WINCHESTER, INDIANA – The Women’s Fund of Randolph County did not leave the theme to the imagination when hosting its annual Brunch and Auction on Saturday, August 16, 2025. With nearly 100 people in attendance, the “Squeeze the Day”-themed event, decorated in a vibrant yellow which accurately represented the mood of those in attendance, provided an opportunity for food, fun, and fellowship as the Women’s Fund celebrated its 15th year of enhancing the futures of women and children in Randolph County.
The attendees were treated to a brunch buffet, catered by Beanz Buttercream Bakery, and enjoyed plenty of opportunity to socialize.
The featured speaker for this year’s event was local business owner Tiffany Martin. A lifelong resident of Winchester, the owner of Northblock Coffee Co. reminded the audience that girls just want to have “F.U.N.”: being Faithful to their community, being Unique, and reminding us it is Necessary to find the joy in life. Tiffany discussed how it is essential for our community that we have people who are faithful to our community by supporting local businesses, organizations, and events. She then pointed out that without everyone’s different skillset and unique personality everything would be the same and not be fun. Lastly, she reminded us that in order to be able to best serve ourselves and others, it is Necessary that we make time for fun in our life.
“Tiffany Martin is an inspiring figure in our community, so passionate about the importance of involvement, and she encourages others to believe in their uniqueness and following their dreams. She is a visionary who can see the potential in others and for our county and she continually uses her talents to help others all while managing her successful coffee shop”, said Lisa Jennings, Executive Director of the Community Foundation. “She referenced our county’s current efforts with Quality of Place through the Cultivating Community initiative as an important opportunity for citizens to engage.”
The primary purpose of the Women’s Fund structure is the grant awards to local nonprofit organizations that are committed to improving the lives of women and/or children in Randolph County. For 2025, the Women’s Fund Steering Committee awarded five grants for a total of $7,390. The grant recipients were as follows:
- The Art Association of Randolph County received $1,050 to host a Youth Arts Camp.
- The Randolph County Law Enforcement Youth Leadership Camp received $1,500 to support the 2025 Youth Leadership Camp.
- The Randolph County YMCA received $2,500 to give scholarships for Summer Day Camp.
- Secret Families of Randolph County received a grant of $1,540 to give gift cards for families to buy Christmas Dinners.
- Start with Art received a grant of $800 to start hosting “Mom Mondays”.
During the event, a description and images of the projects were displayed, and attendees were given the opportunity to ask the grant recipients about their organizations and/or projects. The Women’s Fund grants are funded through memberships and the proceeds associated with the annual Brunch and Auction.
The event also included recognition of the individuals behind the winning entries in the art contest. Sheryl Thurston’s entry, “Round Barn,” was selected for the Grand Prize Art Award, earning a $500 prize. The Cherie Isakson Art Award, and a $250 prize, went to Della Massey’s “Go For It!,” while the Ruth Mills Art Award, and a $250 prize, went to Tim Passmore’s “Corn Flower.” This year’s art contest was judged by abstract artist Jaylei Osting, a Winchester native who now resides in Indianapolis.
The live auction portion of the event was conducted by Jentry Flesher, of Flesher Brothers Auctioneering & Real Estate. A highlight of the event, auctioned items included several pieces of artwork, including each of the prize-winning entries; tickets to various cultural events, theme parks, and sporting events; many gift baskets from surrounding businesses and organizations; and packages for adventures in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.
This year’s Auction and Brunch had proceeds in excess of $9,000. “Together we squeezed the day and had a bright, joyful, impactful event that raised vital funds to support women and children right here in our community,” said Jessi Clark, chair of the Women’s Fund Steering Committee. “It was a beautiful reminder of the power of community and generosity. Your giving hearts created brighter futures.”
Sponsors of the 2025 Women’s Fund Brunch and Auction included an anonymous supporter, Old National Bank, LifeStream Services, Ascension St. Vincent Randolph, Farmhouse Creative, Wayne HealthCare, Halderman Real Estate & Farm Management, the Randolph County Recycling District, and the Winchester Rotary Club.
The Women’s Fund, a component fund of the Community Foundation of Randolph County, was established in 2011 by the late Rev. Cherie Isakson and the late Ruth Mills, the former Executive Director of the Community Foundation. While Isakson passed away in 2013 and Mills passed last year, their legacy lives on through the Women’s Fund.
If you are 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.
Community Foundation of Randolph County partners with donors to leverage their philanthropy in ways that transform lives. Since 1993, the Community Foundation has helped generous donors to meet community needs, provide scholarship opportunities to local students, and made grants to nonprofit organizations working to improve Randolph County. The Community Foundation 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