The board of directors of the Community Foundation of Noble County held its Annual Meeting to celebrate the year 2016 at the Kendallville Event Center on Wednesday, May 24, 2017.
CHECK OUT THE EVENT PHOTOS HERE
Approximately 130 invited guests including donors, fund representatives, volunteers, and grantees attended the luncheon. The luncheon theme “Cheers to a Terrific Year” was used as a tribute that best describes the community foundation’s late executive director, Linda Speakman-Yerick, who passed away on March 16. Guests were asked to raise a “Linda Paddle”, an image of Linda placed on a wood stick, every time the word “terrific” was used.
Mark Demske, Interim Executive Director welcomed the group stating “Noble County is a tremendously generous county, evidenced by our success. Just last year we celebrated with assets of $27.5 million dollars….in 2016 we ended our year with assets of $28.3 with 182 funds. An Increase of $830,000. Terrific!” Demske stated “In 2016 the community foundation receipted over 645 gifts totaling $1,103,063! Terrific! We have been busy! Just last year, in 2016, the community foundation distributed 373 grants and scholarships of approximately $1,248,649 back to Noble County! Terrific!”
The community foundation got a new name and a new logo in 2016! Now known as The Community Foundation of Noble County and with the name change, it was decided it was time to update the logo.
Demske stated “Inside the outline of our county are 3 leaves. The leaves stand for:
- Catalyst for positive change to put the right people around the table to solve the tough issues that face our county. 2. Serve as a vehicle for donors to give through and align their passions with causes that will positively benefit Noble County. 3. Serve as a grant maker to the community to empower our nonprofit organizations and various agencies to make a difference and promote a better quality of life in Noble County.”
Demske continued with “It’s our donors that wish to leave a legacy to support their organization that has great meaning and someone they are very passionate about. That’s why they give and the one thing we continue to hear over and over is they love knowing their gift will last forever…in perpetuity and continue to make an impact for those organizations they love.”
In 2016 the community foundation created three new funds. The Cromwell High School Alumni Scholarship Fund, Dave and Barb Thomas Fund, West Noble After School Program Fund.
Jarrod Ramer, President of the Board of Directors, who has served the last two years as the board president stated “It has been a privilege and honor to have served as president of the foundation. Even when times were lean we continued to have successes to celebrate each year and this year is no different. The community foundation was successful in 2016 in receiving accreditation with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® establish legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations everywhere.”
Recognition of outgoing Community Foundation of Noble County board members was given to Jolene Durham of Ligonier and Rick Zollars of Kendallville, whose terms have ended. Other board officers and members included
President – Jarrod Ramer, Vice-President – Rebecca Schroeder, Secretary/Treasurer – Barb Thomas
Member at Large – Chuck Wysong, Leigh Ann Pranger, Josh Munson, Dr. Craig M. Lichlyter, Mark Demske, Robert C. Probst, Deborah L. Spidel, Dick Owen, Chris Mershman, Barb Thomas. The supporting organization of the community foundation, Community Initiatives Board are: Dr. Greg Johnson – President, Deborah L. Spidel, Debra Hockley, Nancy Egolf, Jane Doyle – Secretary/Treasurer, Joseph Atz – Vice President, Robert Kirsch, Curt Gierhan, Marge Kavanaugh, Bill Emmert, Dan Parker and Chris Mershman. The Community Initiatives Board is the grantmaking arm of the community foundation awarding grants to community projects.
The family of Linda Speakman-Yerick joined the annual meeting including her widower John Yerick and daughter Jessica Gromaski. Ramer presented them with the Resolution of Honor and Appreciation in Memory of Linda.
Recognition of Noble County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar was given to Kellie Waring who attended along with her mother, Deb. Kellie is a 2017 West Noble High School senior and will be studying Dentistry at IUPUI.
In lieu of the “Giver of Gifts” program where the community foundation recognized those special non-profit volunteers in our community that make a difference, the community foundation offered recognition to the Volunteers of the Year, Youth in Philanthropy, Outstanding Board Leadership and Philanthropist of the Year Awards. The community was asked to submit their nominations in early spring. With each Award, the recipient will have the opportunity to award a grant in their honor to their favorite charity. The Board of Directors and P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County graciously donated the funds to help keep this Circle of Philanthropy continuing.
