LaGrange County’s 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application opens on July 26, 2024.
The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) will provide 147 scholarships statewide and one scholarship in LaGrange County. The program, administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), is offered locally in LaGrange County through the LaGrange County Community Foundation.
The scholarship provides one full-tuition award and a $900 annual stipend for required books for four years of full-time undergraduate study leading to a bachelor’s degree at any eligible Indiana Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university.
To be eligible to apply for the LaGrange County award, students must:
Graduate from a LaGrange County high school by 2025 and receive their diploma no later than June 30, 2025;
Intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an eligible college or university in Indiana;
Be a resident of LaGrange County; and
Have a minimum grade point average of 3.75.
Applications must be completed and submitted by September 12, 2024, at 4 p.m. to be considered.
Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria: academic achievement, demonstrated service to others, leadership ability, motivation to succeed, employment history, extracurricular involvement, and essay responses. Two recommendations must be submitted with the application: one from a teacher and one from a community member. A personal interview will assist in determining the scholarship recipient.
Five students will be selected as finalists and be invited to the interview round in October 2024. Following the interviews, the LaGrange County Community Foundation will nominate one local graduating senior for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship; their name will be submitted to ICI for final approval. The scholarship recipient will be announced in December.
The finalists not selected for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship will receive the Lambright Leadership Scholarship, a $1,000 four-year renewable scholarship.
Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in LaGrange County and apply for the scholarship by visiting LCCF.net/LillyScholarship.
Jeff Wingstrom, a 41-year resident of LaGrange County, recently talked with us about his work as president of LaGrange County Trails. Wingstrom grew up in LaPorte, Ind., and graduated from Valparaiso University with a degree in biology. He retired from the Indiana State Department of Health as an environmental scientist after 45 years. He and his wife of 50 years, Marilyn, have three children and six grandchildren. They enjoy biking, reading and all watersports.
Q: What started your love for bike trails in LaGrange County?
A: My wife, Marilyn, and our children always loved riding our bikes; however, as our roads became busier and with larger vehicles, we stopped riding. One day we rode the Pumpkinvine Trail, and I realized there was a safe, enjoyable way to bike instead of on our dangerous county roads. That is when I fell in love with the idea of more bike trails in our county.
Q: How did LaGrange County Trails get started? What’s your mission?
A: We started with a small group of citizens and stakeholder meetings to discuss how to begin developing bike trails. This led, in December of 2018, to incorporation, our first meeting in January of 2019, and obtaining our 501(c)(3) non-profit status later that summer. Our nonprofit is comprised of a nine-member board whose mission is to create countywide, public, non-motorized multipurpose, bike/pedestrian recreational trails in LaGrange County. Our motto is: “Connecting people with nature.”
The Hawpatch Trail is our first planned trail, which will be constructed for the safety and quality of life of our community, not only for those who will benefit today, but for succeeding generations.
Q: Why did LaGrange County Trails decide to pursue a new trail system in Topeka?
A: It is estimated 800 workers bike into Topeka five days a week. This would get many of those workers off dangerous and busy county roads and provide them with a safe way to commute to work. There are several Amish schools along the route, giving those children a safer way to get to school. The proposed 17-mile bike/pedestrian Hawpatch Trail will connect Wolcottville, Topeka and Millersburg, spanning three towns and three counties, so not only commuters, but recreational bikers and pedestrians will have a safe place to exercise.
We also chose this route because the Norfolk and Southern Railroad Company owns approximately 90% of the land and we thought it would be relatively easy to acquire.
Q: What is the status of the Hawpatch Trail?
A: At this time a purchase agreement has been negotiated with the Norfolk and Southern Railroad and we are waiting for their signature. After that, the land will be surveyed, which will take at least six months and then we will close on the property.
Q: What is your future hope for trails in LaGrange County?
A: Bike trails are being developed all over our state and our nation. They provide proven economic benefits to the communities that have them. People come from all over to ride, walk and run on trails. Communities consider them as one of their best assets. Property values increase when they are located near a trail. My hope is we can develop a trail system in LaGrange County that will connect our towns and parks and connect to the trails being developed in our adjacent counties. I hope they will provide years of safe recreational opportunities for everyone and will provide a way for locals and visitors to explore and learn about our communities.
