By Eiliana Wright

Bethel Local Schools invested over $7,000 of grant funding from the Tipp City Foundation in 2025 toward student experiences in the arts.

On November 14, 2025, four teeming Bethel Local School buses steered in front of downtown Dayton’s Victoria Theater and unloaded 155 first graders and 15 chaperones onto the sidewalk.

Bethel first grade teacher and spearhead of the fieldtrip, Cydni Parrish, secured a grant from the Tipp City Foundation for the 2025-2026 first grade class to attend Victoria Theater’s Dayton Live Discovery Series event, “Singing Zoologist.”

Parrish found a way to weave an academic lesson and an arts experience together. Students learned about animal vocabulary in the classroom through a language arts module named “Creature Features,” then watched as a certified zoologist sang, danced and performed the vocabulary on stage.

“To read something in a book and see it in real life is a whole different moment,” Parrish said.

A student’s connection between an academic lesson and a real life experience is what Parrish calls an “aha” moment. After 23 years of teaching, it’s what she loves the most about her job.

The students will attend the Dayton Live Discovery Series once more this school year for another timely show connecting the language arts module “Cinderella Around the World,” to Victoria Theater’s “Fractured Fairy Tales” performance this February.

Another grant awarded to Bethel will send high school students further outside of Bethel and to Walt Disney World, where they’ll make the leap from audience members to performers.

From December 26 through the 31st, 40 Bethel High School choir students will travel by bus from Ohio to Florida to perform in Disney Springs.

Bethel Choir teacher Lara Wolford said at one time, overnight trips to travel and perform were an expectation in the Bethel music program. Since 2016, however, they’ve been less common, so she’s made it her goal to reinstate the trips for good. 2023 was the first year she was successful.

Wolford said the trips are an opportunity for students to meet people from around the world, make lasting memories and apply their choir studies in a more practical way. “It takes what we do in the choir room to a new level,” Wolford said. But the trips come at a price.

Transportation, two meals a day, a hotel and admission to four parks would cost each choir student around $1,449. “I don’t want to have a situation where I have a kid who desperately wants to go and money is what’s keeping them from going,” Wolford said.

The awarded grant of $3,000 from the Tipp City Foundation, amongst other fundraising and awarded donations, alleviates some of the cost, shaving off about $250 for students.

Bethel’s marching band has also invested in their program.

Bethel Music Boosters, who applied to the grant on behalf of the marching band, is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports the school’s music program by offering time and funding. Treasurer Andrea Williams said new band director, Megan Rust, is on a mission to win more competitions through improvements to the band’s look and sound.

During a monthly meeting, Rust presented the band’s need for a new xylophone. Williams described from the meeting that the xylophone was immobile, the keys on the instrument had changed color and warped and the mallets had fallen apart.

Williams applied for a grant through the Tipp City Foundation and was awarded about $2,500 for a new xylophone from Kincaid’s Is Music in Springfield. While Bethel Music Boosters can provide funds where necessary, Williams said that outside funds “give the school more money to be smart.”

“It’s interesting how nonprofits and grants work together,” Williams said. “It allows us to do even more… we’re just so incredibly grateful for it.”

Williams’ son Liam, a freshman on the basketball team, had a game on the same night that the xylophone was delivered, so Williams headed to the band room. There, she found four smiling students already gathered around the new instrument, excited and ready to play her a song with a fresh sound on the shiny new keys.

“The arts are hurting and every little bit helps,” Williams said.

By: Becky Gulden

From small businesses and preservation efforts to the people powering local partnerships, a new weekly podcast is giving Tipp City residents a deeper look at what makes their downtown thrive.

The Downtown Lowdown is a weekly podcast hosted by the Executive Director of the Downtown Tipp City Partnership,Tasha Weaver and her co-host Greg Enslen. Each week they share the stories and energy of the people behind downtown Tipp City.

“Listeners can expect relaxed, conversational interviews with business owners, community leaders, nonprofit partners, volunteers, and organizations that help shape our downtown,” explained Weaver. “Each episode highlights what makes Tipp City vibrant, from preservation and small businesses to events, partnerships, and the people who care deeply about this community.”

The podcast was all made possible thanks to a grant from the Tipp City Foundation.

“We are incredibly grateful for the grant because it allows us to tell these important community stories in a consistent, professional way. Without this support, creating and sustaining a podcast of this quality would not be possible. The grant is an investment in local storytelling, education, and connection,” said Weaver.

The money from the Tipp City Foundation goes directly towards the monthly costs of publishing the podcast along with editing and production costs.

“This ensures each episode is accessible, polished, and shared widely so the stories of downtown Tipp City can reach a broader audience,” said Weaver.

The podcast is produced and edited by Clock Tower Media which is owned by Greg Enslen. Weaver says Enslen’s expertise ensures high-quality production while keeping the conversations natural and approachable.

