Emotional and physical wellbeing were front and center among the grant applications presented for consideration at the Tipp City Foundation’s quarterly meeting.  A majority of those reviewed represented new initiatives in Southern Miami County.  As is often the case, the needs within the community outweigh the available dollars to award.

One organization new to the Foundation’s grant process received support. Tipp City EMS Auxiliary, Inc., founded in 1997, supports the community with disaster preparedness.  This group of emergency responders received the Safety First Fund’s inaugural grant.  Established in 2017, the fund’s purpose is to support public safety initiatives in Tipp City, Monroe and Bethel Townships. More on how this fund impacts public safety through the Auxiliary is detailed below.

Ultimately, six organizations were chosen to receive eight awards totaling $17,279. The following is a list of recipients, award levels and the impact grants will make.

Bethel Local Schools, $3,500.00, reinforces the work of the Social Emotional Awareness Counselor, a new position in this rapidly growing school system. Tools purchased through this grant will help students learn to have a growth mindset, build resiliency and practice self-regulation. This grant was awarded, in part, through the Bethel Community Fund, established in 2013.

Bethel Local Schools, $2,744.00, stirs the imagination of 100 high school students as they blend art history and worldwide social issues affecting teens into juried artwork. This grant was awarded through the Arts Bethel Fund in the Studebaker Tradition of Giving Back, established in 2014.

Main Street Preschool, $1,500, offsets the cost of a musical pilot program taught by The Manuel Creative Arts Academy of Dayton.

Miami County Educational Service Center, $2,000.00, brings a little monkey business to the serious task of educating preschool students identified as disabled in Bethel Township. This grant supports new playground equipment and was awarded, in part, through the Bethel Community Fund.

Miami County Educational Service Center, $400.00, explores Fulton Farms through the eyes of small children served through this early intervention program. This year’s field trip extends into the evening by including parents in hands-on fun. Science, math and literacy stations will incorporate pumpkins into family-based learning.

New Creations Counseling Center, Inc., $3,000, assists with counseling and psychiatric services for those with financial need. In the next year this organization will see 700 patients over the course of 2,200 sessions.

Tipp City EMS Auxiliary, Inc., $2,135.00, covers the costs of manikins and supplies required to train interested citizens of Tipp City and Monroe Township on the basics of CPR. Classes will be free to the public. This grant was awarded, in part, through the Safety First Fund, established by Chief Steve Kessler in 2017.

Tipp Monroe Community Services, $2,000.00, supports local competitors attending the Destination Imagination Global Competition. Creative thinking skills are put to the test as these Red Devils go head to head with students from 1,400 other teams from across the world.

The deadline for 3Q grant submissions is September 1. If you would like information about how to apply for a grant, please contact Jim Ranft at (937) 528-2482.

Since 1943, the Tipp City Foundation has awarded $2,204,926.44, through December 31, 2018. Members of the Foundation are Heather Bailey, president, Mary Bowman, Jesse Chamberlain, Diana Featherstone, Dee Gillis, vice president, Dave Grim, treasurer, Melissa Keller, Bruce McKenzie, Jim Ranft, distribution chair, Nathan Rentz, Pete Schinaman, Claire Timmer, Jackie Wahl, secretary, and Sarah Worley.

The Tipp City Foundation is a member fund of The Troy Foundation. If you would like information about how to make a tax-deductible contribution, please contact Heather Bailey at (937) 528-2482.

For more information visit www.tippfoundation.org or Tipp Foundation on Facebook and Instagram.

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HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Their legacy began on a sunny Saturday in May on the Studebaker farm near New Carlisle. The year was 1950. The bride was Cleon Studebaker, who had recently graduated from Purdue University and returned home to work at Wright Patterson in dietetics and management. Lester Bowers, the groom, had recently returned home as well. For him, the return followed graduation from the Ohio State University and, before that, serving in the Navy during World War II.

Each had grown up on farms in Bethel Township, and while they were familiar with each other as acquaintances since childhood, they didn’t truly get to know one another until they both returned home. Cleon, reared with priorities of giving of oneself, treating others with integrity, and possessing a strong work ethic–all lived out in the community with a practical faith—recognized the same values in Lester. Both believed in the value of a solid education in which students could prepare to work to the best of their ability in supporting themselves and giving back to others.

