Senator Ryan Mishler, left, poses with Suzie Light after she was honored with the Sagamore of the Wabash award.

KOSCIUSKO — Kosciusko County Community Foundation CEO Suzie Light was honored with Indiana’s highest distinction, the Sagamore of the Wabash, during the KCCF annual celebration held today, Nov. 14. The award was presented by Indiana Senator Ryan Mishler on behalf of Governor Eric Holcomb. This year marked Light’s 25th anniversary with the foundation and the 50th anniversary of the foundation.

“I knew Suzie ran the community foundation but I didn’t know you’re on every board within a few mile radius of this community,” said Mishler while presenting the award. “I was kind of researching a little bit and the value of the funds here under her leadership have grown by 125 times. As a business owner, you really respect something like that … And so for all the contributions and the dedication that you’ve made to the foundation and to the community, Governor Holcomb has rewarded you with a Sagamore of the Wabash.”

Light accepted the award with tears and quickly turned the conversation back to honoring the donors. “Thank you all so much … You are the reason the community foundation is successful. You are the reason. You are the reason we are celebrating 50 years as a foundation. You are the reason I’ve been here for 25 years.”

During the luncheon, three additional speakers shared about their experiences with the KCCF.

The first speaker was Rex Reed, retired Kosciusko County Circuit Court Judge. Reed served on the foundation’s board of directors from 1991 to 2001. Reed shared his experience of being involved with the KCCF during the early years and watching it grow.

“We cannot underestimate the importance of the Lilly Grant in getting the foundation on its feet nor can we underestimate the impact of Suzie Light on this organization. I’m thankful for both of those things and for having had an opportunity to serve.”

The second speaker was Jane Wear. Wear worked for Cardinal Services for 40 years, and spent 20 of those years as CEO. She shared of Cardinal Service’s experience as a grantee and nonprofit partner. According to Wear, Cardinal Services has received over $377,000 from KCCF since 1995. These grants have helped fund the Head Start program, bus matches for KABS, start-up assistance for the Red Bird Art Studio and much more.

“My experience has been that foundation is far more than a receiver and distributor of funds. Suzie and Stephanie (Overbey, associate director) were always at the table on major issues impacting our community and working to identify ways that could help make positive change,” said Wear. “I’d like to commend Suzie for her 25 years as a leader and facilitator of change in our community.”

The last speaker was Matt Kloser. Kloser was KCCF’s first-ever Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. He now serves as the director of Notre Dame Center for STEM Education. He shared the impact that the foundation had on his life and how he spreads that impact through educating others.

“The gift of the Lilly scholarship and the gift that the foundation has given to me by going to Notre Dame is one that’s kind of unprecedented and unique. Because what it did, it didn’t dictate what I had to do with my life. It helped me and allowed me to define my own future. It really gave me a sense and an opportunity to achieve an unbelievable joy that I experience today,” said Kloser. “But joy, if it just stopped there, would be selfish because it would just be about me. What it allowed in my experience at Notre Dame and the continual giving that it gives is an opportunity to shape a sense of mission.”

Brenda Rigdon, development director, shared a new opportunity for endowment matches through the Lilly Endowment Inc. GIFT VII. This opportunity offers a $2 match for every $1 given to a community fund. Community funds are funds that local nonprofits apply to when they need support for their charitable;e activities. The match applies to both existing and new community funds.

Anyone who wishes to participate in this opportunity is encouraged to contact the KCCF.

Highlights were shared of the fiscal year from June 1, 2017, to June 30. During that time period, over $2.5 million in charitable grants were awarded. More than $542,000 in scholarships were awarded to 208 students. The foundation celebrated the transformation of the former Little Crow Foods into Little Crow Lofts, an affordable housing option. The board also voted to make quality child care and preparing the local workforce for high-demand jobs two top priorities of the foundation moving forward.

In addition, 10 youth-serving organizations were invited to participate in Endowment Challenge 50, which matched gifts to their endowment funds $4 for every $1 raised. During the fiscal year, 15 new funds were created, bringing the total number of charitable funds to 446.