Weaver explains why she’s so passionate about podcasting.

“So much of the work happening downtown goes unseen or misunderstood. I wanted a way to slow down and tell the deeper stories behind the storefronts, the events, and the preservation efforts. A podcast allows us to go beyond headlines and social media posts and really explain the “why” behind what we do and who we serve,” said Weaver.

Weaver explains that podcasting lends itself for authentic long-form storytelling.

“When people hear directly from business owners, partners, and community members, they gain a better understanding of the passion, collaboration, and investment that make downtown Tipp City thrive. Hearing these stories builds pride, connection, and trust in a way short posts or ads simply cannot,” said Weaver.

Weaver says success of the podcast will be measured in several ways, including consistent listenership growth, engagement from the community, the diversity of the voices featured, and the number of collaborations or connections that happen because of the podcast

“A podcast strengthens the downtown core by amplifying local voices, promoting businesses and events, educating the public about preservation and economic development, and encouraging community buy-in. It helps people feel connected to downtown even when they are not physically there and reminds them that downtown is built on relationships, stories, and shared investment,” said Weaver.

The first interview of 2026 was with Richard Bender and Jim Ranft from the Tipp City Foundation. They talked about the Tipp City Foundation, some of their favorite projects, and how the foundation came to be.

If you are interested in listening to The Downtown Lowdown there is no cost to listen. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays and are available where you listen to podcasts, including the major platforms. They also have a direct link on the Downtown Tipp City Partnership website at https://downtowntippcity.org.

With new episodes released weekly, Weaver hopes The Downtown Lowdown will become a place where residents can better understand and feel more connected to the people and purpose behind downtown Tipp City. If you are interested in being featured on a podcast or have an idea for a topic just email Tasha Weaver at tasha@downtowntippcity.org.

A local man who dedicated his life to service is now giving back even in death thanks to a new endowment fund set up through the Tipp City Foundation.

The endowment fund called Be the Match Fund in memory of Patrick Reese was created earlier this year. It honors Patrick Reese who died last year from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. His wife, Chrystal, created the fund after Patrick’s devastating diagnosis.

“Our family first realized a need for a fund like this as he was fighting AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia),” said Chrystal Reese. “There were several specific times when his medical team recommended a course of treatment, then paused and questioned whether it would be covered by insurance or if it would have a significant impact on our finances. We were in the extremely fortunate situation where very few treatments were off limits for these reasons. We realized there were patients who had to make tough decisions based on factors outside medical ones. We hope to be able to help in some small way so that families can be relieved of some financial burdens in decision making.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Acute Myeloid Leukemia is a rare but aggressive cancer that affects your bone marrow and blood. Patrick was first diagnosed in 2022 and immediately jumped into treatment, including a bone marrow transplant.

Nearly a year after his diagnosis, Patrick’s son Nate donated the cells for the transplant. Despite a successful transplant, his AML relapsed. He died a year later.

His family wanted to give back to the organization that helped him. The National Marrow Donor Program, formerly called Be The Match, is the leading nonprofit helping match patients with potential marrow and stem cell donors.

“Our experience was great,” said Chrystal. “Patrick's brothers and our children were tested for potential matches and his data was also compared to potential donors worldwide. He matched with 10 unknown donors and our children were half matches. For multiple reasons our son Nate was chosen as his donor. His experience with NMDP was excellent and the transplant process went well.”

Even before Patrick got sick, giving back and serving his community was the backbone of who he was. After graduating with a Masters in Engineering Sciences from Penn State, Patrick joined the U.S. Air Force in 1991. Over 22 years of service, the Reese family had been stationed all over the country before finally moving to the Tipp City area in 2011 when Patrick was assigned to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Chrystal says they connected with the community immediately.

“By the spring of 2012 he deployed and our experience of having a small town jump in to support our family began. Our children graduated from Bethel in 2012 and 2014. Patrick retired from the USAF in 2013. We chose to stay here and have loved this community,” said Chrystal.

Another way Patrick gave back was by joining the board of the Tipp City Foundation. He served as a representative from Bethel Township.

Bill Wendel, the Tipp City Foundation Vice President and Secretary, worked with Patrick on two different boards.

“Patrick exemplified thoughtful leadership and reinforced the value of consistently living up to ideals and responsibilities while maintaining a sense of humor,” said Wendel. “Being part of our community was important to Patrick. I think he knew that great communities don’t just happen, they require hard work. And he was more than willing to put in the work.”

Chrystal hopes that Patrick’s legacy will not only help families battling cancer but also encourage the younger generation to get involved in their communities.

“We have always tried to dive into the communities we live in. Community is everything. In our fast-paced society, maintaining connection and sharing life lessons is even more important than ever. Everyone has something to share, from a life lesson or story to tangible gifts like blood donations or financial gifts. You matter to your community!”

