CONTACT: HEATHER BAILEY
(937) 478-3400
TIPP CITY, OH-
Honeyman’s leadership remembered with Welcoming Sports Tribute
The first quarter’s meeting of our hometown foundation was a time to remember.
Last week Gordon Honeyman, age 87, passed away. He served as a foundation trustee for over 20 years before retiring to the rank of emeritus, in 2009. He was a soft-spoken man of distinction whose opinion carried thoughtful weight. When rapid growth began after 1998, his memories of the people who served in the early days of the foundation were particularly valuable.
Gordon set the bar for what it means to love Tipp City. In the days after his passing, the lists of civic and professional achievements filled conversations around town. From the Foundation’s perspective, his love was demonstrated when he let it be known his estate plan included The Tippecanoe Fund by Gordon Honeyman. This is an unrestricted endowment he established within the Foundation, which will last permanently. Forever.
To celebrate Gordon and his love of high school sports, a unique grant was awarded from his fund. The award went to the City of Tipp to help with the installation of sports championship signage, welcoming visitors as they enter Tipp. “Good gosh,” Gordon might be heard saying about the giant signs arriving soon with help from this grant. Read a few more details below about the grant.
That was just one of many awards made during the meeting. Among the broad range of grants awarded are Tai Chi classes at the Senior Center, a weeklong rocks, ropes and treetops outdoor adventure and education program at the Miami County Park District, and 3D self-portrait model-making for 5th graders. Ultimately, 13 organizations received 17 awards totaling $75,005.62. Since 1943, $3,318,495.12 has been awarded to local causes.
The following is a list of recipients, award levels and impact these grants will have. Support donor advised funds gave towards requests is noted with an asterisk (*).
ARTS & CULTURE
Downtown Tipp City Partnership, $3,000, beautifies the downtown by equipping volunteer teams with a mobile tank to water the large flowerpots on Main Street. These volunteers call themselves Pot Tarts. *Additional help from the Robinson Walters Fund fulfills the request for a total of $5,000.
Downtown Tipp City Partnership, $2,555, zhuzhes the exteriors of downtown properties identified through the Partnership’s Façade Improvement Program. An Urban Stewardship Fund award.
Project T.I.P.P. (Teens Impacting and Promoting Philanthropy), $5,000, gives teens grantmaking responsibility in conjunction with the Tipp City Chamber of Commerce’s Teen Leadership Academy.
Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $2,458.29, builds a comprehensive, diverse and developmentally appropriate music instrument library for the elementary school. Music literacy, performance preparation and culturally responsive teaching will be enhanced by this new collection. Awarded, in part, from the Youth of Tipp City Fund imo Sara Drexler.
Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $1,313.87, integrates technology, visual art and self-expression through the purchase of supplies to handmake 3D printed Funko-Pop style self-portraits. Students will design, sculpt and paint 3D models of themselves. Awarded from the Youth of Tipp City Fund imo Sara Drexler.
EDUCATION
Miami County Educational Service Center, $1,000, recognizes valedictorians and salutatorians of Miami County at an annual banquet held for them and their most influential teachers.
HEALTH & SAFETY
The Edison Foundation, $5,000, supports the building of classrooms dedicated to the field of nursing at Edison State Community College. This is the 3rd of 5 payments, which will total $25,000.
Miami County Dental Clinic, $3,360, assures the operations of this clinic stay in compliance while ensuring a positive workplace for dental staff and clients. Over 30% of clients are senior citizens. Awarded, in part, from the Senior Wellness Fund.
Tipp City Fire and Emergency Services, $4,436.10, promotes basic first aid and life saving techniques by updating hands-on equipment used to teach essentials of safety. A Safety First Fund award.
Tipp City Seniors, Inc, $600, focuses on the improvement of balance, strength, flexibility, and stress reduction through tai chi classes. A Senior Wellness Fund award.
NATURE
Brukner Nature Center, $5,673.50, reboots the computer infrastructure of this wildlife conservation and rehabilitation preserve. Last year the center welcomed over 110,000 visitors.
Tipp City Parks Department, $400, sprouts the next generation of tree lovers with a gift of a sapling to each 1st grader at Broadway Elementary. With over 175 students, these trees will boost Tipp City’s urban canopy. A Lucille Milner Trees for Tipp Fund award.
RECREATION
City of Tipp City, $11,083, boasts athletic accomplishments of area students loud and proud by supporting the installation of four large championship signs at the edges of the City. We Are the Champions! Awarded, in part, from The Tippecanoe Fund by Gordon Honeyman. This award marks the grantmaking milestone of $3.25 million since the foundation began in 1943.
Miami County Park District, $9,187, inspires kids of all ages to challenge themselves to enjoy the outdoors in a whole new way through “Rocks, Ropes and Treetops Outdoor Adventure!” program. Part of a week-long festival, this blends environmental education and outdoor adventure. Awarded, in part, from the Radle Family Fund for Science Education.
Miamibucs, $4,938.86, provides three adapted tricycles for individuals who cannot ride a typical tryke. A William’s Gift Fund grant.
Tipp City Parks Department, $10,000, volleys financial support towards building pickleball courts in Kyle Park. This is the 2nd of 5 payments, totaling $50,000. Awarded, in part, from Jim & June Kyle Family Fund, Outdoor Experiences Fund iho Abby Kessler Bowling, and Warren E. Miltenberger Parkland Fund.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Miami County Partners for Animal Welfare, $5,000, fulfills a commitment to this no-kill animal shelter and with the 2nd of 10 payments. Ultimately, $50,000 will be awarded.
New Path, Inc, award, helps more than 30 families with financial support during times of personal downturn. *A Community Compassion Fund award.
Discretionary grants are made possible because of contributions, of any size, from the public. A full list of the foundation’s 67 endowment funds is available at tippfoundation.org.
Quarterly grant deadlines are February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15 each year. Jim Ranft is available for your grant-related questions at 937-528-2482. Applications are available online at www.tippfoundation.org.
Members of the Foundation are Heather Bailey, Richard Bender, president, Bryan Blake, Sarah Gillenwater, Kelly Gillis, Cameron Haller, Joellen Heatherly, Susan Kuntz, Renee Matsunami, Glen McMurry, Jim Ranft, distribution chair, Julie Taylor, treasurer, Julia Watson, Bill Wendel, secretary / vice president, and Carolyn Wright.
The Tipp City Foundation is a component fund of The Troy Foundation. If you would like information about how to make a tax-deductible contribution or how to establish an endowment fund, please contact Heather Bailey at (937) 528-2482.
For more information visit tippfoundation.org or Tipp Foundation on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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