Reaching a long-time goal was a highlight of the past year for the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

At the Foundation's annual meeting Tuesday, president Don Allen said the Foundation's assets reached $20 million this year - up from $400,000 10 years ago.

"We know that with growth comes responsibility - responsibility to remember that it's not how much we have but what we do with it that matters," he said.

And what the Foundation did with what they have also was listed by Allen. Some of those other accomplishments include awarding more than $233,000 in scholarships to 138 people; grant-making of more than $884,000; hosting adviser workshops for estate planners, financial advisers and attorneys; helping people experiencing financial hardship because of a medical condition through the Good Samaritan Fund, with more than $124,000; establishing 19 new funds; and changing the Foundation's name to include "community," along with a new logo and slogan.

Last July 1, Allen said, was the 35th anniversary of the Foundation, so it was appropriate the Foundation reached its $20-million goal.

"We're excited about the impact that asset size will have on our community through grant making," he said.

Suzie Light, executive director of the Foundation, said, "We know that the reason that we have grown to that level is through the generosity of the community."

New officers for the Foundation's board of directors also were chosen: Bob Condon, president; Grant McGuire, vice president; Kim Fuller, secretary; and Al Wuthrich, treasurer.

Tom Leedy, president of the Dekko Foundation, also presented Light with a check for the Foundation for $250,000, the second half of Dekko's pledge.

Light said last year the Dekko Foundation issued a challenge to community foundations that Dekko would match dollar for dollar every endowment dollar raised, up to a total of$1 million. The Kosciusko County Community Foundation's responsibility was to raise $500,000, which Dekko would match, for a total of $1 million.

Leedy said the Foundation achieved the first half by June, when Dekko paid $250,000, and the second half now, which triggered the check for $250,000 Leedy gave Light Tuesday.

For more information about the Kosciusko County Community Foundation or for a copy of the annual report, contact the Foundation at 267-1901. [[In-content Ad]]