Pictured from left are Speaker Peggy Michel, Lake City Bank; KLA Cadet Lily Dailey, Lake City Bank; KLA Moderator Allyn Decker, Grace College; KLA Cadet Jennifer Stewart, K-21 Health Foundation; Speaker Suzie Light, Kosciusko  County Community Foundation; KLA Cadet Jeff Beehler, City of Warsaw, and Speaker Rich Haddad, K-21 Health Foundation. (Photo provided)

By JONI TRUEX
KLA Public Information Director

WARSAW — Rich Haddad, executive director, K-21 Health Foundation, explained K-21 is a private foundation. K-21 exists for the benefit of Kosciusko County citizens to ensure health care services are provided and to advance prevention and healthy living.

The original funds were realized from the sale of the hospital. Haddad shared several recent grants that have been made including $2 million for the YMCA building project and Joe’s Kids (rehabilitation for children). K-21 helped to establish the service locally and helps with funding gaps and operating funds. K-21 has also provided funding for Fellowship Missions to purchase and renovate their new building; Winona Lake Limitless Park; Beaman Home Capital Campaign; Center for Lakes and Streams; and Baker Youth Club new bus purchase.

Peggy Michel, Lake City Bank, Wealth Advisory Team shared how important it is to have an estate plan in place. Seventy percent of the population doesn’t have a written plan in place for estate planning. There are many people that do not even have a written will. Estate planning includes a will, but it is also so much more.

There are many ways we can provide for our families. One of the most important, often neglected ways is to establish an estate plan so our loved ones are cared for and protected upon our death. Without an estate plan, or a will at minimum, our assets and minor or incapacitated children, are left for the courts in our state to determine outcomes. Estate planning is important to protect our family and our assets, not to mention the ability to provide for those causes we wish to continue to support, even after death.

Hosted by Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Suzie Light welcomed the Kosciusko Leadership Academy cadets and guests. Suzie explained the definition of philanthropy and stated “Philanthropy is not about giving what’s left over, it’s about meeting your philanthropy goals and vision through sharing your time, talent and treasure.” Philanthropy is something everyone can do in some way, shape or form.

Kosciusko County Community Foundation helps donors realize their dreams. There are many ways to do this, including customized philanthropic services that can result in additional impact and greater purpose with your giving. Another type is permanent endowments, where the principle stays in place and the earnings are distributed through grants. The foundation once held mainly scholarship funds, but now the funds cover broad, flexible purposes in addition to scholarships. Contributions may be made in a variety of ways including cash, stocks, property, grain, as charitable remainder trusts and as bequests.

One of the programs operated by the KCCF is the Kosciusko Endowment Youth Services program. Allowing students, nominated by the school, to serve four years learning about community philanthropy, service and conducting meetings.

KLA is a not for profit organization devoted to serving Kosciusko County by encouraging leaders and future leaders to dream and create a better community through white paper projects.  Alumni, cadets and interested parties are encouraged to register through the KLA website at www.kosciuskoleadership.org.