Youth in Philanthropy Award was awarded to West Noble Primary 1st Grade Secret Agents of Kindness
Each 1st grade classroom at West Noble Primary chooses at least one random act of kindness to complete during the school year. In addition to that, every month the entire 1st grade completes monthly kindness missions within our school or community. These “Kindness Missions” range from hosting community meetings, to leaving encouraging notes on the lockers of high school students. The mission of the program is to build a kindred spirit in the community by teaching the students the joys of acting in kindness and compassion that leave our school corporation and our neighborhood a safe and loving place to learn and grow.
Three individuals were awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award.
Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Nicole Lowe – Friendship Food Pantry
Nicole has volunteered at Friendship Food Pantry for 2 years. Nicole has eagerly learned about the new direction of the pantry of helping our neighbors without hurting them. She strongly supported the concept of helping our neighbors identify their own gifts, skills and abilities while developing opportunities for those assets to be used in leading our neighbors to greater levels of economic freedom and empowering them to independence.
Thank you Nicole!
Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Scott Cole – Town of Albion
Scott has an energetic “can do” attitude for the community. Scott is a real leader in the Albion community and an inspiration to others who volunteer. Scott has volunteered to help with activities for the Albion Chamber, the Chain O’Lakes Festival, the Albion STAR Team and numerous others. Thank you Scott!
Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Timothy Tew – Kendallville Public Library
Tim has volunteered at the Library for the last 5 years and started the Minecraft group at the Library. For those of you who do not know, Minecraft is more than just a video game. By bringing this to the Library, Tim has created a foundation from which youth can gain valuable abstract thinking and problem solving skills. It helps them create goals and establish a plan to achieve those goals. Tim has been a role model for the kids who play the game. Tim’s gift of time and talents has also opened the door for other volunteers at the library. Other students see his accomplishments, and want to know how they can get involved with volunteering, too.
Thank you Tim!
Three individuals received the Outstanding Board Leadership Awards.
Rev. Curryanne Hostetler – Common Grace Ministries
Curryanne accepted the Board Chair position in 2013 just as the organization was beginning the process of organizational restructuring. With her help, in December 2016, the organization hosted a workshop that attracted participants from five counties and multiple non-profits, churches, schools, and others to learn how to help our neighbors without inadvertently hurting them. This movement has continued to attract attention and other organizations are also moving in this direction which has the potential to change lives throughout Noble County. Thank you Rev. Curryanne!
Kemuel Prince – Kendallville Public Library
Kemuel has served on the Library Board of Trustees for 6 years, a majority of the time as President. His reason for being on the Board was “to find a way to serve the community that has provided such a great place to raise a family.” His experience with finance and project management made the construction process of the library’s Lower Level smooth, even though the library was without a director for most of the project. Kemuel’s leadership in choosing the director will have a lasting impact on the library and the entire community. Thank you Kemuel!
Sharon Leitch – Chain O’ Lakes Festival and Albion Chamber of Commerce
At 75 years young, nothing stops this gal! Sharon has been a giver and volunteer for longer than many of us have been alive. Sharon keeps others on track with the many projects that are going on concurrently. She is the Treasurer for both the Chain O’ Lake Festival and the Albion Chamber of Commerce. Sharon makes a real difference in our community. Thank you Sharon!
Philanthropist of the Year Award was awarded to David and Marjorie Kile of Kendallville.
Long time residents of Noble County, David and Marjorie Kile have dedicated their lives to making a difference, and giving back. As a retired teacher, Marjorie has seen first hand the difference a scholarship can make when awarded to a student in search of higher learning, regardless of age. David and Marjorie know that as a traditional or non-traditional student, access to higher education can be difficult. Thanks to the generosity of the Kile’s, this new fund is an opportunity for both traditional students and non-traditional students to pursue their dream. Thank you David and Marjorie!
Demske concluded the meeting with thanking the board for their support while serving as Interim and especially thank the staff. “Trust me, I have needed them far more than they have needed me! On behalf of the board of directors we will strive to improve the quality of life by serving as a catalyst for positive change and helping donors with their charitable intent and addressing issues throughout the county with our grants.”
The community foundation’s annual report is available on its website www.CFNoble.org
“Donor Stories” Part 1 is Out!
/in Uncategorized /by Margarita WhiteOur new “Donor Stories” Video is out!
“I think as we recognize young people as the future of this country, it’s very encouraging to be connected with that type of scholarship fund that’s going to help them grow into the type of people that they really hope to be.”
Part 1 of 4 from our brand-new video series, “Donor Stories.”
Featuring George Bennett, former board president.
