Groups vie for Share the Dream prizes

Courtesy photo Representing some of the finalist groups in the 2015 Share the Dream competition are Larry Tippin, North Putnam High School Alumni Association; Elaine Peck, Putnam County Community Foundation, the sponsoring agency; Dick Thompson, Bainbridge High School Alumni Association; and Jerry Williams, Purdue Club of Putnam County and First Baptist Church, Greencastle.

Eight charitable groups have notified the Putnam County Community Foundation that they intend to compete in the Share the Dream contest this year.

Bainbridge High School Alumni Scholarship, Greencastle High School Alumni Scholarship, Purdue Club of Putnam County Scholarship and the Putnam County Fairgrounds are returning champions.

Fillmore Community Volunteer Fire Department, Greencastle First Baptist Church, Greencastle Moose Lodge 1592 and North Putnam High School Alumni Association are newcomers to the contest.

Organizations do not have to pre-register to participate.

The top three endowments that raise the most money between May 1 and Aug. 31 will split $3,000 in proportion to the amounts raised. An additional $1,000 has been set aside for endowments receiving a planned gift during the annual contest.

"These endowments make a difference in Putnam County, both today and in the future," Community Foundation Executive Director Elaine Peck said. "As they grow, their impact grows. In 20 years, an endowment administered by the Putnam County Community Foundation will have nearly doubled in size and distributed more than was originally contributed."

Share the Dream began May 1 and lasts until Aug. 31. Program winners will be announced in September.