Hancock County Community Foundation Multiple Impact Funds

Through a planned gift of her IRA, Jean established a fund to be named for her and her husband, Eugene. The fund will provide charitable support to multiple organizations that have special meaning to the Bardonner family.

“I firmly believe that God has given each of us certain gifts of time, talents, and financial resources and that He does not intend for us to keep these gifts unto ourselves, but that we use them for the betterment of His people here on earth.” These words, shared in HCCF’s 1993 Annual Report, aptly capture the essence of the person who was Martha Beckenholdt. Martha was born in 1915 in Dearborn County. She graduated as valedictorian of her Cowan High School senior class, then completed three years at Ball State University before leaving to work and help fund her sister’s college expenses. In 1941, she became employed as an office clerk by the newly organized Greenfield Gas Company, Inc., but so impressed the company’s leadership with her savvy business expertise that she became Secretary-Treasurer of the Corporation in 1943. She assumed the role of President in 1967 and became the first female in the United States to lead a utility company. In an era where women were not likely to be recognized for their leadership skills, she stepped on the national platform to represent the country’s utility field in Washington, D. C. where she provided important information related to legislative action. This was a fact for which she was particularly proud and loved to share…a rarity from humble Martha.

Martha played a vital role in the success of HCCF, when in 1993, she established a Charitable Remainder Trust naming the Hancock County Community Foundation as its beneficiary. By using the then newly organized Foundation to administer her future philanthropic endeavors, many others followed. A well- respected community servant’s endorsement was key in HCCF’s ability to be recognized as a viable organization, and HCCF will be forever grateful for Martha’s trust. In 1996, Martha once again worked through HCCF to endow a four year renewable scholarship that she established in honor of her family.

Dr. R.L. “Mike” Bubenzer and his wife Marlise might be gone from this world, but their legacy will live on here forever. Thanks to a generous planned gift from their estate, the Bubenzers will be providing much-needed financial 

The Bubenzers bequeathed their gift as an endowment with the Hancock County Community Foundation. The annual payout distributions are split equally six ways between the following organizations:

• Greenfield Rotary Club (for academic scholarships)
• Boys & Girls Club of Hancock County
• Bradley United Methodist Church
• Hancock Regional Hospital Foundation (for nursing scholarships)
• Hancock County Senior Services, Inc.
• Indiana University Foundation (for the IU School of Dentistry)

Born in Germany, the Bubenzers both immigrated to the United States and fell in love with the United States and particularly the Greenfield area. Each of them worked in the field of dentistry, yet also shared in a passion for helping others. Dr. Bubenzer was even responsible for the formation of what is now known as the Hancock Hope House.

Their tragic death shocked many, but their legacy of generosity lives on through their various means of donations.

This scholarship was established to help graduating seniors of a Hancock County public high school further their education.  Applicants must be graduating seniors of a Hancock County public high school and be residents of Hancock County.  See guidebook for a complete list of requirements.

Bert and Irene created this legacy fund to provide support to charities reflective of causes and programs they care for deeply.

Marilyn established this fund to create grants for an organization whose mission aligns with her charitable values.

Dr. Day named HCCF as beneficiary of his will to administer his generosity to support charitable organizations for whom he cares deeply.

This fund was established by the Bill Wilson family in memory of Daisy Dimond, Mr. Wilson’s mother, to provide support to their favorite charities.

This fund was established by Dick and Ruth to benefit organizations with special meaning to them. In 2014, the fund benefited from the generosity of Dick’s mother Betty, who named the fund as beneficiary of a life insurance policy.

When one thinks of words to describe Howard and Linnea Green, several come to mind…perhaps Soccer, Teacher, Iowa, Elanco, and Cows? Well, yes, but how about Faithful, Generous, Selfless, and Kind? Definitely! These are the words that best describe the couple that established a charitable endowment fund at HCCF in 2011. Since that time, they have been intentional in growing it and as a result saw the fund make its first grants this year.

What motivated the Green’s? “Basically, it comes down to the fact that we are very grateful for what we have been able to do through our involvement in church, work and the community. We want to give back with our time, talent and treasure. Okay, so I don’t have so much talent”, laughed Howard.

When Howard’s father and Linnea’s mother passed away within a year of each other, it allowed for them to reflect on their parents’ lives and the examples they had set. They each received estate gifts, giving them the opportunity to consider how they might further causes for which they are passionate, while honoring their parents’ memories. Howard and Linnea established a designated fund to support four organizations perpetually.

Today, Howard and Linnea are seeing their fund at work. Although the Green’s established an endowment fund during their lifetime, they have included the Howard B. and Linnea A. Green Charitable Endowment as a beneficiary of their living revocable trust. “We chose HCCF because of the goals of organization, the low fees associated with maintaining and growing the fund assets, and because we know they will invest our funds responsibly,” shared Howard. “I hope we will be as good of an example to our kids as our parents were to us. Community is important and the Hancock County Community Foundation is a great place to start.”