Q: What legacy do you hope to leave?
A: That to the best of my abilities and with the help of many other people, LaGrange County Trails develops something current and future generations will use to discover the beauty and unique character that is our county.
Q: What are ways people in LaGrange County can help?
A: They can advocate for bike/pedestrian trails to their elected officials and to their friends and neighbors. We are currently working with the LaGrange County Community Foundation on developing a county wide bicycle/pedestrian trail plan. They can participate in and attend the public meetings and give their input on the location of future trails at one of the three upcoming forums:
Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail Plan Public Meetings
LaGrange, The Garage Community Center, July 25, from 6-8 p.m.,
Shipshewana, Wolfe Community Building, August 6, from 3-5 p.m.,
Mongo, Mongo United Methodist Church, August 6, from 6-8 p.m.
Lastly, but most importantly, they can donate to the Hawpatch Trail Fund at the Community Foundation. Thanks to a generous grant from Lilly Endowment, the LaGrange County Community Foundation will match donations for the trail $1 for $1 through Dec. 31, 2025.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation hosted its Annual Celebration on the evening of Thursday, June 13, bringing together volunteers, donors, and community partners to honor philanthropy in LaGrange County.
Held at the Farmstead Inn & Conference Center in Shipshewana, the event was attended by approximately 150 community members. The evening began with the invocation by Russell Hepler, followed by dinner catered by Fireside Craft Burgers & Brews.
Invocation by Russell Hepler
Insights were shared by a panel of nonprofit leaders in a “Fireside Chat,” moderated by Executive Director Octavia Yoder. Panelists included Sonja Giggy from LaGrange County Hope, Inc., Kim Hayes from The Garage, Mary Woodworth from LaGrange County Arts, Jeff Wingstrom from LaGrange County Trails, and Andy Linder from Mongo Community Development Association. They shared stories of their organizations’ impact in the county and encouraged community involvement.
The event also recognized recipients of the spring Community Impact Grant awards, presented by Leanna Martin and Octavia Yoder, which included: Clothes & Food Basket of LaGrange County, Community Harvest Food Bank, Meals of Hope, Inc., Northeastern Indiana CASA, RespectTeam, Stroh Volunteer Fire Department, and The Salvation Army – Elkhart, LaGrange County & Steuben County. A total of $74,557 was distributed through the Community Impact Grants program to support the valuable work of these organizations in LaGrange County.
2024 Spring Community Impact Grant Recipients
Former teacher, local author and speaker Brenda Lazzaro Yoder delivered the keynote for the evening. She spoke on how LaGrange County has something the rest of the world longs for but doesn’t have – that something is community and relationships, it’s helping your neighbor but expecting nothing in return, it’s leaving footprints on the community that will last a lifetime.
Brenda Lazzarro Yoder, Keynote Speaker
The evening concluded honoring the 2024 Heart of Gold award nominees. Speaking and presenting for the 15th Annual Heart of Gold award was the 2011 recipient of the Heart of Gold Award, Rhonda Bartlett.
Nominees honored were Andy Linder of Mongo, Brett Bateman of Howe, David Hostetler of Shipshewana, Jean Martin of Shipshewana, Jenny Landez of Wolcottville, Karen Reinking of Wolcottville, Kent Andrews of Howe, Laura Hartman of LaGrange, and Madison Bateman of Howe.
Kent Andrews was named the the 2024 Heart of Gold award recipient. Andrews has volunteered as firefighter for 40 years, and has a heart for serving his community. He helps his elderly neighbors in all seasons with things such as mowing, raking leaves and snow removal. Recently, Kent helped build and install a Free Little Library in the town park. His nominee said, “Kent helps anyone who needs help even before being asked. Kent is always helpful, civic minded, trustworthy.”