In the late 1950s, the Bowers bought a farm in the Miami East school district where they raised four children: Sid, Todd, Keith and Ann (McKenzie). A sense of pride in their community interwoven with making the most of educational opportunities along the way were among the priorities with their family. Today, the Bowers children recall that there was a good deal of hard work around the farm, but all was done with a good-natured disposition. Lester and Cleon led by example. There were ample opportunities for school students to visit their farm, including field trips to see the animals and even full-court basketball in the upstairs of the barn, where pick-up games would be played among students late into the evening.

Lester, whose degree was in animal science, worked full-time at Dinner Bell Foods as a buyer in addition to managing the family farms. He also served on the Miami East School Board for many years and was a trustee for Brukner Nature Center. Cleon devoted herself to being a full-time homemaker, but was also involved in community activities such as being a 4-H advisor, judge at the Miami County Fair, and a part-time consultant in the dietetics field. Both also filled various roles in their local church over the years.

In the year 2000, the Lester and Cleon Bowers Scholarship Fund was established by the Bowers’ children to honor their parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. Unsurprisingly, the basis of the scholarship—which is presented yearly to a college-bound student in their local school district—is to support students who demonstrate strength academically while at the same time displaying personal integrity and a commitment to community service.

The couple enjoyed more than 58 years of marriage before Lester’s passing in 2009.  Today, those who know Cleon would agree that she still imbues the ideologies for which the scholarship stands. These priorities, paramount to this couple, continue to play a valuable role in the lives of those students who have been encouraged and supported through their legacy. Looking back to that sunny day in May 1950, that’s just the way Lester and Cleon would have wanted it.

Thanks to Tipp Foundation Board Member Bruce McKenzie for capturing the charming story of Lester and Cleon.

The Tipp City Foundation is a member fund of The Troy Foundation. If you would like information about how to make a tax-deductible contribution, please contact Heather Bailey at (937) 528-2482.

For more information visit www.tippfoundation.org or Tipp Foundation on Facebook and Instagram.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR TIPP CITY FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS
DIANA FEATHERSTONE, BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2016

Meeting board members, and learning of their area of interest, is one way to shake hands with the people volunteering for the foundation.

Tip your hat to Diana, e-media chairperson. She handles all Foundation communication that uses an electronic platform. Diana explains, “the use of technology is a key element used to communicate with our community”. For example, under her guidance the TIPPing Point e-newsletter invites readers to stay connected online. Diana also uses Facebook and Instagram to showcase the impact on our community.

Diana explains that being active on the board requires “being able to see the big picture, being ethical, and being in alignment with the organization.” Diana is an experienced board member sitting on several local boards and being an unwavering advocate for our community.

She believes the success of the board is based on the diversity reflected in the members. Board members are different ages, live in different areas of the community, and have varying areas of expertise.

Diana and her husband, McKay, moved to Tipp City in 2006 from Indianapolis, Indiana. They have two active teens and enjoy sports events.

Diana also volunteers her time as a CASA/GAL serving abused and neglected children throughout Miami County.

I asked Diana about a favorite grant awarded by the Foundation.  She felt a connection with the Tipp Pride Association. The grant is a commitment of $75,000 over 10 years toward the building of a new stadium in City Park. This stadium will seat 3,500 spectators. What a special way to celebrate the Tipp City Foundation’s 75th Anniversary.

It was exciting to sit across the table from Diana and see the passion and devotion she clearly feels for the work she does for all of us. Thanks Diana.

By Nancy Stouder-McAlpin, former board member

The launch of the Tipp City Foundation’s 76^th year began with the news that 2019 has the largest amount of discretionary grant dollars available in its history. Over $106,000 will be awarded by the Foundation over the course of its quarterly grant cycles.  The first awards were given on March 14.

One organization new to the Foundation grant process received support. It is Isaiah’s Place, Inc., which oversees therapeutic foster care for Miami County and beyond.

The Senior Wellness Fund, established by John and Kay Berk in 2016 in memory of their son Billy Berk, awarded its first grant. The fund’s purpose is to promote senior health and wellness programs in areas such as eyesight, hearing and dental needs. More on how this fund impacts seniors through the Miami County Dental Clinic is detailed below.

Ultimately, 12 organizations were chosen to receive 16 awards totaling $42,530.00. The following is a list of recipients, award levels and the impact grants will make.

Child Care Choices, $2,000.00, purchases books for the Story Lady, volunteer educators making more than 200 visits to Miami County childcare centers and home childcare providers during the 2019-20 school year. Addressing the importance of literacy fundamentals before a child enters kindergarten is the motivation behind this 20-year-old program. This grant was awarded, in part, through the Bethel Community Fund.

