Hometown Hagerstown Fund

After hearing more about the challenges that residents of Hagerstown were facing during his 50th class reunion gathering, former Hagerstown resident Max Brown decided he wanted to ensure that the town remained “a great place to grow up, go to school, and live.” Max established the Hagerstown Hometown Fund in 2014.

“The fund was intended for education, which is the key to everything, and to help the social needs of the community,” Brown shared. Already, the fund has granted nearly $35,000 to support organizations serving the Hagerstown area including: Nettle Creek School Corporation, Communities in Schools of Wayne County, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County, and Gleaners Food Bank.

In 2022, Brown, proving once again to be a champion of philanthropy offered matching dollars to help the fund continue to grow. More than $7,100 was raised for the Fund during the match period.

“Hagerstown has always been a special place for those who lived there,” Brown shared. “It seems to me that the fund has picked up some momentum – and the Foundation has been aggressive in making sure that it’s doing good in the community.”

Max Brown

Gennett Records: The Birthplace of American Recorded Music

In 2022, the Foundation supported the Wayne County Historical Museum’s Signature Exhibit, “Gennett Records: The Birthplace of American Recorded Music”. The exhibit preserves a vital part of Wayne County’s past and features informative and interactive elements that tell the story of Gennett Records.

“The story of the Gennett family, who were Italian immigrants, is a true story of American entrepreneurship,” said Museum Director Karen Shank-Chapman.“ The Wayne County Historical Museum is incredibly grateful to the Wayne County Foundation for their support and enthusiasm for this exhibit.”

The exhibit, originally displayed at the Indiana Historical Society, now has a permanent home in Richmond.

2022 GRANTMAKING BY THE NUMBERS

$1,769,460 Granted to enhance the quality of life in Wayne County.

$564,423 Awarded in scholarships to rising or returning college students.

164 Nonprofit Organizations supported in 2022

24 New Funds Established at the Foundation.

Awarded

SCHOLARSHIPS.

New Funds Established in 2022

• Marinetta Bringle Fund for Richmond Civic Theatre

• Marinetta Bringle Fund for Richmond Symphony Orchestra

• Cambridge City Neighborhood Crimewatch Fund

• Centerville Fire Building(s) Renovation Fund

• Cranor Family Fund

• Carolyn and Roland Cutter Fund for Early Childhood Education

• Robert and Janet DaPrato Family Fund

• Ron DeMao Foundation Fund

• Jeff and Lynda Jackson Donor Advised Fund

• Roscoe (Ross) Jones Foundation Fund

• Randy and Pam Kirk Family Fund

• Paul and Pat Lingle Advisory Fund

• Lucid-Devine Family Fund

• Jimmy Miller Fund

• Richmond Day Nursery Legacy Fund

• Richmond Day Nursery Legacy Fund for Richmond Family YMCA

• Peter J. and Jean T. Rossi Fund for Youth Services

• Stults Family Fund

• Supporting Youth in our Community Fund

• Crystal Genise Young and Benjamin F. Young Fund

Award named for the first executive director of the Wayne County Foundation. The award seeks to honor nonprofit leaders, whether paid or volunteer, who personify exceptional service to others in the name of community progress.

2022 Ruth J. Wickemeyer Awardee Robin Henry

Robin Henry was nominated by the Richmond Art Museum (RAM) to honor her involvement with the organization. Shaun Dingwerth, Executive Director of the Richmond Art Museum, wrote about Robin: “I have personally been the beneficiary of her mentorship and knowledge. Throughout my twenty-five years at RAM, I have encountered few that are so willing to share their knowledge and help whenever possible. I know countless others in our community who have benefited from her advice, activism, and willingness to share.”

Robin has been a dedicated servant leader for the Wayne County community as early as the age of twenty-two when she became the youngest and only second woman elected to the Richmond City Council. Her most significant accomplishment is the direct impact on each institution and individual she has been affiliated with. Her skills help grow, strengthen, and create awareness of the organizations she volunteers with.

Robin is a dedicated community leader that has served alongside many organizations including: Beth Boruk Temple, Main Street Richmond, Richmond Art Museum, Every Child Can Read, IUE School of Business and Economics, and the Wayne County Republican Party. Wayne County is fortunate to have Robin, a wise and generous philanthropist.

The Charles A. Rodefeld Award for Leadership in Philanthropy and Community seeks to recognize Wayne County individuals and companies who have been there when organizations needed them most, served faithfully and well, and who have provided leadership and significant financial support over the years.

2022 Charles A. Rodefeld Awardee David A. Rodgers

Nominated by the Richmond Symphony Orchestra to honor his ongoing commitment to the organization and his dedication through board leadership, philanthropic gifts, and seasonal attendance, Dave is a tireless supporter and advocate for the Richmond Symphony Orchestra.

Monica Koechlein, Executive Director of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, wrote about Dave, “He is extraordinary, constantly on the lookout for ways that he can be helpful and create change. He is remarkable; the impact he has made with his gifts of financial support and leadership on boards has served to build strong futures for our non-profit community. I would even go so far as to say his impact is unequaled.“

Additionally, his passion for education, the environment, arts and quality of life in Wayne County has led him to be a champion for Richmond Parks and Recreation, Indiana University East, Richmond Art Museum, Cope Environmental Center, Hayes Arboretum, Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County, Earlham College, Ivy Tech and the Wayne County Foundation…to name a few.

Dave quietly inspires, encourages, and motivates others to support worthy community efforts. He is engaged, always asks thought provoking questions and finds ways to make an impact on the organizations he serves alongside that allows them to “live out” their mission.