2017 College Scholarship Winners Announced
/in News, Uncategorized /by Jennifer NorrisThe Community Foundation of Noble County recently awarded a total of $126,000 in scholarships during the 2016-2017 scholarship season to area high school and college students including college student Christina Coats of Ligonier, who received the Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Previous Award Winner scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to students who previously received a one-year or two-year scholarship administered by the Community Foundation of Noble County. Coats was also the recipient of the Noble County Retired Teachers’ Association Scholarship awarded to a resident of the West Noble School District who will have a high school diploma or equivalent by the end of June 2017 and will be enrolled in a certified 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-year Indiana post -high-school program (the award is given in alphabetical rotational distribution among the three school corporations of Noble County.) Coats a, 2015 West Noble High School graduate, is Secondary Mathematics Education/Dance at Anderson University.
Lynsee Devers a 2016 graduate of East Noble High School was also a recipient of the 2017 Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Previous Award and the Nathan Shumaker Memorial Scholarship awarded to students in the second or subsequent year of college who received some or all of K-12 schooling through home school or a Christian School. Shumaker was an East Noble High School sophomore and member of the East Noble Car Team at the time of his death in 2005. Nathanial Scott Shumaker was 16 when he died in an automobile accident on U.S. 6 in Wawaka Friday, Sept. 30, 2005. Devers is studying Music Therapy at Indiana Wesleyan University.
Alyssa Yoquelet a 2016 graduate of East Noble High School was also the recipient of the Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Previous Award Winner scholarship and the Paul Pelikan Memorial Scholarship awarded to a student who has demonstrated great effort to achieve and overcome adversity with preference given to educationally challenged students. Yoquelet is studying Christian Education/Biblical Literature at Indiana Wesleyan University.
Maggie Kitt received the Tony and Gertrude Kichler Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a high school senior or college student who resides in Green or Noble Townships who is pursuing a college education in music, medicine or religion. Kitt, a 2014 Churubusco High School graduate, is studying biochemistry at the University of Evansville.
Daniel Kane a 2016 East Noble High School graduate is the recipient of the 2017 Talia Joy Smith Performing Arts Scholarship. This scholarship is for an East Noble High School senior, or previous East Noble High School graduate or new or current student at New York University in the Musical Theatre Program who is pursuing a four-year performing arts degree majoring in either vocal performance or musical theater in the fall of 2017. All applicants must have a cumulative GPA in high school (or college) of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Preference is given to persons graduating in 2017 from East Noble High School.
The Community Foundation of Noble County is home to a variety of scholarships for college, adult and high school seniors. The 2018 application for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship will be offered online in July 2017 for one well-rounded high school senior who resides in Noble County, that will receive a diploma from an accredited Indiana high school by the end of June 2018, and will pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an accredited public or private college or university in Indiana. High school seniors should check back with the community foundation regarding specific criteria requirements. Deadline for this scholarship application will be September 6, 2017. All other scholarships offered through the community foundation will be available online at the foundation’s website www.CFNoble.org in mid-November 2017.
2016 Annual Meeting Held May 24, 2017
/in News /by Jennifer NorrisThe board of directors of the Community Foundation of Noble County held its Annual Meeting to celebrate the year 2016 at the Kendallville Event Center on Wednesday, May 24, 2017.
CHECK OUT THE EVENT PHOTOS HERE
Approximately 130 invited guests including donors, fund representatives, volunteers, and grantees attended the luncheon. The luncheon theme “Cheers to a Terrific Year” was used as a tribute that best describes the community foundation’s late executive director, Linda Speakman-Yerick, who passed away on March 16. Guests were asked to raise a “Linda Paddle”, an image of Linda placed on a wood stick, every time the word “terrific” was used.
Mark Demske, Interim Executive Director welcomed the group stating “Noble County is a tremendously generous county, evidenced by our success. Just last year we celebrated with assets of $27.5 million dollars….in 2016 we ended our year with assets of $28.3 with 182 funds. An Increase of $830,000. Terrific!” Demske stated “In 2016 the community foundation receipted over 645 gifts totaling $1,103,063! Terrific! We have been busy! Just last year, in 2016, the community foundation distributed 373 grants and scholarships of approximately $1,248,649 back to Noble County! Terrific!”
The community foundation got a new name and a new logo in 2016! Now known as The Community Foundation of Noble County and with the name change, it was decided it was time to update the logo.
Demske stated “Inside the outline of our county are 3 leaves. The leaves stand for:
Demske continued with “It’s our donors that wish to leave a legacy to support their organization that has great meaning and someone they are very passionate about. That’s why they give and the one thing we continue to hear over and over is they love knowing their gift will last forever…in perpetuity and continue to make an impact for those organizations they love.”
