Neal and Joy Carlson were honored with the creation of the Neal and Joy Carlson Legacy Society.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Family was the theme of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation annual celebration luncheon held in the Winona Heritage Room on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Jerry Yeager, board president, started the luncheon off on a cheerful note with sharing a brief year in review. During the 2015-2016 fiscal year, the foundation completed Lilly Endowment’s $1 million GIFT VI matching initiative that will grant an additional $97,000 to local charitable projects each year, 26 new funds were established, a new online portal was created to access donor advised fund information, nearly $503,000 in scholarships were awarded to 228 students, $2.4 million in grants were awarded and more than 300 volunteers helped accomplish the foundation’s work.

Michelle Yeager was asked to speak at the luncheon because following the theme, her family makes philanthropy a family affair.

“You should give your time to causes that mirror the talent that God has given you,” said Yeager. “Giving is contagious, when you get involved it starts this circle of giving.”

The next speaker, David Long, had the whole room laughing as he shared stories of those who mentored him in the Warsaw community as he was growing up. Long encouraged everyone to change their attitudes and be a family for others in the community.

“Not everyone has a family to lean on and the beauty of community is that we can be that family,” said Long. “Be great, be a shoulder to somebody and keep fighting for our families.”

After the speakers a very special presentation was made to honor Neal and Joy Carlson.

Neal started his banking career in Warsaw as a cashier and eventually became a bank president. In 1990, he was named the Kosciusko County Foundation’s first executive director. He has spent many years and resources volunteering with local organizations, such as United Way, Boy Scouts, Kiwanis and the Kosciusko County Historical Society.

Joy worked locally as a nurse and has continued to volunteer in the community throughout the years. She has been a Girl Scout leader, a YMCA board member and one of the founders of Home Health Care. In 1978, Joy was named Warsaw’s Woman of the Year.

In honor of their many contributions to the Community Foundation, the Neal and Joy Carlson Legacy Society has been created. The Legacy Society will recognize those donors who leave a gift to the foundation through their estate. It will be a permanent display in the foundation’s office.

Retiring board members Vern Landis and Jerry Yeager, and new board members were also honored at the luncheon. Those leading the foundation in the coming year include Sally Mahnken, president; Allison McSherry, vice-president; Rob Parker, secretary; Steve Snyder, treasurer and Suzanna Light, executive director.