HCCF Unrestricted Funds

During his tenure, Wayne served on the Hancock County Community Foundation Community Relations Committee, Grants Committee, and Scholarship Committee. He provided leadership as Committee Chair to HCCF’s intense scholarship program for several years. Wayne is well known throughout the county for his contribution to education. Although retired he is sought out to substitute teach on a regular basis. He and his wife Sally have been wonderful friends to HCCF through their participation in HCCF programs and activities. Wayne and Sally established the Wayne and Sally Beck and Families Community Development Fund.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

Named in honor of their grandchildren Mitch, Molly, Narcissa, and Camille, Mike and Susie Broome established this comprehensive fund to provide unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

The Bubenzer’s created a fund that provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

Tim and Kim Clark moved to Greenfield in 1974. For 13 years, they called Greenfield home while Tim worked for Hancock Bank and Trust where he was mentored by Don Hatke who was president of the bank. Hatke stressed the importance of giving to and being involved in the community. In 1987 they moved to Greencastle and then Seymour in 1992. While living in Jackson County, Tim and Kim became familiar with community foundations through Tim’s involvement on the Jackson County Community Foundation board of directors for five years.

They moved back to Greenfield in 1997. Tim retired from Ameriana Bank as the executive vice president and chief risk officer in 2014. Kim was an English teacher at Mt. Vernon Middle School. She continues to educate minds at Greenfield-Central School Corporation as a substitute teacher.

Both love to volunteer but in different ways, Tim says. Tim serves on several boards in the community and began with the Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) Board of Directors in 2008. He served for nine years, including one year as chairman of the board. Kim enjoys volunteering on a more one-on-one personal level where she can help individual lives.

In 2014, when GIFT VI came to fruition in the community, the Clarks decided to start an unrestricted fund with HCCF. This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve in the community over time.

“Needs of our community change every day,” Tim says of why they decided to start an unrestricted fund. “It gives the Hancock County Community Foundation the discretion to use those dollars where it is needed.”

They value the work of HCCF and give through the foundation to support Hancock County’s unique and diverse needs.

“Those (who are) able to give need to help those who don’t have the means. If we who can don’t, then who?” Tim states. “Giving to programs that help the less fortunate enhances their lives but also enhances the life of the community as well.”

 

Created by Rollin to honor his late wife and daughter, this fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time. Rollin had a special place in his heart for children and asked that when the needs of children arise, they be addressed with this fund.

The estate of Sue Dettwiler created a fund that provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

The board of directors established this discretionary fund in 2004 to honor Nancy Dezelan, long-time Hancock County Community Foundation Program Officer and first administrator of the foundation’s grant and scholarship programs. Reflective of Nancy’s passion for Hancock County, the fund provides community enrichment grants that allow HCCF the discretion to make grants that address the ever-changing needs and enhancement opportunities as they evolve and change over time.

This fund honors Jim and Pat Dunlavy, who lived on a farm in the Wilkinson community most of their married lives, for more than 50 years.  Jim worked for General Motors as well as farming.  Pat worked at the fertilizer plant in Wilkinson for many years and enjoyed playing the piano and organ, often times visiting area nursing homes during her retirement and sharing her piano playing talents.  In addition to being a busy farm family, they actively supported their children’s and grandchildren’s activities and community events.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

Rick and Susan were born at Hancock Regional Hospital and are lifelong residents of Hancock County.  Both were raised on the farms of their parents, Robert & Jean Edwards and Kenny & Wilma Phares.  Both now work at the hospital where they were born; Rick as CFO and Susan as the Hospice Social Services Coordinator.  They have two sons Ethan, married to Rhnea, and Luke.  Both work in Indianapolis and live locally keeping their roots in Hancock County.  Rick and Susan continue to enjoy the farm life near Mohawk.

