in return". E. P. and Virginia both grew up in Kokomo and were high school sweethearts. E.P.'s family got involved with Coca Cola bottling in the 1930s, and E.P. has been President Of Coca Cola in Kokomo since 1958. E.P.'s dad was Chairman of the Board and President of Continental Steel.

  • The Coca Cola group in Kokomo has been a very strong supporter of dozens of charitable programs and projects because of the Severns' strong commitment to community. They have a family advised fund in the Foundation that makes grants to support a variety of projects that help to improve our community. They also established an operating endowment to support the work of the Foundation and to honor the memory of their daughter Betse Severns McCullough. The Severns are heavily involved in their church, scouting, The United Way in addition to their strong support of the Community Foundation. E.P. said, "we believe the Foundation is an excellent way to support this community because of their involvement with the non-profits, education, and community projects, and it gives folks a wonderful way to honor the memory of loved ones." E. P. has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Foundation, and now son Craig is a very active member of the Board. The Severns are a wonderful example of how philanthropy can be a family activity.

Flora Community Youth Center

On Friday nights following the final buzzer or the referee’s end-of-game whistle in Flora you’ll likely find most teenagers well-chaperoned at the Community Youth Center, happily and heartily enjoying post-game snacks, treats and soft drinks as part of the center’s “Fifth Quarter” program. A grant from the Carroll County Community Foundation for the 2019-20 school year helped the center plan and prepare its budget for this new Friday night tradition for area high school students and friends. (The event follows the Carroll County sports schedule, but is open to surrounding students.)

  • What makes Fifth Quarter special is more than just the snacks. The evening is designed to be an immersive social experience (and not the kind that is an app on a smartphone). What parent wouldn’t approve of their teen spending a Friday night chatting with the hardware store manager or volunteer firefighter or getting the chance to rub elbows with the local drag-racing car hero. Is your thoughtful teen not sure about college but loves to fix things? Maybe learning about apprenticeship training with an area welder or other skilled tradesperson may be a better option, and Fifth Quarter can provide the access.

    The program was just getting started in the fall of 2019, and sadly was curtailed by the Covid-19 pandemic. But even in its shortened time it appears to have made an impact. Stop by the Community Youth Center when the activities resume and prepare to be impressed by the atmosphere. With the help of the Community Foundation grant and through their support of Fifth Quarter, the leaders of Flora today are doing their part to find and encourage Flora’s future leaders on Friday nights.

Betsy and Bob Hoshaw : Scholarship supports nursing students

When Bob and Betsy Hoshaw came to Howard County thirty-five years ago, it was primarily to relocate for a job. Bob was on the road a lot and Betsy stayed at home to raise their children. She has also taught students in the eighth grade for a number of years. Although neither Bob nor Betsy were originally from Howard County, they both felt that it was important to be a part of the community and contribute.

  • As such, before Betsy started teaching, they founded a group called "Open Horizons". This project allowed troubled teenagers to travel to the Boundary Waters as a group and experience the outdoors. The teens not only gained important social skills, but learned to appreciate the connection that they had with God and nature. Building on their passion for the outdoors and their strong beliefs in philanthropy, they started the Betsy and Robert Hoshaw Environmental Endowment Fund with the Community Foundation of Howard County. Their dream for Howard County is to "have a well-balanced, healthy place to live." Ideally, Bob and Betsy would like to see projects started to preserve the environment and establish places where people can spend time outdoors and stay healthy. Bob has been actively involved with the Wildcat Guardians organization, and would like to provide for the continuous improvement of the water quality and surrounding environment of the Wildcat Creek Watershed. The first of the grants from the Betsy and Robert Hoshaw Environmental Endowment Fund will be awarded in 2009.

    The Hoshaws decided to work with The Community Foundation to help the community because they were actively involved in its creation and remain involved in its success today. They have seen the improvements made to the community as a whole, thanks to the generous donors, and decided that the Community Foundation would be the best place to establish their fund. In addition to their work with the Foundation, Bob and Betsy work with a variety of community organizations. Betsy attributes her passion for philanthropy to her Christian background. They are both actively involved with their church, the First Congregational Church in Kokomo. Other community organizations that they have been involved with include the Mental Health Association, the United Way, Leadership Kokomo, Project Access, and the Vision Program of Partners in Education. The Community Foundation of Howard County is very grateful for the work that Bob and Betsy have done in the community and look forward to seeing their Environmental Endowment Fund help both present and future generations.

Rex and Kara Gingerich

Rex is the immediate Past President of the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Howard County, the owner of several automotive dealerships in Kokomo and a very devoted Dad and husband. Kara is the busy mother of three with a long list of community involvements. They both grew up here and think that this is a wonderful place to live and raise their family.