Kent Andrews receives the 2024 Heart of Gold Award2024 Heart of Gold Award Nominees
Overall, the celebration was a testament to the strong community spirit and generosity that defines LaGrange County, making it a truly special place to live.
Through the 2024 Community Scholarship Program at the LaGrange County Community Foundation program, a total of $145,250 in scholarships will be provided to area students. Jennifer McBride, Community Foundation Scholarship Manager, presented the awards in May to students at school ceremonies for Lakeland, Prairie Heights and Westview schools.
The Community Foundation manages more than 50 individual scholarship funds created by individuals, families and businesses to benefit a specific school or field of study. The scholarship funds support a variety of career paths such as education, agriculture, health, science, nursing, and more.
“Each year we look forward to awarding our Community Scholarships to high school seniors. These scholarships recognize the accomplishments the students have achieved in the last four years,” said Executive Director Octavia Yoder.
“We are grateful to the individuals, families and businesses who created these scholarship funds and have worked alongside the Community Foundation. We aspire to welcome new donors and fund more students as the program continues to grow. We are extremely appreciative of the community volunteers who take time to help read and evaluate scholarships. The process is quite an undertaking and is truly a community partnership of donors, volunteers, schools, and Community Foundation staff. It’s rewarding to help support the educational goals of students in our community,” Yoder added.
Lakeland Jr. Sr. High School scholarship recipients:
Allread-Rife Family Scholarship – Abigaile McNamara.
Brian Evans Memorial Scholarship – Johanna Guzman.
Bruce Brown Memorial Scholarship – Xai Leu.
Bulldog Spirit Scholarship – Aiden Tuttle.
Chase Scott Memorial Football Scholarship – Jayden Marshall.
George O. Witwer Memorial Scholarship – Xai Leu.
HOPE Nursing Scholarship – Abigale McNamara.
HOPE Nursing Scholarship – Cassidi Parham.
J.O. Mory Company Scholarship – Adriana Sturgill.
Jean Seagly Crouse Memorial Scholarship – Clara Rasler.
Joseph Willard Memorial Scholarship – Adriana Sturgill.
Judy-Gage Keenan Scholarship – Cassidi Parham.
Lakeland Scholarship – Taylor Jerdon.
Lambright Leadership Award – Taylor Jerdon.
Lambright Leadership Award – Xai Leu.
Mary McGawn Teaching Scholarship – Clara Rasler.
Mattea Holton Memorial Scholarship – Cassidi Parham.
Melvin and Marjorie Bricker Memorial Scholarship – Taylor Jerdon.
Olivia Bay Lemings Memorial Scholarship – Takya Wallace.
Paul and Marian Krebs Scholarship – Kylie Fry.
Ray and Ruth Culp Memorial Scholarship – Taylor Jerdon.
Terry Schmidt Memorial Basketball Scholarship – Nathan Keil.
Virgil and Florence Hardin Memorial Scholarship – Abigale McNamara.
Waddell Scholarship – Xai Leu.
Prairie Heights High School scholarship recipients:
Allread-Rife Family Scholarship – Emma Crites.
Allread-Rife Family Scholarship – Kaylyn Allshouse.
Beverly Todd Memorial Scholarship – Emma Crites.
Craig D. and Ronda S. Neff Memorial Scholarship – Ashley Young.
Ellsworth Fanning Memorial Scholarship – Ethan Wolheter.
Kevin Lewis Purdue Agriculture Memorial Scholarship – Ethan Wolheter.
LaGrange County Farm Bureau Coop Scholarship – Ethan Wolheter.
Ned Stump Memorial Scholarship – Ethan Wolheter.
Perkins Family Scholarship – Ethan Wolheter.
Prairie Heights Band Scholarship – Alyssa Jones.
Prairie Heights Scholarship – Emma Crites.
Prairie Heights Scholarship – Breonna Glasgo.
Prairie Heights Scholarship – Ethan Wolheter.
Prairie Heights Scholarship – Olivia Zook.
Westview Jr. Sr. High School scholarship recipients:
Farmwald Scholarship – Jace Lang.
Holly Petersen Memorial Scholarship – Jace Lang.