Both have deep roots in philanthropy.  Many of the founding members of HCCF were close friends and family, including Susan’s father, Kenny Phares. “Since 1999 we’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to serve and meet new people on the board and committees of HCCF who share our passions. We’ve also become better acquainted with several of the not-profit organizations filling a need in our community.  The combination of the dedicated individuals and worthwhile organizations make interacting with the HCCF an incredible blessing,” shares Rick.

Recently, Rick and Susan established the Rick P. and Susan J. Edwards Community Development Fund.  Thanks to a grant from Lilly Endowment, their gift was matched.  Their unrestricted gift will allow HCCF the opportunity to address needs and opportunities as they change over time.  Rick and Susan understand the incredible value of this type of fund.  They, along with their siblings, established funds in both sets of their parents’ names in 2014.  “We appreciate the dedication from the board, staff and many community members to help make Hancock County a better place to live for future generations. We’ve received many blessings in our lives and giving a gift that lasts in perpetuity and addresses any needs that may arise in the future is our small way to give back to the people of Hancock County.”

The Robert G. and Wilma Jean Edwards Memorial Community Development Fund has been established in their memory to address the future needs of the citizens of Hancock County.

This fund has been established by their children; Diana Lynn, Gary Lee, Roberta Jean (Bertie), and Ricky Paul (Rick) to honor their parents.

Robert (Bob) was a life-long farmer and grew up the son of a blacksmith on the outskirts of Fortville. Growing up during the Great Depression, he learned the value of hard work and honesty very early in life. He and Wilma Jean moved to the Mohawk community soon after their marriage, where he became a very well-respected member of the community. He was very involved with the Mohawk United Methodist Church. Bob was a Freemason, and also represented other farmers on the local Co-op Board of Directors.

Bob always had a smile on his face no matter the circumstances, and never knew a stranger. His love for his children and grandchildren was unsurpassed. His teaching and example of hard work and honesty would be his legacy to his children and the people who knew him.

Wilma Jean grew up on the outskirts of McCordsville, the first of five children of a farmer. She too grew up during the Great Depression and learned the value of a family working together to make ends meet. Whether it was milking cows or sewing clothes, her position of being the eldest child and helping take care of her siblings would help her prepare for her life to come.

Soon after graduating from high school, she married, but World War II would take her husband of just a few months to Germany, where he lost his life at the Battle of the Bulge. This loss was devastating for Jean and she always had an empty spot in her heart for her first love. However, time moved on and two years later she met and married Bob, moved to just south of Mohawk, and raised a family of four children.

She enjoyed being a farm wife and participated in all aspects of farming from working the land to sewing on buttons, to preparing family dinners. Once all of her children were in school, she worked several years at Hancock Regional Hospital to help support the family farm. However, her legacy will always be her award-winning quilts, upon which she spent so much time and effort. The skills that she learned from her grandmother and mother earned her several recognitions from her peers.

Their children and grandchildren are proud to honor Bob and Jean. May their legacy live on.

In 2019, Norman and Anne Elsbury established three community development funds to honor their children. This comprehensive fund honors their daughter Erin and her husband Jerry and will address Hancock County needs and opportunities as they evolve and change over time.

In 2019, Norman and Anne Elsbury established three community development funds to honor their children. This comprehensive fund honors their daughter Kathy Elsbury Hall and will address Hancock County needs and opportunities as they evolve and change over time.

In 2019, Norman and Anne Elsbury established three community development funds to honor their children. This comprehensive fund honors their son Kenny and his wife Lori and will address Hancock County needs and opportunities as they evolve and change over time.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

Terry and Linda Gellert are proud Hoosiers from Dearborn County, Indiana. They moved to Hancock County in 2005, when Linda was appointed as Superintendent at Greenfield-Central School Corporation. Linda retired in 2014 after more than 30 years in education, teaching in Indiana, Oklahoma, Germany, and the Philippines.  She earned her Bachelor’s degree at Purdue, Master’s at Xavier, and Ph.D. at Indiana State. She serves on the Hancock Regional Hospital Foundation, is a member of Kiwanis, Brandywine Creek DAR, and the First Indiana Company of the Jamestowne Society.  Linda’s hobbies include travel, reading, and genealogy.