  • They feel very strongly that teaching their children about philanthropy is a very high priority for them. They have a family donor advised fund and are using it to teach their children to do research about a cause or issue and to make informed decisions on how to give back to the community. They see the Community Foundation as partners in the education of their children in matters of philanthropy. In addition to the Foundation, they are supporters of Bridges Outreach, YMCA, Kokomo Urban Outreach, Huddle, Kokomo Rescue Mission, United Way, and Project Access. They are not only generous with their personal funds, but Rex models corporate good citizenship, as his automobile dealerships are also very generous supporters of community projects, notably the new Park on Carter street which had very generous support from Button Dodge and Chrysler dealership. Rex feels that anyone with a real desire to help the community should give strong consideration to working with the Community Foundation because of the expertise and flexibility that the Foundation offers.

J.D. and Lynn Young

J.D. and Lynn Young moved to Howard County in 1984, both graduates from Purdue University. They continue to run a successful business - Young's Water Conditioning - and they are actively involved in the community.

They first heard about the Community Foundation of Howard County while working with the Rotary Club, when Community Foundation President, Ron Harper, made a presentation. They immediately knew that this was something they would like to get involved in.

  • J.D. has served on the Board of Directors in an effort to maintain the strengths that the community already has, and build on things that need to be improved. They have established the J. D. and Lynn Young Endowment Fund within the Community Foundation to support a variety of programs and projects that will make this a better place to live. They also have been very generous to support a host of non-profit projects with free water. In Kokomo the "Culligan Man" is really a very nice guy.

    Besides their involvement with the Community Foundation, they support the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. Specifically, their dream for Howard County is for the Community Foundation to have enough funds to meet all of the needs in the community. They like the idea of the Foundation because it doesn't support just one specific sector, but rather lends its support to a variety of organizations and projects that will benefit the community and its residents. Thanks J. D. and Lynn for the variety of ways that show that you care about this community.

Lee E. Fickle creates fund benefiting Mulberry Community Library

May 31, 2018 -- Lee Fickle discovered his interest in learning and adventure while growing up with his parents and siblings in Mulberry, Ind. That interest led him to establish the Lee E. Fickle Fund for the Friends of the Mulberry Community Library through the Clinton County Community Foundation. Through his estate, Lee specified that the Friends of the Mulberry Community Library benefit from the fund and that the fund be “dedicated to his siblings, Earl, Frances, Anna and Martha, and to other children who learned to love books in this small town.”

  • Lee was born on July 16, 1926, and grew up on the family’s 120-acre farm. He passed away on April 10, 2018. While he was in the seventh grade, Lee decided to become an electrical engineer and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University in 1948. Lee began his career at the Rural Electrification Administration in Washington, D.C. In 1950, he married his lifelong love Dorothy Wentworth. They were together for more than 50 years until she passed away in March 2005.

    Their early life together included three children and a home in Indianapolis, where Lee worked for Eli Lilly as a plant engineer. Seeking adventure, the young family moved to Bangkok, Thailand, in 1962. Lee began a 16-year career path in consulting engineering assignments in Bangkok, Dacca (East Pakistan, now Dhaka, Bangladesh) and Jakarta. He learned the local languages and brought power to hundreds of thousands of people for the first time.

    In 1978, Lee and Dorothy moved to Kansas City. In his job as senior vice president of Marketing for Black & Veatch International, Lee traveled extensively throughout Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. Upon his retirement, Lee devoted time to his interests and volunteering.

    “I’m sure Lee’s hope through this gift is that many young readers will develop an awareness about something that will spark an interest in gaining an education and then follow through to have a great career, family and adventure,” said Gene Marshall, treasurer of the Friends of the Mulberry Community Library. “Reading, education and books accomplished that for Lee. Through this generous gift, he is enabling others to have the same opportunity to dream and accomplish those dreams.”

Bill and Doris Mohr : How they made a difference in their community

Bill and Doris Mohr had traveled all over the United States and had enjoyed a great deal of success. When it was time to retire, they came back to Frankfort, Ind., and enjoyed life at the Wesley Manor retirement community. Once they were home, the Mohr's wanted to do something for the community that would make an impact.

  • After discussions with their financial and legal advisors, they decided to take advantage of the three benefits offered to them by a Charitable Remainder Unitrust. They received a substantial income tax deduction, they received income for the rest of their lives, and they had the satisfaction of knowing that two funds that they established in the Clinton County Community Foundation would be well funded to carry out their charitable wishes upon their passing.

