The 12th $100 in “Board Bucks” was recently awarded to the Pulaski County CASA Director Sara Kroft (left) and Judge Mary Welker by Community Foundation board member Karen Jones.

The organization recruits and trains volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children who become involved in the court system through no fault of their own.

Mrs. Jones said she chose the CASA program because of her respect and admiration for the people who have a heart for abused and neglected children.

The 11th $100 in “Board Bucks” was recently awarded to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Denham by Community Foundation Board Member Julie Hanus.

The church helps encourage, strengthen and enrich the community of Denham and Rich Grove Township. 

The check for $100 was presented by Julie Hanus to church members Shay Kasten and Randy Glass to make upgrades to the playground equipment.

The 10th $100 in “Board Bucks” was recently awarded to Junior Achievement by CFP C board member Dan Zylstra.

He presented Junior Achievement volunteers Cathie Williams and Kim Shidler with the award because the program brings so many exciting and relevant learning opportunities to local students.

Zylstra, superintendent at West Central Schools reports the kids look forward to the activities every time.

The ninth $100 in “Board Bucks” was recently awarded to The Uptown Project by CFPC board member Shane Pilarski (left).

The Uptown Project is comprised of people with a heart for helping the town of Francesville remain a strong and vibrant community. Their countless hours of commitment to this cause epitomizes Francesville' slogan "A small town with a big heart."

Pilarski said, "I am proud to award the Uptown Project (represented here by Lori Carlson) with a Board Bucks grant on behalf of the Community Foundation of Pulaski County. This group's love for Francesville is priceless.”

The eighth $100 in “Board Bucks” was recently awarded to West Central’s Girl Scout Troop #00439 by CFPC board member Darlene Mellon.

She said, “These girls continually demonstrate their faithfulness, loyalty and willingness to serve. They are eager to help, whether painting corn on the street for the Francesville Fall Festival or helping with clean-up projects, they’re doing a great job!”

Pictured (l-r) are Lola Minarik, troop leader Annie Lewis, Darlene Mellon, Kylea Bailey, and Calista Sutton.

The seventh $100 in “Board Bucks” was recently awarded to the Friends of the Tippecanoe River State Park. Jack Burger, president of the group accepted the gift from CFPC board member Kaye Beall.

She said she attended the Tepicon Hall open house last year and was impressed with the group's dedication to care for the state park.

The sixth $100 in “Board Bucks” was recently awarded to the Pulaski County Historical Society by CFPC Board member Krysten Hinkle (left)) with Historical Society President Ryan Harrison and volunteer Jolie Simmermaker.

Hinkle said, “I chose to make this award to the Historical Society because of its commitment to the painstaking task of preserving our heritage and reminding us of who we are as a community.”

The fifth $100 in “Board Bucks” was recently awarded to the Winamac Church of the Nazarene and surprised Pastor Tanner Griffin (right) by Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFPC) Board member Don Street.

Street said, “The Winamac Church of the Nazarene provides a great deal to Pulaski County through its community food bank, daycare program, use of facilities and more. These Board Bucks are a token of
appreciation for the many outreaches it provides.”

The fourth $100 in “Board Bucks” was recently awarded to to Pulaski County Pack-a-Backpack by CFPC Board member Katie DeGroot (left).

The organization provides backpacks and school supplies for children in need.

DeGroot said, “I chose Pack-a-Backpack to receive my Board Bucks because every student deserves a great start to the new school year.”

The third $100 in “Board Bucks” was recently awarded to the Monterey Days Festival Committee by Community Foundation of Pulaski County Board member Vicky Overmyer (and granddaughter).

Mrs. Overmyer surprised Monterey Days officials Nancy Weidner, Lisa Reinhold, and Pat Daly with the CFPC Board Bucks to support the festival.  

The second $100 in “Board Bucks” was recently awarded to Sharon McKinley of Pulaski Health Foundation from Community Foundation of Pulaski County board member Robert Klitzman recently.

The surprise grant will go toward the Assisted Living Project. Klitzman chose to award his Board Bucks for the project because the anticipated facility will address a community need to provide for those who can live semi-independently.