RCCF celebates 10th anniversary

Cathy May, Contributing Writer

The Ripley County Community Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary last week at its 2006 Annual Meeting. The Foundation has grown in ten years from having no funds, no staff and no office, to assets of more than $7 million, a staff of three and third floor offices in the Batesville Memorial Building.

The program included many recognitions of board members past and present and recognized all who had served on committees. Past presidents included Cathy May, George Brinkmoeller and Kris Schneider.

Current board member Bill Van Hook presented the President's Award to McPherson’s Printing in Sunman. McPherson’s has supported the Foundation by printing the quarterly newsletter for free. Van Hook said, “They have also allowed us to use the creative genius and printing expertise of Linda Koon. She has tirelessly worked with our staff and volunteers on our event print jobs. Thank you McPherson’s for sharing your time, talent and resources to help our Foundation market ourselves in a more professional manner.”

The Executive Director’s Award, presented by Sally Morris, went to former President Kris Schneider. In remarking on Schneider’s achievements, Morris said, “She was a member of the board for six years and in all that time, Kris never missed a meeting.”

The 2006 Annual Report listed six pages of grants and scholarships distributed by the Ripley County Community Foundation totaling $232,399. Janet Moore of the Grants Committee, said this year more than $10,000 has already been distributed and the big granting cycle in the fall would have about $150,000 to distribute.

Six new funds were added in 2006.

• The Jennifer Bergman Memorial Fund was started by Butch and Peggy Bergman in memory of their daughter. The fund provides financial assistance to Franklin and Ripley County families whose children are in need of medical help.

• The Jane T. and Clarence J. McGowan Operating Endowment Fund will help to defray the yearly operating expenses for RCCF.

• The Nathan Tuttle Memorial Fund was started by his family to keep his memory alive.

• The Charles Rohlfing Memorial Campership Fund will provide funds for Milan students who would like to attend an athletic camp and who would not be able to afford it on their own.

• The Family Connections Fund will go to support the operating expenses for Ripley County Family Services, Inc.

Bill Van Hook introduced each of the 2007 Ripley County Community Scholars. He explained there were 50 applicants this year. Two were selected as Lilly Scholars and six as RCCF Scholars. The RCCF Scholars are:

• Zachary Baker, is a graduate of Milan High School. He will attend the University of Indianapolis and major in sports management. He is the son of Michael and Stephanie Baker of Milan.

• Bernadette Gorman is a graduate of South Ripley High School. She plans to attend DePauw University to study economics. She is the daughter of Daniel Gorman and Jessica Gorman of Madison.
• Melissa Knisley is a graduate of Batesville High School. She will attend Indiana University to study biology. She is the daughter of James and Patricia Knisley of Batesville.

• Matthew Krieger graduated from Batesville High School. He will attend Purdue University and study horticulture and landscape. He is the son of Robert and Anita Krieger.

• Lisa Meyer is a graduate of Batesville High School. She will attend Indiana University to major in exercise science. She is the daughter of Gary and Rosalie Meyer of Batesville.

• Kendra Walker graduated from Milan High School. She will attend IUPUI and major in business. She is the daughter of Kenneth Walker and Debra Walker of Milan.

There have been 23 Lilly Scholarships given through RCCF. Fourteen of those have made it through the program. The two scholars selected this year will receive full tuition at any Indiana college or university for four years plus an $800 per year book stipend.

Van Hook introduced this year’s two Lilly Endowment Community Scholars. Leslie Brancamp is a graduate of Jac-Cen-Del High School. She will be attending Indiana University to major in athletic training. She is the daughter of Tim and Julie Brancamp. Tyler Hensley graduated from South Ripley High School. He will attend Butler University and major in pharmacy. He is the son of Larry and Vicki Hensley of Versailles.

After the program and a dinner by Meister’s Market, the attendees were served ice cream and cake to celebrate the Foundation’s 10th anniversary.

CATHY MAY PHOTO
Kris Schneider given Executive Director's Award
The Executive Director's Award, presented by Sally Morris, right, went to former President Kris Schneider, left. Schneider was a member of the board for six years with perfect attendance.