    Through planned giving, the Mohr's established a fund to provide generous support to Wesley Manor. They also established a fund that awards ten significant renewable scholarships each year for deserving Clinton County students. This program began in 2008 and now awards 40 scholarships each year … forever.

    Many generations of Clinton County Students will be grateful to Bill and Doris Mohr, and to those public-spirited advisors who showed them how they could make a difference. Clinton County will be a much better place because they were here and were willing to make a difference.

    Besides their involvement with the Community Foundation, they support the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. Specifically, their dream for Clinton County is for the Community Foundation to have enough funds to meet all of the needs in the community. They like the idea of the Foundation because it doesn't support just one specific sector, but rather lends its support to a variety of organizations and projects that will benefit the community and its residents. Thanks Bill and Doris for the variety of ways that show that you care about this community.

Eleanor Ryan : Supporting cultural programs at the library

Eleanor Ryan established the Robert K. and Eleanor Ryan Fund for the Frankfort Community Public Library in 2007. The fund supports the Children's Theater Director position at the library.

Eleanor and her husband had been longtime supporters of the community through the Clinton County Community Foundation as well as providing support to the community in a variety of other ways.

  • Their varied interests included a longtime passion for literature and the arts. The Ryan's loved to travel and were able to see much of the world and most of the United States.

    Bob was a founding member of the local board when the Foundation was created in 1996.

Vern Kaspar : Providing opportunities for others

Longtime Clinton County businessman Vern Kaspar established the Vern and Lillian Kasper Scholarship Fund in 2007. Vern is in the radio business and has offices and radio stations in Frankfort and Zionsville, Ind., and St. Louis, Mo.

Vern credits his education as key to building a prosperous legacy for his family. He is a graduate of Iowa State University and has degrees in physics and electrical engineering. Vern obtained his first Federal Communication Commission license at age 13 as an amateur radio operator. He was inducted into the Indiana Broadcast Hall of Fame in 2004, and is known for being an Indiana broadcast pioneer.

  • The fund provides scholarship support to students who are studying mathematics, physics or engineering. Students graduating from Clinton Central, Clinton Prairie and Frankfort high schools are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

    We want to thank Vern and Lillian for their generosity and their willingness to support Clinton County’s youth.

J. Richard "Dick" and Joan McCain

J. Richard "Dick" and Joan McCain's multi-million dollar gift to the Carroll County Community Foundation will benefit the community now and for future generations. The McCain's used the Community Foundation to establish endowed funds for the Kokomo Rescue Mission, Camp Tecumseh YMCA and the Wabash and Erie Canal Association. Dick returned to Carroll County after serving in World War II. While serving in Germany, he was injured and was a POW. During his service, Dick earned the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star medals. Upon his return to Carroll County, he began his farming career on the family farm. Joan and Dick married in 1950, and she passed away in 2013. Dick passed away in April 2017, at age 93.

  • The McCain estate was approximately 932 acres with more than 890 tillable acres. The acreage was sectioned into parcels and the adjusted price per tillable acre averaged $11,246. The sale brought in more than $10 million, with the estate bringing in additional money. Eighty-five percent of the net amount was donated to benefit the three organizations. "This is a great example of how the Foundation can help donors reach their charitable goals and leave a lasting legacy," said Dr. Greg Norman, chairman of the Carroll County Services Committee. "The positive impact of this gift is enduring and will reach far beyond anything we can imagine.”

    Van Taylor, executive director of the Kokomo Rescue Mission, knew the McCain's and shared his thoughts about the gift:

    "The McCain endowment has made a significant impact on the Kokomo Rescue Mission. We have confidence that having lost a leg and experienced compassionate care when his life was spared in WWII, Mr. McCain understood the importance and value of having someone come alongside you, show grace and provide a second chance. Those who come to the Kokomo Rescue Mission are in need of someone to provide those same opportunities. As we continue to serve the hungry, hurting and homeless in our community, we are facing an epidemic of addictions, mental illness, and brokenness in families. The need for men, women and children's shelters is increasing. Our shelters are at or near capacity and more resources are needed to bear the community's growing problems. Our community is being profoundly affected by the opioid epidemic. With the aid of Mr. McCain's generous endowment, the Kokomo Rescue Mission is responding by assessing our intake procedures, increasing our residential capacity and educating our staff. His generosity is helping us address the root causes of homelessness, not simply provide temporary shelter. We are very thankful that Mr. McCain chose to invest in the Kokomo Rescue Mission. His endowment continues to expand his legacy of concern and compassion for our community."