Ignite Your Future Scholarship – Benton Hershberger.
James F. Kalb Memorial Scholarship – Jace Lang.
Keith and Arline Davis Memorial Scholarship – Jace Lang.
Kerry Wilt-Spradlin Memorial Scholarship – Wade Springer.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation staff visited South Milford in May to see two recent grant funded community projects.
On this trip, they visited two new spots: Coffee & Cream and the South Milford Veterans Memorial Park.
Coffee & Cream of South Milford
Coffee & Cream opened their doors on May 25 at 8015 E 750 S in downtown South Milford. Jeff and Andrea Wolheter had a vision for this 130-year-old historic building. They wanted to bless people in the community with amenities such as a place to meet, eat, drink, and have high speed internet.
The LCCF staff made the trip to visit Coffee & Cream after awarding the nonprofit a Community Impact Grant for $12,500 for coffee and drink equipment in 2023. And not just because of the grant. But because, well, coffee…
Coffee & Cream did not disappoint with a good range of coffee and drinks, ice cream and baking goods. There is something for nearly everyone. They have a nicely laid out seating area, a variety of booths, tables and chairs, and very comfy lounging chairs. Decor and lighting says high-end coffee shop. They also have free internet!
Their mission is to enhance their community by fostering an environment that feels like home with great tasting food and drinks, loving and hospitable service, and building a sense of connection and community.
From what the LCCF staff experienced, they are reaching that mission.
South Milford Veterans Memorial Park
After a visit to the coffee shop, the staff walked the short distance to the South Milford Veterans Memorial Park.
The park is situated on the south side of the railroad viaduct on SR 3. The park was created when the original Veterans Memorial Monument needed to be moved from the intersection of SR 3 and 750 S for road improvements and visibility.
The monument, erected in 1923, was created to honor men from the community who served their country. In addition to the monument, a second war memorial included a case holding a 1895 machine gun and several Civil War cannon balls.
The South Milford Community Improvement League worked tirelessly to rebuild the Veterans Memorial Monument and create the new memorial park. The Community League celebrated the dedication of the South Milford Veterans Memorial Park on August 19, 2023.
The park features the rebuilt Veterans Memorial Monument, memorial plaques, a shaded area, benches for sitting and reflecting, a pavilion and memorabilia. The park is a wonderful addition to South Milford and great way of honoring veterans.
LIFE is a youth philanthropy program of the LaGrange County Community Foundation. LIFE members gain experiences in community service and charitable giving. The students also provide oversight to youth grant funds at the Community Foundation.
During the 2023 – 2024 school year LIFE offered one grant cycle, awarding $17,495 to youth serving organizations and school projects.
The meetings were packed full of grantmaking decisions and planning for LEAP. They broke into event committees to conquer and divide. LEAP is a one-day event for youth, grades 9 -12, from all three public high schools to learn about philanthropy, community service and leadership. The event had two guest speakers: Seth Maust from Five Star Life and Octavia Yoder with the Community Foundation.
The students began their community service projects in December by delivery generosity cards. Students who participated in LEAP helped create these impactful cards of gratitude for local nonprofits, fire departments, police, and for the businesses who financially supported the LEAP event. In February, LIFE visited with residents at the Waters. They connected while playing games and visiting.
Jamelle Godlewski from Lead and Impact shared about seven habits of highly effective people and helped the students create personal mission statements.
Gwen Owsley was a member of LIFE and Westview’s junior class representative. For the past two years, she served as co-recorder. She was instrumental in helping fundraise for the LEAP event. We were deeply saddened by her unexpected passing. Our hearts are with her family, friends, and all those who loved her. We will remember her bright smile, joyful demeanor, and her enthusiastic spirit in all that she did.
LIFE closed the 2023-2024 school year with the May retreat. They completed a final community service project at the Garage Community Center in LaGrange, packing meals for LaGrange County Hope.
As we plan for next school year, we hope to continue encouraging philanthropy in our community and peers, experience community service and charitable giving through grantmaking.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation’s Heart of Gold Award shines the spotlight on community residents passionate about making a difference.
