Animal Welfare Fund of Hancock County
Established by an anonymous donor, this fund provides support for Hancock County organizations addressing the well-being of domestic animals, including but not limited to shelter, adoption, and spay/neuter services.
The William Harold and Mary Katherine Kingery Friends of Domestic Animals End. Fund
There’s nothing quite like the love of a pet. So many of us feel that these companions make our home complete. Mary Katherine Kingery loved her dog and had a great passion for the humane care of animals. Upon her death and per her bequest, an endowment fund was established at the Community Foundation in memory of her and her husband, Harold, that will provide funding for the care and shelter of homeless animals; the medical care of injured animals; the housing and placement of animals; and the feeding and general welfare of animals. The fund is appropriately named “Friends of Domestic Animals.”
In addition, Mary Katherine’s passion for caregiving extended to people. As a result, a second fund named the William Harold and Mary Katherine Kingery Charitable Endowment will generate perpetual income for the good work of the Hancock Regional Hospital Foundation to be used at the organization’s discretion.
Mary loved the outdoors, grew beautiful roses, and enjoyed fishing. She and her husband farmed east of Gwynneville and had one daughter, Nancy. They loved to travel and collected bells from around the country.
Sharon Yates Endowment Fund for the Care of Animals
Those who knew Sharon enjoyed her kind and caring presence. She grew up in Gary, IN and later moved to the Indianapolis area. Sharon and her husband, Tom, were members of St. John United Church of Christ in Cumberland where they volunteered many hours. They also spent countless hours volunteering at the Altenheim Assisted Living Center and the American Red Cross.
Sharon had a soft spot for children and animals, especially cats and dogs. Her passion was evident in the gift she left through her estate to create a permanent fund for the care of animals. Income from the Sharon Yates Endowment Fund for the Care of Animals will forever support Hancock County organizations addressing the well-being of domestic animals, including but not limited to shelter, adoption, and spay/neuter services
Sharon and her husband enjoyed traveling, especially going to Florida in the colder months. After the deaths of her husband and three children, Sharon devoted her time to close friends and to causes she cared about. Her philanthropy aligned with her love of community as defined in the Sharon Yates Community Development Fund which provides unrestricted income allowing HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.
Before her death in 2014, Sharon used the simplest form of estate planning to direct the creation of these funds upon her death. By naming the Hancock County Community Foundation in her Will and directing the creation of the aforementioned funds in the language of her Will, HCCF will forever serve as an instrument of her generosity. Through careful stewardship and diligent administration, many people and organizations will continue to benefit from Sharon’s generosity.
The Sharon Yates Endowment Fund for the Care of Animals will provide support for Hancock County organizations addressing the well-being of domestic animals, including but not limited to shelter, adoption, and spay/neuter services.
