WINCHESTER, IN – The Women’s Fund, a component fund of the Community Foundation of Randolph County, celebrated 16 years of supporting the women and children in Randolph County during its annual brunch and auction on Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Hall in Winchester. The event, themed “Sweet Sixteen and All Dolled Up!” raised over $8,700 for the Women’s Fund, which will support grantmaking in 2027 to benefit nonprofits serving women and children.
“One of the primary purposes of the Women’s Fund structure is granting awards to local nonprofit organizations that are committed to improving the lives of women and children in Randolph County,” said Tonia Williams, Co-Chair of the Women’s Fund. “This year, the Women’s Fund Steering Committee awarded five grants to five local nonprofits for a total of $8,500.”
The grant recipients were as follows:
- The Art Association of Randolph County received $1,000 to support Color Your Voice, an expressive art camp.
- Lynn Friends Church received $2,000 to support school supply purchases for Randolph Southern classrooms and students.
- Open Arms House of Worship received $2,000 to support its Family Camp.
- Randolph County Law Enforcement received $1,000 to support its R.C. Law Enforcement Youth Leadership Camp.
- Randolph County YMCA received $2,500 to support its childcare assistance for local families facing financial hardship.
Saturday’s event also featured an auction of original works by seven local artists. These pieces were first submitted to an earlier community art contest judged by retired art teacher Dale Hardacre to raise awareness for the Women’s Fund. The auction showcased artwork submitted as part of the contest, with all sales supporting future grants for women and children in Randolph County.
“The winners of the community art contest were Tim Passmore for ‘Thunderbirds,’ JoAnna Price for ‘Symphony in Clay,’ and Michael Sherman for ‘Apple Crotch,’” said Lisa Jennings, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Randolph County.
This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Katie Lash, a Randolph County native with a long history in education, community and leadership. A graduate of Randolph Southern High School, Katie was selected as the Randolph County Lilly Endowment Community Scholar in 2009.
Dr. Lash has experience serving as a special education teacher and principal in Winchester, an adjunct faculty member at IU East, the executive director of East Central Education Service Center, Vice President for K-14 and Strategic Initiatives at Ivy Tech Community College, a lecturer at Purdue University, and currently a Policy and Strategy Advisor for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. She’s also the mom of twin daughters, who motivate her to continue inspiring Indiana students to become leaders who give back to their communities.
“It was a true privilege that Dr. Katie Lash joined us for the event as she reminded so many of our attendees of the value of hard work, community, and that the rural community of Randolph County was where it all began for her,” said Jennings. “It’s always refreshing to hear success stories of previous students who grew up in the area, and are now choosing both to raise a family in the area and work in education to inspire our next generation of professionals.”
For those interested in joining the Women’s Fund or have questions about the Women’s Fund Grant Cycle, please contact Ashley Stephen at (765) 584-9077 or astephen@randolphcountyfoundation.org.
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ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF RANDOLPH COUNTY
The Community Foundation of Randolph County (CFRC) partners with donors to leverage their philanthropy in ways that transform lives. Since 1993, the CFRC has helped generous donors to meet community needs, provide scholarship opportunities to local students, and make grants to nonprofit organizations working to improve Randolph County. The CFRC strives to be a local entity known for inspiring good and impacting success by bringing people and resources together. To learn more, go to www.randolphcountyfoundation.org.
Downloadable assets, please courtesy “Community Foundation of Randolph County”
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