The Community Foundation received nine nominations for the annual Heart of Gold Award, each with their own inspiring story of service and volunteerism. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the award.
All nominees will be recognized at the Community Foundation’s Annual Celebration on June 13 at the Farmstead Inn & Conference Center in Shipshewana.
The 2024 Heart of Gold nominees include:
Andy Linder
Andy Linder of Mongo. Andy is president of the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce, the president of the Mongo Community Development Association, and on the board of directors for the LaGrange County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Andy’s unwavering dedication to serving others, his transformative leadership, and his ability to inspire those around him make him an exemplary candidate for the Heart of Gold Award,” wrote his nominator.
Brett Bateman
Brett Bateman of Howe. Brett has been instrumental in building the baseball and softball complex at Spreuer Park in LaGrange, organizing each baseball season, and scheduling leagues, coaches, fundraising, and more. Brett is the president of the LaGrange Baseball League and serves on the board of LaGrange Communities Youth Centers. “He has over the top dedication to the youth of LaGrange County,” wrote his nominator.
David Hostetler
David Hostetler of Shipshewana. David served as a volunteer firefighter for 25 years. Twelve of those years he served as Captain for the Shipshewana Volunteer Fire Department. He also serves as a church trustee and fills other leadership roles in his church. He and his family have also opened their home to nine foreign exchange students. “His story is always valiant and heroic, even though he will say it isn’t so. And that the same story is sometimes jubilant, sometimes incredibly heartbreaking, and always sacrificial,” wrote his nominator.
Jean Martin in front of one of the ribbon walls at her arena
Jean Martin of Shipshewana. Jean has been influential in the equestrian community. She runs Fox Run Stables, offering lessons, camps, boarding and other horse related activities for children and adults. For the past 14 years, she has coached the Interscholastic Equestrian Association teams. She also serves as the regional president for both the IEA Hunt Seat and Dressage programs. During the summer months, she helps prepare riders for 4-H and summer shows. “Jean thoroughly enjoys working with riders, and her passion and enjoyment for horses is evident to everyone she helps,” wrote her nominator.
Jenny Landez
Jenny Landez of Wolcottville. Jenny is a member of Tri Kappa, board member for Northeastern Center, and the board president of Main Street LaGrange. She is a Gallups Strengths coach training, working with high school students. She also helps with athletic events, coaching and fundraising for Lakeland schools. “Over the many years I have known Jenny, she has always given 100% to everything she did,” wrote Landez’s nominator.
Karen Reinking at Ark Animal Shelter
Karen Reinking of Wolcottville. Karen is a board member and custodian at her church, shovels snow for her neighbors, volunteers at both Ark Animal Shelter and bookstore, as well as fundraising for Ark. Her nominator said: “(She is) someone who cares about others, is willing to do when necessary, what needs to be done. Not wanting acknowledgement. Not seeking whistles, bells or sirens. Just doing it.”
Kent Andrews
Kent Andrews of Howe. Kent has been a volunteer firefighter for 40 years in Howe with a heart for serving his community. He helps elderly neighbors in Howe all seasons with mowing, raking leaving, and snow removal for no cost. Recently, Kent helped build and install a Free Little Library in the town park. His nominator wrote, “Kent helps anyone who needs help even before being asked. Kent is always helpful, civic minded, trustworthy.”
Laura Hartman
Laura Hartman of LaGrange. Laura has been instrumental in keeping the Lighthouse Ministry going at Pioneer Crossing in Howe, through weekly meetings and special events. She has also been a helper to the people in the community in times when there have been frozen pipes or people just need someone to talk to. Her nominator wrote: “Laura will be the first to tell you she can’t do it on her own or even want any praise when it comes to the mission. She sees the needs and fills them. It’s who she is.”
Madison Bateman and students at Wolcott Mills School
Madison Bateman of Howe. Madison runs a cardio exercise program for adults, coaches T-ball, serves as the Tri Kappa assistant treasurer and volunteers on several Tri Kappa committees. She is a Lakeland Primary PTO officer and runs the Sunshine Project at Lakeland. Her nominator wrote: “Madison is deserving of recognition. Her heart truly is generous and golden and worthy of recognition.”
