Helmer, Wilber L. Fund

Offers support to the Kendallville Park & Recreation Department, Kendallville Public Library, Kendallville Day Care Center, and Noble County Foundations (ARC)

Donor Fund Story:

This fund was established in 2015 by Dr. Thomas Jansen the trustee of the Wilbur L. Helmer Foundation. Trustee Dr. Thomas Jansen approached the community foundation about this transfer of wealth becoming endowed funds that will continue to grow and provide income to several organizations in the Kendallville area. Dr. Jansen, a founding board member of the community foundation and a community leader for several organizations, stated “I think this is a smart move that should be left to an organization such as our community foundation, which will help it grow and assist many non-profits for generations to come!”

Dr. Jansen as the principal Trustee, transferred all the assets of the Wilbur L. Helmer Foundation in the amount of $269,036. This endowed designated fund will support four local non-profits annually, these are: Kendallville Park & Recreation Department, Kendallville Public Library, Kendallville Day Care Center, and Noble County Foundations (ARC).

Mr. Wilbur Helmer was born in Avilla and graduated from Kendallville High School in 1935. He was a partner and owner of the Helmer Liquor Store in Kendallville that his father Lawrence had started in 1951. He never married and died on September 30, 1989 at the age of 73. He also created his private foundation prior to his death where upon Dr. Jansen became the sole trustee.