In 2016 the community foundation created three new funds. The Cromwell High School Alumni Scholarship Fund, Dave and Barb Thomas Fund, West Noble After School Program Fund.
Jarrod Ramer, President of the Board of Directors, who has served the last two years as the board president stated “It has been a privilege and honor to have served as president of the foundation. Even when times were lean we continued to have successes to celebrate each year and this year is no different. The community foundation was successful in 2016 in receiving accreditation with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® establish legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations everywhere.”
Recognition of outgoing Community Foundation of Noble County board members was given to Jolene Durham of Ligonier and Rick Zollars of Kendallville, whose terms have ended. Other board officers and members included
President – Jarrod Ramer, Vice-President – Rebecca Schroeder, Secretary/Treasurer – Barb Thomas
Member at Large – Chuck Wysong, Leigh Ann Pranger, Josh Munson, Dr. Craig M. Lichlyter, Mark Demske, Robert C. Probst, Deborah L. Spidel, Dick Owen, Chris Mershman, Barb Thomas. The supporting organization of the community foundation, Community Initiatives Board are: Dr. Greg Johnson – President, Deborah L. Spidel, Debra Hockley, Nancy Egolf, Jane Doyle – Secretary/Treasurer, Joseph Atz – Vice President, Robert Kirsch, Curt Gierhan, Marge Kavanaugh, Bill Emmert, Dan Parker and Chris Mershman. The Community Initiatives Board is the grantmaking arm of the community foundation awarding grants to community projects.
The family of Linda Speakman-Yerick joined the annual meeting including her widower John Yerick and daughter Jessica Gromaski. Ramer presented them with the Resolution of Honor and Appreciation in Memory of Linda.
Recognition of Noble County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar was given to Kellie Waring who attended along with her mother, Deb. Kellie is a 2017 West Noble High School senior and will be studying Dentistry at IUPUI.
In lieu of the “Giver of Gifts” program where the community foundation recognized those special non-profit volunteers in our community that make a difference, the community foundation offered recognition to the Volunteers of the Year, Youth in Philanthropy, Outstanding Board Leadership and Philanthropist of the Year Awards. The community was asked to submit their nominations in early spring. With each Award, the recipient will have the opportunity to award a grant in their honor to their favorite charity. The Board of Directors and P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County graciously donated the funds to help keep this Circle of Philanthropy continuing.
Youth in Philanthropy Award was awarded to West Noble Primary 1st Grade Secret Agents of Kindness
Each 1st grade classroom at West Noble Primary chooses at least one random act of kindness to complete during the school year. In addition to that, every month the entire 1st grade completes monthly kindness missions within our school or community. These “Kindness Missions” range from hosting community meetings, to leaving encouraging notes on the lockers of high school students. The mission of the program is to build a kindred spirit in the community by teaching the students the joys of acting in kindness and compassion that leave our school corporation and our neighborhood a safe and loving place to learn and grow.
Three individuals were awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award.
Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Nicole Lowe – Friendship Food Pantry
Nicole has volunteered at Friendship Food Pantry for 2 years. Nicole has eagerly learned about the new direction of the pantry of helping our neighbors without hurting them. She strongly supported the concept of helping our neighbors identify their own gifts, skills and abilities while developing opportunities for those assets to be used in leading our neighbors to greater levels of economic freedom and empowering them to independence.
Thank you Nicole!
Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Scott Cole – Town of Albion
Scott has an energetic “can do” attitude for the community. Scott is a real leader in the Albion community and an inspiration to others who volunteer. Scott has volunteered to help with activities for the Albion Chamber, the Chain O’Lakes Festival, the Albion STAR Team and numerous others. Thank you Scott!
Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Timothy Tew – Kendallville Public Library
Tim has volunteered at the Library for the last 5 years and started the Minecraft group at the Library. For those of you who do not know, Minecraft is more than just a video game. By bringing this to the Library, Tim has created a foundation from which youth can gain valuable abstract thinking and problem solving skills. It helps them create goals and establish a plan to achieve those goals. Tim has been a role model for the kids who play the game. Tim’s gift of time and talents has also opened the door for other volunteers at the library. Other students see his accomplishments, and want to know how they can get involved with volunteering, too.
Thank you Tim!
Three individuals received the Outstanding Board Leadership Awards.
