On Dec. 12, K21 Foundation President and CEO Rich Haddad informed a meeting of Milford Town Council the town would receive $200,000 to benefit health and wellness. (Photo by David Hazledine)

MILFORD — Milford Town Council received an early Christmas gift at its public meeting on Dec. 12. K21 Foundation President and CEO Rich Haddad was on hand to announce the foundation was celebrating its 20th anniversary by giving incorporated towns in Kosciusko County a grant of $200,000 each to use however they best feel they can help their residents in terms of health and wellness.

“K21 cares about the whole county, not just Winona Lake and Warsaw,” Haddad affirmed. The only stipulations on the funds are their use must be part of K21’s mission to promote health and wellness, benefit residents and receive town council approval. Milford Town Council will serve as the “authoritative body of the town,” he emphasized.

“We don’t want to tell you what to do for your residents,” Haddad reiterated, adding there was “no deadline, no rush.” Noting Milford’s high level of participation in the Kosciusko County Community Foundation’s Hometown Chat, he encouraged the town to engage in community planning.

Council member Bob Cockburn mentioned past discussions about the feasibility of a trail connecting Milford with Waubee Lake Park.

“After the first of the year we’ll get some ideas out there,” said President Doug Ruch before thanking Haddad and K21 for its “foresight and generosity.”