Isaiah’s Place, Inc., $2,770.00, positions this agency to complete a foster home recruitment plan and to double the number in Tipp City and Bethel Township. At any given time, Miami County has between 35 and 50 children in foster care.

Miami County Dental Clinic, $1,500.00, furthers their mission of providing quality dental care in a compassionate, accessible environment to low-income, uninsured, and under-insured patients. Of their nearly 12,000 active patients, about 350 per year are senior citizens from the Tipp City community. Specifically, this grant will update the Clinic’s web site to make access easier for patients. This grant was awarded through the Senior Wellness Fund and the August Henke Comfort for the Needy Fund.

Project T.I.P.P. (Teens Impacting and Promoting Philanthropy), $5,000.00, gives teens grantmaking responsibility as they play the role of a grant distribution committee.  Collectively they allocate money to area non-profits. This exercise is in conjunction with the Tipp City Chamber of Commerce Teen Leadership Academy.

Tipp City Area Arts Council, $5,000.00, blows the minds of passersby on downtown Tipp City in 2020 by supporting Artworks on Main. The fantasy world of puppeteer Tristan Cupp will come to life through a kinetic, interactive sculpture incorporating mechanics, design, engineering, nature and art.

Tipp City Enrichment Program, $2,650.00, enhances the summer activities offered to the children who attend this extended care program.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $2,000.00, promotes Stagecrafters Summer Theatre Drama Camp, giving children a two-week experience working both on stage and behind the scenes of a play.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $1,431.00, sends 3^rd graders to Ohio Caverns in West Liberty, Ohio. Explored since 1897, this natural attraction bears witness to nature’s underground beauty.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $1,000.00, excites kindergarten and 1^st graders when they meet Jeffrey Ebbler and hear firsthand about the creative stages of writing and illustrating his books.  A graduate of Art Academy of Cincinnati, Ebbler has been creating art for children for almost a decade. His books include Snow Day for Mouse, April Fool, Phyllis, and Jingle Bells.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $800.00, breaks beyond traditional teaching methods for gifted 5^th graders through higher-level puzzle-solving activity kits. Lessons will involve math, science, language arts and social studies.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $600.00, enriches the science curricula for 1^st graders with visits from Boonshoft Museum’s Animals Alive...cute, cuddly creepy and crawly.

Tipp City Public Library, $2,000.00, explores the challenge of creating peace through literature with Pulitzer Prize winning author Gilbert King. More than 600 juniors and seniors from Tipp, Troy and Piqua High Schools will attend an interactive lecture to uncover his research process as well as his passion for social justice. Creating a more worldly generation is the goal of this partnership with the Dayton Literary Peace Prize.

Tipp City Seniors, Inc., $2,400.00, meets the needs of this expanding organization by purchasing and installing presentation equipment for a weekly guest speaker series.  Since moving to their new location in the fall of 2018, this organization has added 75 new members. This grant was awarded, in part, through the August Henke Comfort for the Needy Fund.

Tipp Monroe Swim Team, $879.00, purchases a new starting system for this recreational summer swim program. Each year over 100 area youth join the team.

Tipp Pride Association, $7,500.00, represents the second payment of the Foundation’s commitment of $75,000 over 10 years towards the building of the new stadium in City Park. These dollars will be leveraged during matching gift campaigns.

Troy-Miami County Public Library, $5,000.00, supports Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, serving over 600 children under the age of five in Tipp City and Bethel Township. This grant was awarded, in part, through the Bethel Community Fund and the Jim and June Kyle Family Fund.

The deadline for 2Q grant submissions is June 1. If you would like information about how to apply for a grant, please contact Jim Ranft at (937) 528-2482.

Since 1943, the Tipp City Foundation has awarded $2,204,926.44, through December 31, 2018. Members of the Foundation are Heather Bailey, president, Mary Bowman, Jesse Chamberlain, Diana Featherstone, Dee Gillis, vice president, Dave Grim, treasurer, Melissa Keller, Bruce McKenzie, Jim Ranft, distribution chair, Nathan Rentz, Pete Schinaman, Claire Timmer, Jackie Wahl, secretary, and Sarah Worley.

The Tipp City Foundation is a member fund of The Troy Foundation. If you would like information about how to make a tax-deductible contribution, please contact Heather Bailey at (937) 528-2482.

