The Power of Community
Middletown Metamorphosis
The butterfly pictured at the Middletown/Fall Creek Library butterfly garden went from egg, to caterpillar, to chrysalis, to that beautiful butterfly in a matter of weeks. Transformation is evident to anyone who visits Middletown or speaks to members of its grant-receiving organizations or the many community-minded residents who have helped fund community grants through donations to the Unrestricted Fund.
Middletown/Fall Creek Township Parks Department Superintendent Rusty Connor stated, “It takes a lot of people to make a town what it is and to keep it clean and safe. Community foundation grants have helped fund handicap accessible restrooms, drainage tile for the playground, benches, waterpark, community building improvements and more. We are thankful for what the donors to the Unrestricted Fund for Community Grants have done for our community.”
Lilly Endowment Scholarship recipient Kyler Gray helps the Parks Department during his college breaks. Regarding the community foundation, Gray said, “Thank you for the money and support.” Gray shared his definition of philanthropy, “People or organizations with money giving back to the community and doing humanitarian things, which is basically what the community foundation is. You guys do a lot of good things like giving grant money to the park and the YMCA. I plan to be a philanthropist.”
The new butterfly garden at the Middletown library was funded in part by a community grant. Rex and June Slick, who are often found at the library are perfect examples of people giving back to the community through starting endowments, donating and active volunteering. Rex has held many positions within the Henry County Community Foundation and is currently a life-time Emeritus Director. Rex stated, “Bill Gates and others found out they can setup a foundation that will keep going for years.” Rex and June give through the community foundation, knowing their gifts will serve the community forever. He added, “It’s hard to get people started, but once they start giving, they will continue. As people reach 60, 65, they want to do something.” June said a lawyer once told them, ‘It is hard to give money away so older people hold on to their money, don’t do anything and die.’ June said, “They don’t realize the money goes for taxes.”
When asked why they give to the Unrestricted Fund for Community Grants, the Slicks stated, “We realize that’s where they need the money.” Rex stated, “The grants committee has a chore. That is a tough job.” June agreed, “They do a fine job; and the grants committee will change in the future as it should to address changing needs.” June, a long-standing Middletown Library Board member, indicated, “We have received a lot of grants that have benefited the patrons greatly. The library is starting a computer literacy course that people need using computers received from a recent grant; and people have noted how pretty the butterfly garden is.”
At the Middletown Historical Society, Jake Smith shared high school class photographs in a space saving display funded by a foundation grant. Smith stated, “We don’t just collect the history; we try to promote the town and the history. You must like where you live. I like the town, people and neighborhood. There comes a point when you feel you need to give back, commit to make it better and improve it for future generations.”
According to Smith, “Designated endowments for the Middletown Historical Society through the community foundation are at least 30% of its annual income. Endowment is a permanent, lasting gift. My wife and I have made arrangements in our long-term plans to contribute to the community foundation. It’s easier to give when you have seen the benefits from the endowments and from the grants.”
Smith stated, “The entire county has been in transition recently; and it is important to have the community foundation as an anchor. The foundation may be headquartered in New Castle, but it is for the entire county. Many may not realize the benefits the foundation provides to their own community.”