Terry Gellert, also a Purdue graduate, currently flies as a captain with Delta Airlines. He is a retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel, having flown F4’s and F16’s while active duty and in the Indiana Air National Guard. Terry’s service included overseas tours in the Philippines and Germany and combat missions over Iraq during Southern Watch. Terry’s hobbies include farming and playing golf.

Terry and Linda are members of Bradley United Methodist Church.  They have three children, Susan Ketcham, Lucy Gellert, and Grant Gellert, and two grandsons, Alex and Jackson Ketcham.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

Named for the four members of the Gibble Family and in honor of Mary’s parents, John and Donna Scott, this comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

Established by the Greenfield Sertoma Club in 2019, this comprehensive fund will carry on the club’s legacy of service to mankind by addressing Hancock County needs and opportunities as they evolve and change over time.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

Retirement opened new possibilities for Monte and Tina Gruell.  Lifetime residents of Hancock County and graduates of Greenfield-Central High School, both had a deep sense of community commitment. Monte retried from 35 years of service at Kroger, and Tina, from 24 years of administration at Morristown Manor.  Tina’s service on nonprofit boards including that of Mental Health Partners and the Greenfield Area Chamber of Commerce, provided exposure to area needs.  Monte’s work in retail and Tina’s experience in senior health care provided an appreciation for the change that comes with population growth and new demographics.

In 2016, the couple established the Monte and Tina Gruell Community Development Fund.  The unrestricted endowment allows HCCF the flexibility to address Hancock County needs as those needs change over time.  “We both have always felt that we had an obligation to give back to our community whenever we can,” shares Tina. “By establishing this fund, we hope to play a small part in ensuring that Hancock County remains a great place for our family to grow and thrive.”

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

Created by HCCF, this comprehensive, unrestricted fund addresses a broad range of needs–including future needs that often cannot be anticipated at the time your gift is made. The Enrichment Fund helps support long-term solutions; respond quickly to emergencies; and meet changing social, cultural, educational, and environmental needs in our local community.

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.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

Dr. Charles and Betty Jordan will admit they don’t have a crystal ball. They can’t see into the future. They can’t anticipate the needs of Hancock County five, 10, 50, or even 100 years from now. But they still want to help their community, now and in the future; and by establishing a community development endowment fund, they have done just that. Community development funds are the perfect vehicle for people who embrace Hancock County in its entirety and understand that as our times change, so will our needs. And time is definitely on the side of endowment funds since all gifts given to the funds are permanently invested and the grants made from the funds are done so as a result of the income they earn over time. How wonderful that a community development fund such as the Jordan’s meets—and, with the support of the community foundation, will continue to meet—the changing needs of our citizens for years and years to come.

The Jordan’s endowment was created partially by an outright gift (money given now) and partially by a legacy or planned gift (money that will come to the foundation at their passing). This allows the Jordans to both see the results of their generosity today and know that the impact will continue and be even greater after their lifetime.

Their legacy gift will benefit the community development fund at its maturity through a Charitable Remainder Trust that the Jordans established in 2002. This type of trust provides financial benefits to you or loved ones that you have named as beneficiaries. The dividend income from the gift is paid to you or your beneficiaries for a specified period of time; then the principal is either used to establish a fund at the foundation in your name (or another name of your choosing) or added to an existing fund.

“We have been aware of the foundation from its very beginning,” Chuck and Betty said. “Initially, we did not totally appreciate the importance of the foundation’s mission to provide the leadership for philanthropic interests in the county. However, with a series of matching gifts from the Lilly Endowment and the success in raising those funds, it was apparent that the community foundation was a much-needed organization and widely supported.