In selecting the award recipient, the award committee considers nominees who share their time and sake for others, render a service that changes lives, work to create positive change, inspire others to volunteer and more.
All nominees are eligible to make a $500 grant to the LaGrange County nonprofit of their choice in their name; the award recipient is eligible to make a $1,000 grant.
“All of the nominees represent and embody the spirit of philanthropy in LaGrange County. We are thankful for their service and devotion to meeting the needs in LaGrange County. No act of kindness is too small and we appreciate the ways each of nominees have shared their time for the sake of others,” said Executive Director Octavia Yoder.
LIFE, a youth philanthropy program of the LaGrange County Community Foundation, provides an opportunity for youth to gain experience in grantmaking, charitable giving and community service. The members participate in service projects and biannually host LEAP (Leaders Excited About Philanthropy) – a one day event focused on philanthropy and leadership for LaGrange County high school students.
LIFE members also provide oversight for the LIFE Grantmaking Fund at the Community Foundation. They review grant applications and recommend funding for youth projects.
The program is open to students from Lakeland, Westview, and Prairie Heights Schools. One student from each grade (9-12) is selected to represent their school, with up to 12 members.
In April, LIFE volunteered at the LaGrange County Council on Aging’s monthly luncheon; members helped serve the meal and enjoyed conversation with the luncheon guests.
2023-24 LIFE Group at the LaGrange County Council on Aging
President of the 2023-24 LIFE group Braden Rogers shared, “We volunteered at the Lagrange Council on Aging and served food to older individuals, had conversations with them, and made them feel special. As a youth lead philanthropic organization, it is important to spread the love of our young souls. We enjoyed seeing the smiles on all of the people faces and hope to partake in this event next year. Seeing the smiles of the older generations, hearing their incredible stories, and most of all, meeting new friends were all takeaways from this experience.”
LIFE President Braden Rogers shares at the COA luncheon.
In February, LIFE also had the opportunity to serve at The Waters in LaGrange, an assisted living facility. LIFE members visited during the recreational hour and enjoyed interacting with residents and playing bingo.
LIFE will meet one more time during the 2023-2024 school year for their annual retreat this May. Before the retreat, members look forward to joining the nonprofit organization Meals of Hope in LaGrange to pack meals for children in need.
LIFE will then travel to Camp Lutherwald in Howe for fun and team building, concluding their activities for the school year. The program will resume this fall after the start of the new school year.
LaGrange County Community Foundation has received a matching fund grant totaling $750,000 as part of the eighth phase of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s initiative, Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII).
LaGrange County Community Foundation will use the funding to further develop its unrestricted fund – the Caring Community Fund – and to support the development of the Hawpatch Trail in Topeka.
Lilly Endowment will provide $2 for every $1 contributed to LaGrange County Community Foundation’s Caring Community Fund and unrestricted funds through December 31, 2025. The Caring Community Fund and unrestricted funds help address current opportunities and challenges in LaGrange County.
Lilly Endowment will also provide $1 for every $1 contributed to the Hawpatch Trail Fund at the LaGrange County Community Foundation through December 31, 2025. The Foundation is supporting LaGrange County Trails’ effort to develop a biking and walking trail in Topeka on the former Wabash Railroad. Gifts to the Hawpatch Trail Fund will support trail development as the group acquires the property, completes survey work, and begins engineering for construction of the trail. Gifts to the Hawpatch Trail Fund will be matched up to $225,000.
LaGrange County Trails seeks to build the Hawpatch Trail in Topeka on the former Wabash Railroad line.
“We are grateful to Lilly Endowment for the continued generous support of community foundations in Indiana, including LaGrange County. With local contributions and the Lilly Endowment match we will add $787,500 to LCCF’s unrestricted funds and $450,000 for the development of the Hawpatch Trail,” said Executive Director Octavia Yoder. “One of the key opportunities in LaGrange County’s comprehensive plan is the further development of multi-use trails in LaGrange County. This is pivotal opportunity to support the development of a trail that will greatly enhance the quality of life in southern LaGrange County.”
