Honoring Foundation Difference Makers this Volunteer Appreciation Month
By: Jennifer Fox

Maybe you’ve heard of the Foundation when a student is named a Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. Maybe you’ve seen a Choose Henry grant sign outside a local project. Or maybe this is your first introduction.

At its core, the Foundation exists to connect generosity with community needs in ways that make a lasting impact.

Since 1985, the Foundation has served as a steward for local philanthropy. Today, we manage more than $66 million in charitable assets across 600 individual funds created by donors who care deeply about Henry County. These funds are endowed, meaning they continue to grow over time, creating a permanent source of support for the community. Each year, a portion of that growth is reinvested right back into Henry County through grants and scholarships.

That support reaches across five key areas: health and medical, social services, education, cultural affairs, and civic initiatives.

Throughout the year, HCCF facilitates eight grant cycles and two scholarship seasons, providing funding to nonprofits, students, and projects that are making a difference right here at home.

Over the years, the Foundation has been part of projects that many in our community recognize, from the Ivy Tech Henry County campus and the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame to the Baker Park Aquatic Center, New Castle Skatepark, Wilbur Wright Trail, Arts Park and Pavilion, and the Sunset Park kayak launch. These projects, along with countless programs and initiatives, help shape the quality of life in Henry County.

But none of this happens on its own.

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and it’s the perfect time to recognize the people who make this work possible.

Behind every grant awarded and every scholarship selected is a group of volunteers giving their time, insight, and care to the process. The Foundation is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors, but the work extends far beyond that.

In 2025, community members served across a wide range of committees, including Scholarship, Grants, TASC (Teens About Serving the County), Women’s Grants, Volunteer Group, Impact Investing, Governance, and Lilly Regranting.

Each committee plays a different role, but all share the same purpose: making thoughtful decisions that strengthen Henry County now and in the future.

Some volunteers spend hours reviewing scholarship applications, helping students take the next step in their education. Others evaluate grant requests, ensuring funding supports meaningful, community-driven work. Our TASC members are learning the value of service early, already making an impact as student leaders. And behind the scenes, committees like Governance and Impact Investing help ensure the Foundation remains strong, responsible, and sustainable for generations to come.

It’s easy to see the results of this work. What’s less visible is the time, discussion, and care that goes into every decision along the way.

That’s where our volunteers come in.

They show up. They ask thoughtful questions. They care deeply about this community, and they choose to be part of something bigger than themselves.

During Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are especially grateful to every individual who is serving on a Foundation committee. Your commitment helps carry this work forward, and your impact reaches further than you may ever fully realize.

Below is a list of those who are currently giving their time and talents. We are thankful for each and every one of you!

2026 STANDING COMMITTEES

FINANCE / INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

• Bill Aitchison
• Darin Brown
• Mike Broyles
• Erika Gilman
• Amy Glaser
• Marsha Gratner
• John Pidgeon
• Bud Shore – Chair
• Steve Weidert

GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP

• Krystyna Biggs
• Patty Broyles
• Pam Davidson
• Susan Falck-Neal
• Barb Haase
• Emily Hurst
• Susie Leonard
• Amber Marcum
• Beverly Matthews
• Mike McKown
• Vickie Rhodes
• Sherry Trainor
• Debi Ware
• Victoria York

YOUTH GRANTS

• Rex Peckinpaugh
• Forrest Plank

WOMEN’S GRANTS

• Patty Broyles
• Susan Falck-Neal
• Cara Huffman
• Nancy Lewis
• Vickie Rhodes

GRANTS

• Dr. Richard Armstrong
• Darin Brown
• Susan Denison
• Don & Betty Geozeff
• Rebecca Gonya
• Marsha Gratner
• Holly Guffey
• Justin Helman
• Sharon Herbert
• Nancy Lewis
• Marsha Petty
• Lisa Pfenninger
• Forrest Plank
• Heidi Simmons
• Todd Thalls
• Debi Ware
• Penny York

DEVELOPMENT

• Kevin Brown
• Mike Broyles
• Brianna Chapman
• Scott Frost
• Marsha Gratner
• Emily Hurst
• Mike McKown
• Maribeth Taylor
• Mark Taylor

VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE

• Ricci Atchison
• Donna Campbell
• Rebecca Gonya
• Marsha Gratner
• Nancy Lewis
• Melissa Millikan
• Karen Pavy
• Lisa Pfenninger
• Maribeth Taylor
• Debi Ware

IMPACT INVESTING

• Amy Glaser
• Marsha Gratner
• Jon Madison
• Corey Murphy
• Mark Taylor
• Steve Weidert

GOVERNANCE

• Kit Crane
• Jeff Galyen
• Jon Madison

LILLY REGRANTING

• Jerry Cash

• Amy Glaser
• Darrin Jacobs
• Nancy Lewis
• Debi Ware