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Al Tucker named Spirit of Philanthropy winner
More than 140 community members gathered at the Inn at DePauw for the Putnam County Community Foundation's annual meeting as Al Tucker of Cloverdale was presented the 2014 Spirit of Philanthropy Award.
The award is the highest honor bestowed by the Foundation Board of Directors.
Tucker is well known in the community as an educator and coach. He is a founder of the Cloverdale Dollars for Scholars Program and a leader in his church and "an inspiration to all," Ellie Ypma, president of the Community Foundation, said in announcing the award.
"As many people do, this person serves loyally in his church, taking on many leadership positions as well as supporting it financially," Ympa said. "In addition, he has served many community organizations, giving of himself beyond attendance at meetings.
"A nominator said (of Tucker), 'He has given me many life lessons, including how to maintain my ethics in difficult circumstances. Just as important are the lessons he is giving me about the spirit of philanthropy.'"
Meanwhile, the Foundation unveiled its 2013 annual report and announced some other news.
Keith Archer, treasurer, reported the 2013 financial information. Archer announced that, in 2013, the Community Foundation served 1,043 individual donors, received $707,202 in donations, and ended the year with 249 active funds and endowments and $24.8 million in total assets.
The business portion of the meeting concluded with the election of new board members: Debbi Christy, Ken Eitel, Susan Lemon and Susan Price were elected to a term beginning in January. Rick Bittles, Phil Gick, Carolyn Mann and Mitch Proctor were elected to a term beginning in January 2015, while Keith Brackney and Ellen Dittmer were elected to a second term, beginning in 2015.
David Archer, board member and chairman of the Scholarship Committee, announced that in 2013, the Community Foundation awarded $184,505 in community scholarships plus an additional $102,330 in Lilly Scholarships for 151 graduating seniors and adults.
He pointed out that these scholarships were made possible by the hundreds of Putnam County citizens who have contributed to scholarship funds.
David Archer addressed the 2013 scholarship recipients who were in the audience by declaring, "We hope you will gratefully remember the generosity of these donors and that you will give back -- or pay it forward -- in a meaningful and significant way in the future."
Brad Hayes, board member and the Youth Philanthropy Committee m member, shared the stage with Alex Land, Youth Philanthropy member, to give an update about the Youth Philanthropy Program and to thank the graduating seniors for their service.
Kristy Jerrell of Jerrell Consulting, provided a report of the impact of Community Foundation grants that help leverage Community Development Block Grants into the community. Jerrell said more than $7.2 million had been awarded to communities in Putnam County from 2009 to 2014.
Meanwhile, the Foundation also took the opportunity to discuss a new initiative that will benefit Putnam County in the future. Susan Price, who chairs the Grant Committee, introduced Envision 2016: Moving Putnam County Forward, a new program that will award up to $200,000 to projects that focus on arts and culture, economic development, education, recreation, or youth.
The final updates from the Community Foundation recognized individuals who have made a meaningful impact not only on the Foundation, but on Putnam County as a whole.
Elaine Peck, the Foundation's executive director, recognized the newest Honorary Board Members: Jim Ensley, Vicki Timm, Phyllis Rokicki and Ken Heeke.
The meeting ended with the Chocolate Box Raffle. Attendees had the opportunity to purchase a box of South Bend Chocolate Co. Fudge to benefit the Community Foundation with ¬¬¬Dawn Tucker and Corey Brackney selecting the boxes with "golden tickets."
Tucker won an Eco Drive watch donated by Mason Jewelers and Brackney collected a Serta mattress set and a Serta Sheep donated by Shuee's Furniture and Mattress.
Eighteen more guests left as winners by finding a red ticket under their chairs. The tickets were redeemable for a copy of "Inspiring the Giving Spirit," a book detailing the first 25 years of the Putnam County Community Foundation.
The Putnam County Foundation is a nonprofit public charity established in 1985 to help donors establish endowments, award grants, and provide leadership, enriching the quality of life and strengthening community in Putnam County. The Foundation has been entrusted with more than 250 funds and endowments for donors, supporting a variety of charitable purposes.