“There came a time when we wanted to establish an endowment that would be a lasting reminder of our appreciation for the years our family has benefited from living in Hancock County. With the assistance of John Carreon, then executive director of the community foundation, we chose to provide funds for the foundation to administer a Community Development Fund. In this way, various nonprofit organizations would have access to funding, based on need each year. Grants would be made to projects or programs in the areas of health and human services, arts and culture, civic affairs, and youth development.”

“We hope that, through our Community Development Fund, positive contributions will be made towards strengthening the health, social and moral development of all citizens of Hancock County.”

Created by Nancy, known for her immense contribution of time and talent to the community, this fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities in Hancock County as they evolve and change over time.

Named in honor of their daughter Jordan, Skip and Ellen established a fund that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

Established by a medical professional who wishes to remain anonymous, this comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

Created by Jim Miller in honor of his parents Dale and Eva, this fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

Before her passing, Wilma Phares established an unrestricted community fund in memory of her husband Kenny who preceded her in death in January 2014. Kenny served as one of the founding members of the Hancock County Community Foundation Board.

The couple lived on a farm in northwestern Hancock County. Kenny, a lifelong farmer, was born and raised in Mohawk and Wilma graduated from Charlottesville High School. The couple married in 1953 upon Kenny’s return from his service in the Korean War. Wilma took pride in her role as a farmwife dedicated to raising her children, Jeff and Susan. Neighbors described them as hardworking, caring, and honest with integrity above reproach. Kenny said, “We tried to do the best job of farming we could and to be good neighbors.” He received the Indiana Prairie Farmer “Master Farmer Award” in 1996 that recognized him for his sound and innovative farm management skills and concern for others. Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation honored them for being good stewards of the land.

Faith, family, farm, friends, and community were a very important part of the couple’s everyday life. It is appropriate that the fund established in their name will provide discretionary grants that will allow HCCF to address the needs of Hancock County, even as those needs change over time.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

Tom served as Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) Board Chair for two years and HCCF Vice-Chair for the two years prior to that. Other leadership roles during his tenure at HCCFinclude Grants Committee Chair, Finance Committee Chair, and Board Treasurer. Since retirement, Tom has developed a passion for photography and has donated hours to the HCCF in his unofficial role as an event photographer. He and his wife Carol are dear friends of HCCF, regularly attending events and both serving as excellent ambassadors for HCCF. Carol and Tom established the Thomas N. and Carol L. Seng Community Development Fund.

 

Named in honor of their parents, Jim, John, and Charles Shelby established this comprehensive fund to provide unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

Giving back is in Doug and Sharon True’s blood.

Doug started his career as a management trainee with FORUM Credit Union and worked his way up to CEO. In 2013, he helped start the FORUM Foundation (http://www.forumcu.com/foundation) that awards college scholarships each year and focuses resources on teacher classroom grants throughout central Indiana.

He said the Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) served as a model for the FORUM Foundation.

Though Doug works in Fishers, the Trues take great pride in their Hancock County home (they have lived in New Palestine for many years). This led them to create the Doug and Sharon True Community Development Fund with HCCF in 2015.

A community development fund helps HCCF reach out to all charitable organizations serving the arts, education, health, and human services in Hancock County. HCCF grants to projects that best meet the community’s most pressing needs, even when those needs change over time.

Doug and Sharon said HCCF is uniquely positioned to identify needs their family may not be aware of and react as needs arise. They want to see economic growth in the county and are excited about the opportunity to add to their fund at any time.

The Trues have two children, Matthew and Megan. As a family, they continue to look for ways to make a difference in their community.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

Established in memory of their parents, Patricia Edwards, Richard Willits, and Donna Benjamin along with their families, created a comprehensive fund that 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.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.

Those who knew Sharon enjoyed her kind and caring presence.  She grew up in Gary, Indiana, 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.

This comprehensive fund provides unrestricted income that allows HCCF the discretion to make grants that meet needs and opportunities as they evolve and change in our community over time.