“Philanthropy in Kosciusko County” was the theme for the recent Kosciusko Leadership Academy meeting. Shown from left are Lili Dailey, vice president, Lake City Wealth Management; Rich Haddad, president and CEO K21 Health Foundation; Stephanie Overbey; CEO Kosciusko County Community Foundation; KLA cadet Paul Heaton sponsored by Warsaw Police Department; and KLA cadet Liz McCullough sponsored by Kosciusko County Health Department. Photo provided by KLA.

News Release

WARSAW — The latest Kosciusko Leadership Academy session was held at the Kosciusko Health Services Pavilion on Tuesday Nov. 5.

Cadets got an overview of philanthropy in Kosciusko County from Stephanie Overbey, chief executive officer at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. Rich Haddad, president and chief executive officer of K21 Health foundation, spoke about the role of a private foundation in philanthropy. The cadets also learned the basics of estate planning from Lili Dailey, Lake City Bank vice president of wealth management.

Community foundations have become the fastest growing way to give in the United States, now with one in every Indiana county. Since being established in 1968, the Kosciusko County Community Foundation now has more than 550 endowment funds, almost $98 million in assets and awards $6.8 million annually to charitable organizations. The foundation assists individuals in setting up endowments, grants and scholarships. It also helps connect individuals to organizations with which they would be a good fit.

Jackson Longenbaugh, current Kosciusko Leadership Academy cadet, created Piggy Bank Pals in 2008 when he was a second-grader at Northern Heights Elementary School in Columbia City.

“This was a simple way for my classmates and me to raise money for families in need in Whitley County,” Longenbaugh said. “We were able to put piggy banks in some elementary schools in Whitley County Consolidated Schools district and have students collect spare change, then contribute to the fund. We were able to give money to a few families in the community who had medical bills pertaining to a child in their family. This money could be used to offset hotel stays, food while traveling to a hospital, etc. Last winter we started the program back up again; we are still making progress on revamping.”

For more information, check out Facebook at facebook.com/cfwhitley.org/photos/piggy-bank-pals-returnswant-to-raise-kind-human-beings-and-help-kids-feel-empowe/695709782775847.

The K21 Health Foundation works to support health initiatives and projects in the county. The cadets also learned about the rules of distribution and eligibility of organizations. In 25 years, K21 Health foundation has granted $65 million to benefit Kosciusko County residents. K21 Health Foundation exists for the benefit of Kosciusko County residents to ensure health care services are provided and to advance prevention and healthy living.

Dailey, Lake City Bank trust officer, explained the importance of estate planning, which includes having an updated will, named beneficiaries, a living will and other health care documents. She helped cadets make the connection between wealth management and charitable giving. Through estate planning, individuals can protect financial assets and leave a legacy.

The next Kosciusko Leadership Academy session Tuesday, Nov. 19, will cover the orthopedic industry in Kosciusko County and will be held at the city of Warsaw’s council chambers.