Jean Fremion-Litke receives Heart of Gold Award
WOLCOTTVILLE — The LaGrange County Community Foundation gathered donors, volunteers, nonprofit leaders, and community members October 16 at its Celebration of Philanthropy Reception, an evening dedicated to honoring generosity, celebrating impact, and sharing the Foundation’s vision for the future.
Held at Dallas Lake Park Lodge, the event brought together partners from across the county in an open house-style reception designed to foster connection and conversation.
“Grants are how generosity moves from an idea to action. It’s how the Foundation helps turn someone’s gift today into lasting change for tomorrow,” said Octavia Yoder, Executive Director. “Behind every grant is a story — a summer camp, a food program, a park, a volunteer, a child — and together, those stories make our community stronger.”
A Milestone Year of Growth and Impact
The Foundation announced that its assets have grown to $34 million, doubling since 2016. In 2024 alone, the Foundation awarded $943,000 in grants and scholarships, supporting a range of initiatives:
- Summer camp programs for youth
- Emergency assistance for local families
- Food delivery programs for children
- An animal companionship center
- Improvements to Howe Town Park
- Community festivals and cultural events
- Volunteer training for CASA advocates
The Foundation’s work is guided by four strategic areas: Asset Development, Community Catalyst, Leadership, and Strengthening Nonprofits — a framework designed to ensure lasting, meaningful impact across LaGrange County.
Strategic Growth Through Lilly Endowment Matching Challenge
This year, the Foundation undertook an ambitious $750,000 matching grant challenge through Lilly Endowment, designed to strengthen the Foundation’s long-term ability to address community needs.
The goal: raise $262,500 for community grantmaking and $225,000 for the Hawpatch Trail project. As of October, the Foundation is $40,000 away from reaching the community grantmaking match and just 1% — less than $6,000 — from fully meeting the trail match.
“This isn’t just about meeting a fundraising goal,” Yoder said. “It’s about building permanent resources that will serve LaGrange County for generations to come.”
Special thanks were extended to the Gordon & Lynne Olds Giving Fund, Lynn and Laura Weaver Charitable Fund, RD and Julia Wolheter Family Fund, and the LaGrange County Convention and Visitors Bureau for their generous leadership gifts.
Highlighting Community Partnerships
The evening spotlighted the Foundation’s partnership with LaGrange County Trails and the Hawpatch Trail project, supported by a $5 million grant from Lilly Endowment. The proposed 17-mile trail will connect Topeka, Millersburg, and Wolcottville, enhancing quality of life and community connections.
Jeff Wingstrom, President of LaGrange County Trails, joined Yoder for a Q&A to share updates on the project and community engagement efforts.
Heart of Gold Award Honors Community Hero
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Heart of Gold Award, which recognizes individuals whose service and compassion make LaGrange County a stronger, more caring place.
This year’s nominees included:
- Tina Bartoch
- Jay Chupp
- Jean Fremion-Litke
- Joanne Gillespie
- Gerald Yoder
The 2025 Heart of Gold Award was presented to Jean Fremion-Litke for her 15 years of dedication to the Veterans Headstone Project, ensuring veterans’ graves are honored and remembered throughout LaGrange County.
About the LaGrange County Community Foundation
The LaGrange County Community Foundation works to inspire generosity, leadership, and service by connecting donors to community needs. Through grants, scholarships, and partnerships, the Foundation helps build permanent charitable resources that strengthen LaGrange County now and for generations to come.