GHS receives grant for football jerseys

Judge Denny Bridges (front left), along with incoming Greencastle High School football seniors (back from left) Jordan Froderman, Jonny Newgent, Tyler Scott, Grant Mundy, Tanner Wood, Seth Brown, Dustin Williams, Alec Pettit and Evan Coble, presents a check to GHS head coach Josh Buis for the purchase of personalized football jerseys for the upcoming season. The Putnam County Community Foundation, represented by executive director Elaine Peck (back right) administers the John and Bob Bridges Fund, which makes the purchase of the jerseys possible.

The Greencastle High School football players of the 2014 senior class recently presented a grant donation to the football program of $1,285.

The grant, drawn from the John and Bob Bridges Fund administered by the Putnam County Community Foundation, is to be used to purchase jerseys for the football players that will have their names on the back.

With personalized jerseys, the players will then have a lasting memento of their playing days at Greencastle High School. Putting names on the jerseys will give Greencastle players an opportunity that many young men at small high schools do not have.

The players made the presentation to GHS coach Josh Buis, with Judge Charles "Denny" Bridges also present, along with Elaine Peck of the Community Foundation.

This grant was made possible by the hard work of the 2013 senior class and several upcoming football players and represents donations from many individuals and businesses.

The football team envisions this being a new tradition for Greencastle football, where involved adults would assist senior football players to raise money each year for the team's jerseys.

"This will provide additional experiences of taking responsibility, assuming leadership and helping the community," Buis said.

The Bridges Fund was established by Judge Bridges in 2009 to provide financial support to Greencastle High School for the purpose of buying football jerseys for the players. The Putnam County Community Foundation is the administrator of the Fund.

"The Community Foundation is delighted to support this project and the Greencastle Community School Corporation in its mission to build educated, strong, and capable citizens for our future," Peck said.

The Putnam County Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity established in 1985 to serve donors, award grants and provide leadership, enriching the quality of life and strengthening community in Putnam County. The Community Foundation administers 224 active funds and endowments for donors supporting a variety of charities.

To obtain additional information about donating to the John and Bob Bridges Fund or creating your own endowment, contact the office at 653-4978 or visit the website at www.pcfoundation.org.