MCCF News

Vonnegut Fund Announced During Annual Meeting

09/28/07 -- The Marshall County Community Foundation held their Annual Meeting Thursday evening at the Vandalia Train Depot in Culver. Appetizers were catered complementary by the City Tavern.

Foundation President Tammy Houin welcomed the many board members, fund holders and guests and then took a look back over the year and noting that it had been a very busy year. She said the search for a new Executive Director was challenging with over 30 applications to investigate. On December 22nd Jennifer Maddox was offered the position and began the job on February 14th. In May they held a Fund Holders Dinner and announced a new matching grant program called Generations which matches certain donations at $.25 on the dollar. With the new matching program eight new funds were also opened.

The Community Foundation is also working on meeting the 38 requirements to meet the national standards. Houin said, "When we complete this project we will have a comprehensive guide of where we've been, where we are going and how we plan to get there."

The most exciting news of the evening was presented by Jennifer Maddox. A new fund was announced that will create an annual award of approximately $20,000. The Ralph C. Vonnegut Jr. fund will provide funding for environmental, educational or recreational projects related directly to Lake Maxinkuckee. Maddox said that Mr. Vonnegut grew up in Indianapolis. He was an Eagle Scout and spend many summers on Lake Maxinkuckee. He loved nature and the outdoors. When he retired in 1987 he returned as a full time resident in Culver. Before his death he decided to leave funds to the Community Foundation that would help the lake. At last nights meeting his daughter Nonie Gabvitch and her family were on hand for the celebration.

During the annual meeting new board members were approved including Carolyn Kline, Jim Wierick, Scott Jennings, Sheri Purkeypile and Derek Jones. Officers elected were Tammy Houin as President, Vice-President John Zeglis, Treasurer Richard Parker, Sara Smith Secretary and Assistant Treasurer and Legal Counsel Derek Jones.