Attendance: 72

Invocation: Bill Lawrence

Greeters: Everett Nifong, Mickey Smethers

Guests: Karin Hamilton (Tracy Fitzgerald), Jennifer Hayes (new executive director of the Beaman Home)(George Brennan), Ken Stenstrom (Fred Nieter)

Birthdays: Carla Carlton, Steve McGlothin, Daren Maierle, Doug Baumgardner, Roger Crouse

Announcements: Jeff Owens said Shari Benyousky is helping him with the Oratorical Contest, and has recruited 6 participants so far. George Paton said the Fort Wayne Boat Show is coming up and you can go online to get free passes and parking. Jennifer doorman gave a report on the District meeting. She won a citation for Distinguished Lieutenant Governor. Steve Hollar, Michele Bickel and Andy Swihart received citations for being an Honor Club. Ron Chambers gave a report on Club Visitation. Ron, Pam, George Paton and Don Reinholt attended the Noon Optimists meeting at Grace College on Monday. Rob Bishop said the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club received Honorable Mention for “making a difference in the community” at the Chamber Annual Dinner.

50/50: Marty Becker won!

Sergeants:Mitch Goon, Paul Heaton and Brittany Lyon entertained us.

Program: Suzie Light, executive director of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, was our speaker. Their mission is “By bringing caring people and Charitable endeavors together, we make donor dreams shine for the good of the community.” The Foundation is celebrating their 50th anniversary. They began as the Greater Warsaw Community Foundation in 1968. There were only 7 community foundations in Indiana at that time. In the 70s the foundation expanded to include all of Kosciusko County. In 1990 the Lilly Foundation began their GIFT (Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow ) program and in 1992 awarded our community foundation $500,000. In 1995 Suzie Light was promoted to executive Director. Donors come from all over the world and grants may go anywhere. Suzie explained the different types of funds: agency, scholarship, field of interest, operating, designated, community (most flexible) and donor advised. The foundation currently has $57.3 million in assets. There are different ways to donate to the foundation including planned giving and bequests. Please go to kcfoundation.org for more information about upcoming events and how to donate.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER: Car Show, Sunday May 19, Triathlon Saturday June 22, and Golf Outing Monday September 9. Mark your calendars!