    Scott Brosman, chief executive officer for Camp Tecumseh YMCA, said the gift will positively impact youth. "Our Camp Tecumseh YMCA vision is to provide people of all backgrounds and all ages with the finest camp experiences in the country. This generous gift from the Dick and Joan McCain estate will help provide scholarship assistance to children attending our Outdoor Education, Day and Overnight camp programs. In addition, we are working on some new initiatives specifically to benefit youth in Carroll County."

    The Wabash and Erie Canal Association's President Dan McCain shared that the gift fits into long-range planning goals. "For the Wabash and Erie Canal Association, this settlement of the McCain estate means we make our goal that was established in 2014 when we were in a long­-range planning mode. Canal directors made a bold statement that the Association should create an endowment fund with the Carroll County Community Foundation and complete the funding of $2 million by 2024. At that time, we didn't know of the significance of the funding from the sale of Dick and Joan McCain's land. Now six years early, we add significantly to our existing fund and top that $2 million goal. With this gift, we can now set some new mileposts in the operation and funding of our 44-year-old non-profit corporation. Those early directors, all have passed on, would be so proud of this endowment success."

    The McCain's previously had also established the Joan McCain Scholarship Fund benefiting Delphi Community High School students through the Carroll County Community Foundation.

Carolyn Gilbert

During her 30 years as a secretary at Carroll Jr.-Sr. High School, Carolyn Gilbert helped students and their parents every day. Much of that time she worked as the secretary in the Guidance Department, where she saw deserving students every day and knew that many of them struggled to find sufficient funding for college. Carolyn and her husband, Byron, valued education and worked very hard to assure that their children would have the opportunity to attend college. Now and forever, Carolyn's scholarship fund will help provide funding so that deserving students at Carroll Jr.-Sr. High School will also have the opportunity to continue their education.

  • In December 2007, she approached the Carroll County Community Foundation about starting a scholarship fund with money from her retirement plan. With the help of her family, they established the Carolyn Gilbert Memorial Scholarship Fund. Carolyn passed away at the age of 69 in 2008, but her memory, spirit and kindness live on. The scholarship will be made available forever to graduating high school seniors from Carroll Jr.-Sr. High School. Carolyn graduated from Burlington High School in 1956 and married Byron D. Gilbert the following year. Carolyn was mother to four children, Melinda (Chuck Petry) Gilbert; David (Norma) Gilbert; Nancy (Jim) Cangany; and Tina (John) Siefert. Upon her passing, she was also a grandmother to Brant (Brandy) Gilbert; Cole (Abby) Gilbert; Hilary Gilbert; Chad and Joe Petry; Ryan and Aidan Cangany; and Will Siefert; and great-grandmother of Haven Gilbert. She worked as a farm wife, but also held jobs at Waddell's IGA (Burlington), Zook's Hardware (Burlington) and Burlington Telephone. In 1978 she began working at Carroll Jr.-Sr. High School where she spent 30 years, until her retirement in January 2008. Her devotion to her community was evidenced by the activities in which she participated. Carolyn was a member of the Oakland Christian Church in Russiaville and a Carroll Athletic Booster. She was also an honorary member of the FFA (Future Farmers of America). Even with all of these commitments, she was devoted to her family. Carolyn was known to frequently care for a sick grandchild, send care packages to her children and grandchildren, and always let her family know that she was just a phone call away. After her passing, her family and friends made memorial gifts in her honor to the Carolyn Gilbert Memorial Scholarship Fund. There was an unprecedented outpouring of support, demonstrating just how loved and respected she was by the Carroll County community. Starting in 2009, scholarships were awarded from the Carolyn Gilbert Memorial Scholarship thanks to Carolyn, her family and many of her friends. As with all of the Carroll County Community Foundation endowment funds, gifts may be made to them at all times.

John and Kathie Connelly

In an act of extraordinary generosity, John and Kathie Connelly named the Carroll County Community Foundation as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy that funds significant scholarships for graduates of Delphi Community High School. At the age of 65, John passed away in 2009 and the John and Kathie Connelly Scholarship was made available to Delphi graduates.

  • John taught and coached at Delphi High School, where the gracious residents of Carroll County backed him in his desire to become a trader - something he would accomplish in his career as a commodities trader in Chicago. Adding to his appreciation of Carroll County, John's great-grandfather helped settle the county. For these reasons, he and his wife Kathie (his childhood sweetheart from junior high) decided to give back to the community. John and Kathie Connelly are classic examples of how community foundations can help people leave their legacy. Their feelings of gratitude for the county that helped them attain their dreams led them to create an estate plan suggested by their financial planner. This plan not only takes care of their family, but also leaves a legacy to future generations of college-bound students. Thank you to the Connelly's for their kindness and the example that they have set in this community.