For more information visit www.tippfoundation.org or Tipp Foundation on Facebook and Instagram.

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The Diamond Jubilee, marking the Tipp City Foundation’s 75th anniversary, has ended with the fourth quarter grants distribution. Through the end of this year over $2.2 million has been returned to this community through grants since its founding. As is often the case, the amount of dollars requested exceeded the amount available to award.

Three organizations new to the Foundation grant process received support; Breast Wishes Foundation, Connections of Tipp City and Family Abuse Shelter of Miami County.

Ultimately, nine organizations were chosen to receive 15 awards totaling $23,226.37. The following is a list of recipients, award levels and the purposes funded.

Bethel Local Schools, $770, hosts an art show for students and the community where work by high school Art 1 and Art 2 pupils will be displayed. This grant was awarded through the Arts Bethel Fund in the Studebaker Tradition of Giving Back, established in 2014.

Bethel Local Schools, $239, purchases books for the elementary library to support science learning. This grant was awarded through the Radle Family Fund for Science Education, which supports conservation activities, established in 2007.

Breast Wishes Foundation, $3,000, grants wishes to enhance the lives of women actively fighting breast cancer in Tipp City and Bethel Township.

Child Care Choices, $2,000, purchases books for the Story Lady, volunteer educators making more than 200 visits to Miami County childcare centers and home childcare providers during the 2018-19 school year. Addressing the importance of a literacy fundamentals before a child enters kindergarten is the motivation behind this 20-year-old program.

Connections of Tipp City, $2,109.72, supports one of the newest nonprofits in the area. This after school program offers middle and high school students new options for their free time.

Family Abuse Shelter of Miami County, $5,182, contributes to the shelter expansion. In 2017, 70 victims of domestic violence from Tipp City and Bethel Township were given emergency shelter; 52 victims were given legal advocacy.

St. John’s Early Childhood Program, $500, brings the Dayton Ballet on site with their bug and natural world-based performances.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $1,240.52, immerses 3rd - 5th grade students in the technical world with the purchase of virtual reality kits. Teacher-led, the class follows lectures while wearing futuristic headgear.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $800, breaks beyond traditional teaching methods in the Design Thinking Class with “breakout rooms”. These 7th and 8th grade students will work in teams to investigate open-ended problem solving as well as create challenges for other students to explore during RED Devil period.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $650, stacks the future of STEM learning in favor of Broadway Elementary students through the purchase of a LEGO station for the library.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $304.03, strengthens fine motor muscles of 2nd and 3rd grade students by underwriting the costs of a new fiber arts curriculum. Weaving, sewing and felting are examples of the new skills these 400 students will learn.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $289.10, purchases owl pellets for 2nd grade dissectors. For those of us who have been away from a science lab for a while, a refresher on what exactly those are: “Indigestible parts from prey (such as teeth, skulls, claws, and feathers) are too dangerous to pass through the digestive tract. So, the owl's gizzard compacts them into a tight pellet that it regurgitates.”

Tipp City Parks Department, $2,542, expands the walking path around City Park with a 180 foot addition.  This grant was awarded through the Warren E. Miltenberger Parkland Fund, established in 2008.

Tipp Monroe Community Services, $2,600, defrays the cost of the annual 5th grade excursion to Camp Kern in Oregonia, Ohio.

Tipp Monroe Community Services, $1,000, funds the Eyeglass Program, which provides an annual eye exam and new glasses for citizens in need.

The deadline for 1Q grant submissions is March 1. If you would like information about how to apply for a grant, please contact Jim Ranft at (937) 667-1270.

Since 1943, the Tipp City Foundation has awarded $2,204,926.44, through December 31, 2018. Members of the Foundation are Heather Bailey, president, Mary Bowman, Jesse Chamberlain, Diana Featherstone, Dee Gillis, vice president, Dave Grim, treasurer, Melissa Keller, Bruce McKenzie, Jim Ranft, distribution chair, Nathan Rentz, Pete Schinaman, Claire Timmer, Jackie Wahl, secretary, and Sarah Worley.

The Tipp City Foundation is a member fund of The Troy Foundation. If you would like information about how to make a tax-deductible contribution, please contact Heather Bailey at (937) 667-4499.

For more information visit www.tippfoundation.org or Tipp Foundation on Facebook.

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We'd love to stay in touch. Stay connected with the Tipp City Foundation by: Following us on Facebook or Instagram
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