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Huber family encouraging donations for arts education
The Putnam County Community Foundation has announced the establishment of the Gary and Linda Huber Fund for Cultural Arts and Learning.
Through the Fund, the Huber family hopes to enrich the lives and the futures of all Greencastle students through music and arts education, the effects of which have been shown to enhance academic performance and cognitive abilities.
It is the hope of the Huber family that eventually the fund will endow two teaching positions in the Greencastle Community Schools, a music teacher and a visual arts teacher.
"What a phenomenal gift the Hubers are planning for Greencastle Community Schools," Greencastle Community Schools Superintendent Dawn Puckett commented. "I, and my administrators, are so excited about the potential of this plan."
Linda Huber, along with children, Lauren and Derek, is establishing the fund in memory of their husband and father, Gary Huber, who passed away in 2006.
"Art and music have been an important part of our lives through many generations of our families," Linda explained. "When Gary and I were students in the Greencastle school system, there was a wonderful band, an orchestra and a chorus, as well as a great art program. It had a lasting effect on our lives.
"Art and music were also a large part of our children's experience during their time in Greencastle's schools," she added. "We want such programs to be available to all students again. With every economic downturn comes the discussion of where to cut costs, and art and music are frequently at the top of the list."
Covering the salaries and benefits of two teachers in perpetuity requires a significant endowment. The Hubers are asking people to consider donating, and remind donors that their contributions are fully tax deductible as allowed by law.
Checks may be made payable to the Putnam County Community Foundation with "Huber Arts Fund" in the memo, and mailed to 2 S. Jackson St., Greencastle, IN, 46135 or online by going to www.pcfoundation.org and clicking on "Donate Online."
"There are a great many studies to back up the importance of music and art in education," Linda Huber said. "Once the two positions are endowed, it is our hope that there will be money available for creative activities for students and for student-designed projects."
The dream of the Huber family is to see the return of the orchestra to the Greencastle Community Schools, expanded use of media in art classes, class offerings in art and music history, and classes fostering an understanding of various cultures through the study of art and music.
"We hope people will find the Gary and Linda Huber Fund for Cultural Arts and Learning to be something they can support and donate to," Linda added.
The Putnam County Community Foundation administers 235 funds and endowments for donors, supporting a variety of charitable purposes. To learn more about how to start a new fund or endowment, persons may visit www.pcfoundation.org or contact the office at 653-4978.