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News & Events
Matching Opportunity Still Available for the Robert M. Larrison - Robert Larrison was a beloved Miami County resident who was very involved in our community. He was a retired CEO and board member of First Farmers Bank & Trust. He was a member of the Main Street United Methodist Church in Peru, as well as a member of the Peru Maennerchor and the YMCA. He also worked as an appraiser for Spear Real Estate and was affiliated with Habitat for Humanity and the Grissom Redevelopment Authority. His friends at First Farmers Bank & Trust want to celebrate his life with a scholarship that will benefit graduating seniors in Miami, Howard and Grant counties. The scholarship will be offered for the first time to the class of 2009. Students applying must be accepted or attending an accredited college or junior college. The scholarship will be awarded based on financial need, scholastic achievement, athletic participation, social involvement and work experience. The bank is offering a dollar to dollar match, up to $10,000, to create the scholarship. The match has almost been met, so for a limited time, you can double what your gift is worth and honor Robert Larrison's memory. Contributions may be sent to the NICF office at PO Box 807, Rochester IN 46975, or may be made with a credit card at our Web site. First Cole Porter Art Show a Success As part of the Cole Porter Festival, the Miami County Arts Council held its first art show featuring some of the works of talented adult artists in our community. Fifteen artists participated, and their work made a truly wonderful exhibit for our first show. Participating artists included: Caroll Ashley, Jim Berger, Norma Berry, Kay Bondarenko, Elizabeth Cowell, Sarah Luginbill, Valerie May, John S. Miles, Vicki Venable-Miles, Gary Nichols, Judith T. Phelps, Kenton Ridenour, Lily Rockenbaugh, Paul Stanton, and Kae York. The Council was very appreciative of the event's sponsors. AmericanTrust Federal Savings Bank was the primary sponsor. Additional support was also provided by the American Huey 369 Organization, the Art Collection Advisory Board, Hairtique, Kappa Kappa Kappa, Psi Iota Xi, The Siding and Yesterday's Elegance. Because of their generous support, $600 worth of prizes was awarded to the winning artists. The success of an event always comes down to the community support it receives. Peru Community Schools graciously allowed the Council the use its state of the art gallery. The Peru Tribune also gave excellent support with promotion of the event. From an article to request art to the show itself, the Peru Tribune provided coverage and support. Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, Zak Tschiniak, shared his tremendous talent by playing piano at the opening of the show. And the Community Artists' Co-Op encouraged members to participate. The event was coordinated by committee members Connie Cutler, Jim Berger, and Jenni Marsh. Miami County Arts Council is an initiative of the Miami County Community Foundation. Our goal is to elevate the culture of our community by promoting the many talented artists in Miami County. This was a terrific first showing that represented art in an array of genres and media. "We want to thank all who supported this initial effort," Associate Director of the Miami County Community Foundation, Jenni Marsh said. "We anticipate making this an annual event, and hope to see even more great art next year!" Sharing Guidance and Support: The Northern Indiana Community Foundation celebrated another sensational scholarship season in 2008. Over 200 students benefited from scholarships through all three counties with nearly $159,000 awarded to the colleges, universities or trade schools that the students will attend.
The Starke County Community Foundation held its scholarship banquet at the Knox Community Center on June 3rd with a lovely buffet which was shared by the donors and the scholars. There were two Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship (LECS) recipients who shared insight and tips on college life. Matthew Musia, a 2008 graduate of Valparaiso University and a 2004 recipient, and Kathleen Freet, a 2005 recipient who also attends Valparaiso University, gave excellent advice to incoming college freshmen and shared its thanks with the Community Foundation for their role in providing the scholarship to them. In 2008 there were 18 scholarships which provided 26 students with nearly $18,900 for their college education.
On June 26th the Fulton County Community Foundation held its annual scholarship reception at the Fulton County 4-H fairgrounds. Many students and donors attended the banquet. Donors spoke about their reasons for establishing a scholarship and how the Community Foundation helped them create this memorial to their loved ones. Stephenia Barkman spoke on behalf of the Jim Barkman Memorial Scholarship and Letty McKee shared her story regarding the Coach John Robert McKee Memorial Scholarship. Peg Miller from Independent Colleges of Indiana spoke about the program. Peg is the Program Officer for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. Through the 43 scholarships held with the Fulton County Community Foundation, 104 students will receive nearly $80,650 for their education this year.
The last reception was held in Miami County on July 21st at the Miami County Fairgrounds community building. The banquet is always one of the highlights of the scholarship season in Miami County and many donors shared their memories of those who are honored with the scholarships. These inspirational accounts made an impact with all of those who attended. Miami County Community Foundation President Steve Ailes spoke to the students on moving on to the next level of understanding while remembering your roots. The very first Lilly Endowment Community Scholar for Miami County, Claire (Balsbaugh) Kellems, told how she learned to adjust from high school to college and how she is now bringing those skills to marriage and motherhood. Miami County has 29 scholarships which are providing $59,400 in scholarship funding to 97 students.
These totals are approximates on amounts.
2008 Grant Applications Now Available! All three counties are pleased to announce the start of the 2008 grant cycle. Our goal is to touch as many people as possible throughout our communities. Our donors have entrusted us with these funds so we can meet the most pressing needs and help our counties thrive and improve. Grants are available to any charitable organization regardless of their 501(c)3 status. Applications are available at the counties' offices and are also available online. "It is our goal to help local organizations with projects that make a difference in our communities," explained Program Coordinator Corinne Becknell Lucas. "We are so appreciative of the time and effort that these organizations and their volunteers give. With these grants we want to support charitable services, people who use them and those who make it all happen." All totaled the three Community Foundations have given over $4.5 million to worthwhile charitable projects. Applications are due October 3rd. Recipients will be notified in late November. |