“We are thankful for the opportunity to grow long term assets for LaGrange County and to continue to meet nonprofit and community needs. GIFT VIII represents a unique opportunity to triple the value of a donation,” Yoder added.
Donors can also establish a named unrestricted endowment fund with a qualifying gift of $3,500. Donors interested in receiving a $2 for $1 match on a donation should contact Executive Director Octavia Yoder.
Through GIFT VIII Lilly Endowment has awarded matching fund grants totaling $133.8 million to community foundations serving all 92 of Indiana’s counties. Eligible community foundations submitted proposals requesting grants ranging from $100,000 to $15,000,000 based on the population of the counties they serve.
In 2023, Lilly Endowment launched GIFT VIII to help community foundations strengthen the towns, cities and counties they serve. Matching fund grants are one several funding opportunities designed to help community foundations promote long-term viability; further strengthen their abilities to lead; encourage board engagement; and support and develop strategic efforts to enhance quality of life in their communities.
Leanna Martin and Laurie Sherck present the nominees for the Heart of Gold Award at the Community Foundation’s 2021 Annual Meeting.
Laurie Sherck joined the LaGrange County Community Foundation staff in 2019 as the Office and Scholarship Manager. She retires at the end of March. While we are sad to see our co-worker and friend retire, we are excited to see what she will accomplish next. We spoke with Sherck and asked her to share about her work, her retirement, and future plans.
Why are you retiring now, while you are still so young?
I’ve had people tell me, “You’ll know when it’s time to retire.” They’re right. I just know it’s time. I want to retire and still be able to do some of things I’ve always wanted to do.
What are the big plans for retirement?
Enjoying my grandkids and hopefully get in some traveling with my husband.
Are you going to fill your time right away with volunteering with various nonprofits, etc.?
Upon the good advice of a wise friend, I’m giving myself 90 days before committing to anything, but eventually, yes.
What things do you love, and want to focus on in your retirement years?
I love hiking and I hope to get some of that in. I enjoy quiet times with my Bible and study books and enjoy reading. I enjoy coffee and conversation with friends and family, so I definitely need to work that into my schedule. There are some non-profits that I’m interested in volunteering for from time-to-time. This is why I’m giving myself 90 days. There is so much I want to do, I could easily fill up all my time and quickly feel overcommitted and overwhelmed.
What is your favorite food/drink?
Is chocolate considered food? Favorite drinks: Coffee and iced tea.
What is your favorite hobby?
Reading is probably my favorite pastime.
What will you be doing on day ONE of your retirement?
Actually — we’re leaving on a family vacation for a week and a half.
Anything new you’d like to learn or do for retirement?
I bought my husband a Cricut for Christmas a couple of years ago. I’d like to figure out how to use it.
What are some of your favorite moments in working for LCCF?
I love my co-workers. We’ve had some pretty fun adventures. Because of them, work has never felt like work. It is always rewarding and fun to award the students receiving scholarships. It’s also rewarding to me to know our Foundation is making a difference in our little community through grants that assist non-profits, and scholarships that help students toward achieving their dreams.
What do you hope for your predecessor?
I wish all the best for my predecessor, and I hope she will enjoy the work the Foundation does as much as I have.
What will you miss most about working at LCCF everyday?
That’s easy, the people. The people I work with and have done life with the last several years, our fantastic Board of Directors and committee members, and the wonderful donors, students and community members that I’ve had the opportunity to meet and get to know over the past few years. I’m sure gonna miss seeing my co-workers daily or “The Girls,” as I call them — but rest assured — they haven’t seen the last of me!🙂
We wish Laurie a blessed retirement. We KNOW she will still be doing big things!
Sarah Hostetler and Laurie Sherck volunteer at the LaGrange County 4-H Fair in June 2023.Sarah, Laurie, Octavia and Leanna enjoyed some early morning coffee… one of their favorite things to do together