Rev. Curryanne Hostetler – Common Grace Ministries
Curryanne accepted the Board Chair position in 2013 just as the organization was beginning the process of organizational restructuring. With her help, in December 2016, the organization hosted a workshop that attracted participants from five counties and multiple non-profits, churches, schools, and others to learn how to help our neighbors without inadvertently hurting them. This movement has continued to attract attention and other organizations are also moving in this direction which has the potential to change lives throughout Noble County. Thank you Rev. Curryanne!
Kemuel Prince – Kendallville Public Library
Kemuel has served on the Library Board of Trustees for 6 years, a majority of the time as President. His reason for being on the Board was “to find a way to serve the community that has provided such a great place to raise a family.” His experience with finance and project management made the construction process of the library’s Lower Level smooth, even though the library was without a director for most of the project. Kemuel’s leadership in choosing the director will have a lasting impact on the library and the entire community. Thank you Kemuel!
Sharon Leitch – Chain O’ Lakes Festival and Albion Chamber of Commerce
At 75 years young, nothing stops this gal! Sharon has been a giver and volunteer for longer than many of us have been alive. Sharon keeps others on track with the many projects that are going on concurrently. She is the Treasurer for both the Chain O’ Lake Festival and the Albion Chamber of Commerce. Sharon makes a real difference in our community. Thank you Sharon!
Philanthropist of the Year Award was awarded to David and Marjorie Kile of Kendallville.
Long time residents of Noble County, David and Marjorie Kile have dedicated their lives to making a difference, and giving back. As a retired teacher, Marjorie has seen first hand the difference a scholarship can make when awarded to a student in search of higher learning, regardless of age. David and Marjorie know that as a traditional or non-traditional student, access to higher education can be difficult. Thanks to the generosity of the Kile’s, this new fund is an opportunity for both traditional students and non-traditional students to pursue their dream. Thank you David and Marjorie!
Demske concluded the meeting with thanking the board for their support while serving as Interim and especially thank the staff. “Trust me, I have needed them far more than they have needed me! On behalf of the board of directors we will strive to improve the quality of life by serving as a catalyst for positive change and helping donors with their charitable intent and addressing issues throughout the county with our grants.”
The community foundation’s annual report is available on its website www.CFNoble.org
The 2016 Annual Report is Out!
/in News /by Margarita WhiteWe are pleased to release our Annual Report for 2016! Take a look!
Click Here To Read
Nominate Your Volunteer, Board Member, Philanthropist or Youth in Philanthropy!
/in News /by Jennifer NorrisHere is your opportunity to say thank you to that special volunteer, board member, philanthropist or youth.
The community foundation is seeking your help to identify those special volunteers in our community that make a difference. We know you see them making a difference every day!
Download the nomination form for: Volunteer of the Year, Philanthropist of the Year, Board Member of the Year and Youth in Philanthropy.
Nomination Forms
2016 Foundation Facts
/in News /by Jennifer NorrisThe foundation is pleased to share highlights from 2016.
Current Assets
Current fund balance or net assets in 183 funds as of December 2016 $28,281,708
Grant Distributions Since Inception
Since 1991, the Foundation has awarded over 15,586 grants and scholarships $29,014,654
Grants—2016
In 2016, the Foundation distributed 373 grants and scholarships $1,248,649
Gifts—2016
In 2016, the Foundation receipted 645 gifts $1,103,063
P.U.L.S.E. Senior Citizen Prom – 2017
/in News /by Jennifer NorrisThe prom will be on April 29, 2017 at the cafeteria of East Noble High School (901 South Garden Street, Kendallville, IN 46755). Prom is from 6PM to 9PM with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each. You must be registered by April 19, 2017. Send all names, address and phone numbers of those attending with your payment to 1599 Lincolnway South Ligonier, IN 46767. Make your checks out to the Community Foundation of Noble County with P.U.L.S.E. PROM in the memo.
The Senior prom is hosted by the P.U.L.S.E of Noble County (Philanthropists Utilizing Lifelong Service and Education). As one of their many community service projects, P.U.L.S.E. members continue to offer the prom each year in hopes of bridging generation gaps. P.U.L.S.E. members decorate the facility according to the theme each year (in this case, a Hollywood Oscars theme), take individual photos of guests, provide a full dinner and dessert, provide live entertainment and music from the FORDS, and hand out lots of door prizes for many attendees. Special favors for each are also provided, and the P.U.L.S.E. members encourage seniors to dress in their Oscar attire, although it is not mandatory. Please join them for a very special evening. Even if you do not dance, it is always fun to listen to great music, dine and watch the others, as well as spending time with friends and a chance to win prizes.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Community Foundation of Noble County at 260-894-3335.