Christian and June established a Charitable Trust whose remainder will benefit charitable organizations they cherish.

In 2006, Lee and Gretchen Hanna made their charitable plans known to Mary Gibble, HCCF President and Dick Creger, then South Madison Community Foundation President. They did so very quietly, through their attorney Roger Reason, insisting that their intentions remain in the utmost confidence. The depth of their generosity would remain unknown until Gretchen’s passing in December 2013. The remainder of their estate has now been split evenly between the two foundations and endowed to benefit nine charitable organizations and one scholarship upon fund maturity. After five years, the fund will transition to become an unrestricted resource for community grantmaking for the two foundations…a treasure beyond description.

Their insistence of confidentiality is indicative of their desire to give and to serve without acclamation. Friends described the couple as God-fearing, honest, patriotic, and humble.

Gretchen graduated from Markleville High School and retired from Delco Remy Division of Motors Engineering Department in 1980, after 38 years of service. She was involved in the Markleville North Christian Church’s JOY circle and the Pendleton Chapter Order of the Eastern Star.

Marvin “Lee” was born in Shirley and resided in Pendleton with Gretchen. He farmed in both Madison and Hancock Counties. Lee served as a Director on the Central Indiana Power Board (formally REMC) in Greenfield for 30 years and was Secretary/Treasurer of the board for 19 of those years. He also served as a Director of the Wabash Valley Power Association Board for 16 years and was second Vice President for three of those years. He farmed full-time after working at Nicholson File in Anderson from 1941-1964.

Lee served his communities with vigor, but considered his greatest service to be that given during WWII where, as a 21 year old, he served the U. S. Army’s 3466th Ordinance Company, Medium Automotive Maintenance, 5th Engineers Special Brigade, and Third Army. He served in England, France, and Belgium and participated in the Normandy Invasion. Lee’s memories were captured when he was interviewed for an article of his memories of the D-Day Invasion. “I am no hero and seek no recognition. Those men who lost their lives are heroes. They gave it their all. They made the supreme sacrifice. I did my job and did it well
and am proud to have served. I was lucky; I got to come home. I have had a wonderful life and am still in good health. The Lord has blessed my wife and me and we are very grateful.”0

Those who knew the couple were familiar with their desire to leave the world a better place than it was when they entered it. We are fortunate that the Hanna’s created an endowment that will continue to contribute to the betterment of South Madison and Hancock Counties for all time.

Dorothy established a Charitable Remainder Trust that matured at her death and created a fund named for her and her husband to provide grant support for the missions of the American Bible Society in New York, The Salvation Army and Wheeler Mission Ministries in Indianapolis, St. Labre Indian School in Montana, New Hope Christian Church in Whitestown, and HCCF for community grantmaking.

Nancy’s big heart and personality are reflected in the grants made from this fund to support Leadership Hancock County, an organization she helped create, and Greenfield Christian Church, her place of worship.

Following her loss of George, Hilda created a fund in their name to benefit Zion Lutheran Church, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, and St. Jude Research Hospital for medical expenses incurred by children with Leukemia whose parents are financially unable to provide for their child’s care.

Pearson and Jeannine created this legacy fund to provide support to charities reflective of causes and programs they care for deeply.

Ron and Peggy Pritzke created a legacy fund, in their family’s honor, to provide support to charities for whom they feel passionate.

Created anonymously by a very generous couple, this fund provides grants to a multitude of organizations serving Hancock County.

Gloria established this fund to support the Pearson and Jeannine Miller Charitable Endowment Fund in honor of their legacy of philanthropy and education for the people of Greenfield and Hancock County. Her future gift will honor Jeannine, who served as her teacher, mentor, and guide through her difficult years of adolescence, as well as celebrate her continued friendship with the entire Miller Family.

Joe and Vicki established this legacy fund to benefit charitable organizations near to their hearts.

Ed and Sally’s generosity is captured through their creation of a Charitable Gift Annuity. Its remainder supports charitable organizations.

Lifetime members of Hancock County, Leon and Minnie Wilson founded Leon Wilson Real Estate in 1964. Through years of hard work, the humble couple grew a successful business, and as a result, felt compelled to leave a legacy in the community that had been so good to them. In August of 1995, Leon and Minnie established a Charitable Remainder Unitrust, a vehicle that provided them lifetime income, with the intent of the remaining assets being transferred to the Leon and Minnie Wilson Charitable Endowment Fund at HCCF, upon their deaths. As a result of their generosity, grants are made perpetually to The Arc of Hancock County, Shares Inc., and to HCCF for community grantmaking.