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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.