Community Foundation Announces Interim Executive Director
/in News /by Jennifer NorrisLigonier – The board of directors of the Community Foundation of Noble County has appointed Mark Demske interim executive director of the organization.
The naming of Demske comes one week after the untimely death of Linda L. Speakman-Yerick of Rome City on March 16. Speakman-Yerick had served as executive director of the countywide foundation since 2008. Before that she played an instrumental part of the inception of the community foundation in 1991 and while continuing to volunteer and serve as a board member and development consultant for the community foundation.
Community Foundation Board President, Jarrod Ramer made the announcement stating “the board believes that the business of operating the foundation must continue with a smooth transition during this time of loss. Mark is a familiar face in the community and will oversee the daily functions while the search begins for a permanent director.”
Demske previously worked from 2001-2015 as the Vice President of Financial Services at Community State Bank and earned his B.A. from Wabash College, J.D. from Valparaiso and M.B.A. from St. Francis University. Currently he is President of Twin Orange, Inc., DBA Biggby Coffee in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Demske has been a community foundation board member since 2015 and has been serving on the Investment Committee since early 2000’s in addition to its Scholarship Committee.
Demske has lived in Kendallville his entire life except while in college. He and his wife Carrie have two children.
Demske stated, “Linda left us with a strong and successful community foundation, complete with a staff of professionals along with a knowledgeable board of directors to deal with the operations. I want to thank all of the board members who provide the leadership and guidance to help us continue to reach our goals and continue to grow the good works of the community foundation.”
Scholarship Tutorial Application Now Online
/in Uncategorized /by Margarita WhiteNoble County Community Foundation has officially released its scholarship application tutorial video.
This video goes over how to apply for both the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship and the General Scholarships.
The tutorial is a step by step guide covering: preparing to apply, creating an online account, filling out the online application, submitting, and contacting references.
Watch Now:
P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County members visit Egg Basket of the Midwest
/in News /by Jennifer NorrisP.U.L.S.E. of Noble County members visit Egg Basket of the Midwest
Participate in Phil’s EGGcellent Adventure
Youth philanthropists and their adult mentors visited Warsaw, Indiana last weekend to participate in a retreat for members of Youth Pods. Youth Pods are groups of young people that receive support from the Dekko Foundation to practice bringing about positive change in their communities.
Held in the ‘Egg Basket of the Midwest,’ Phil’s EGGcellent Adventure was planned and hosted by a team of young leaders called ‘phish.’ (phish stands for philanthropic ideas, strategy and heart.)
Attending the retreat from Noble County, Indiana were: Madison Ritchie, Lexi Ortiz, Jackie White, Karen Silva, Lydia Worman, Erin Maneke, Allison Baker, Kellie Waring, Reggie Parker, Austin Kugler, and Ben Jansen.
“The number one idea that I gained from the Eggcellent retreat was how to tackle road blocks such as attendance and communication issues by practicing four different ideas in the youth pod. The four ideas were self-examination, which means focusing on how your actions affect others. The next was staying open to growth and change within the pod and community. The third idea was trusting each other in the pod. The last idea was being open to mutual actions and working together. I will be sure to take these ideas back to my pod for a great year!” Kellie Waring, P.U.L.S.E. President
The young people were supported by their adult mentors: Katie Mullins and Margarita White
“Never underestimate the power of a teenager. I spent 3 days with nearly 200 teenagers that have the power, willingness, and drive to positively impact our community well into the future and all adults need to do is give them the guidance and the freedom to do so.” Katie Mullins, P.U.L.S.E. Navigator
Highlights of Phil’s EGGcellent Adventure included:
The Dekko Foundation has supported youth philanthropy groups for the past 23 years. This is the ninth time that the Foundation has brought teens together for a conference.
“During past Youth Pod retreats, we’ve emphasized a personal passion for philanthropy,” commented Kimberly Schroeder, program officer for the Dekko Foundation. “This time, we encouraged group philanthropy and how a group of focused, dedicated people can bring about positive change.”
P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County would like to thank the following people and organizations which support their work throughout the year: Dekko Foundation, Noble County Community Foundation, East Noble School Corporation, Central Noble Community School Corporation, West Noble School Corporation, and our parents!
For more information about Youth Pods, visit: www.dekkofoundation.org/youthphilanthropy/