Foundation gathering lauds volunteers, community efforts

Friday, June 17, 2011
Denise Sigworth was awarded Honorary Board Membership and recognized for her six years on the board, including two as president

Those attending the Putnam County Community Foundation's Annual Meeting learned how everyone in the community wins because of the work of the organization and gifts from its donors, but there were some special winners, as well.

Jinsie Bingham received the Foundation's Spirit of Philanthropy Award.

"Jinsie Bingham has had a hand in developing and sustaining major organizations in this community as well as serving in many statewide roles," Community Foundation President Vicki Timm said. "Her commitment to Putnam County is beyond compare."

The Spirit of Philanthropy Award is the highest honor bestowed by members of the Community Foundation Board and recognizes outstanding philanthropic achievement within the Putnam County community.

Steve Setchel updated the membership about PutnamRISE, winner of the Community Foundation's Envision 2011 $100,000 grant initiative.

Setchel said the efforts of students and young people have exceeded expectations. Youth are leading the call for energy conservation, he said.

Putnam County schools are seeing the benefit of the conservation effort. Cloverdale Community Schools saw a 20 percent reduction in energy costs in March and April compared to 2010, while Greencastle Community Schools has saved $750,000 on energy costs since 2006, and was recognized for having the lowest energy consumption rate per square foot.

PutnamRISE is now looking to assist low-income families with weatherization help, Setchel reported.

Marilynn Sturgeon told why she and husband John began an unrestricted endowment under the Silver Anniversary League program. She described the blessings the Sturgeons have received, and said that together they saw it as the perfect way to give back to the community. Through the Silver Anniversary League program, the Sturgeons' gift was matched by the Community Foundation, allowing their gift to give back sooner and in a greater way.

Legacy Society member Murray Pride told the group why he and wife Sara are members. Pride spoke with gratefulness about the scholarships they both received that allowed them to attend college. Both Prides became teachers and want to give back through a scholarship program to thank the students who have enriched their lives.

The Legacy Society is a group of individuals who have chosen to give to a new or existing endowment through their estate planning.

Ellie Ypma, who chairs the Scholarship Committee, recognized the Lilly and Lyon scholarship winners in attendance and explained the importance of their award and how much each scholarship means to the donors who made it possible.

This year's Lilly and Lyon scholars included Megan Robinson, Elizabeth Arnold, Travis Franklin and Christy Hawkins. Past Lilly scholars, Hannah Aker and Neal Knapp, were also recognized.

Denise Sigworth was awarded Honorary Board Membership at the Community Foundation and recognized for her six years of board membership, including two as president.

Community Foundation Executive Director Elaine Peck quoted current president Timm when describing Sigworth. "What strikes me the most about Denise is that she has a heart of gold. She is generous with her time and her wonderful talents. She is also generous with her treasure. In actuality, Denise is a true treasure to the Foundation."

Dinner attendees were given the opportunity to purchase a box of homemade chocolate, donated by Treasures on the Square, that gave them a 1-in-150 chance to win half-carat diamond earrings donated by Mason Jewelers or a 32-inch flat panel television from Shuee and Sons.

Susan Crosby was the winner of the diamond earrings and Therese Cunningham took home the TV.

Event sponsors were North Salem State Bank, Endeavor Communications and Wabash Capital. Harriet Moore added a musical touch, playing the harp during the reception and dinner. Floral centerpieces of hydrangeas were donated by Eitel's Flowers and Gifts.

"We are grateful to our sponsors and partners in philanthropy who give so generously to help us make Putnam County even better," Peck said.

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