If you want to donate to the Be the Match in memory of Patrick Reese please scan the QR code that accompanies this story.

2025 is closing with the largest tally of dollars awarded by the Tipp City Foundation in one quarter since its founding in 1943. Though there were more requests than available dollars to award, the board challenged themselves to make the largest impact with the amount on hand. 

Among the broad range f grants awarded are a very imaginative project for 2^nd grade students at Bethel, a new cooking course for young families and three local food pantries. Ultimately, 21 organizations received 22 awards totaling $74,841.68.

Since 1943, $3,243,489.50 has been awarded to local causes.

The following is a list of recipients, award levels and the impact these grants will have. Support that donor advised funds of the foundation gave towards requests is noted with an asterisk (*).

ARTS & CULTURE

CISV Midwest Chapter, award*, covers the cost of a storage unit holding bedding and other supplies to host an every-3-year international UNESCO-approved cross-cultural youth summit. *A Lucky 13 Fund award. 

Downtown Tipp City Partnership, $3,200, highlights local people, history and creative culture through free weekly podcast episodes in a series called Downtown Lowdown.

Tipp City Parks Department, $1,829, supports the veteran memorial street pole banner displays coming to County Road 25A. A Veterans Tribute Fund award.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $1,552, revamps the high school video production course with new technology. A Youth of Tipp City Fund imo Sara Drexler award.

Tipp City Public Library, $1,000*, explores the challenge of creating peace through literature via a partnership between the library, local schools, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. *Additional gifts from the Wahl Family Fund and the Robinson-Walters Family Fund round out this request for a total of $3,500.

EDUCATION

Bethel Local Schools, $3,610, imagines 2^nd graders as pioneers as they plan, plant and harvest next season’s garden. Science and reading curricula come together for their study of The West. Food harvested will be shared with Bethel Hope, an area food panty supporting neighbors in need. A Radle Family Fund for Science Education award.

Miami Valley Career Technology Center, $3,335, updates classrooms where skilled trades such as welding, plumbing, HVAC and automotive repair are taught. A Koerner Family Fund award.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $3,500, supports listening skills through the purchase of Redcat, an audio enhancement system that amplifies teachers’ voices in 4^th grade classrooms.

HEALTH & SAFETY

The Centered Foundation, $2,020, launches Cooking and Nutrition Made Easy, hands-on classes for parents and young children. Courses are taught in a four-part series.

National Night Out a fund of The Troy Foundation, $995.68, strengthens the police-community partnership to stop crime. The theme for the 2026 events in Tipp City and Bethel Twp. will be, “Get the Facts-Stop Crime in its Tracks”. A Safety First Fund award.

New Creations Counseling Center, Inc., $3,000*, assists with counseling and psychological services for those with financial need. *Additional support from the Community Compassion Fund rounds out this request for a total of $6,000.

Pink Ribbon Good, $3,000, supports Tipp City-area individuals (and their families) who have been diagnosed with breast or gynecological cancer by providing nutritious meals, rides to treatment, cleaning supplies and peer support.

Rehabilitation Center for Neurological Development, $1,739.50, replaces the emergency paging system at this center serving children and adults diagnosed with brain conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, birth trauma, autism or conditions that impact development.

Tipp City Fire and Emergency Services, $11,901, enhances firefighter safety and operational efficiency with new equipment to handle ongoing maintenance of fire hoses. A Safety First Fund award. 

RECREATION

Englewood Little League Challenger Division, $2,350.33, invites Miami Valley kids with special needs to join the fun of baseball. A William’s Gift Fund award.

Miamibucs, $2,350.33, cheers on the “I Can” Triathlon for children with different abilities and their buddies. A William’s Gift Fund award.

Tipp Monroe Community Services, award*, offsets the cost of the annual 5^th grade excursion to Camp Kern in Oregonia, Ohio, for 100 local students. *A Tipp Giving Fund award.

Tipp Pride Association, $15,000, fulfills our commitment to help build a new stadium in City Park. This represents the final payment towards a $75,000 grant originally awarded in 2018, which marked the foundation’s 75^th anniversary.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Bethel Hope ($6,000*), Needy Basket of Southern Miami County ($2,401.50) and New Path, Inc., ($2,000), addresses the pinch felt by the hungry during the government shutdown and the temporary suspension of SNAP benefits. Awarded, in part, from the August Henke Comfort for the Needy Fund. *Additional support from the Community Compassion Fund.

Eagles’ Wings Stables, Inc., $2,350.34, builds brain / body connections for people using this equine-assisted therapy program. A William’s Gift Fund award.

Partners In Hope, $1,707, encourages adult self-sufficiency through classes such as GED and financial management basics. A Gillis Family Fund for Self-Sufficiency award.

We Care Arts, award*, continues Transition to Work classroom programming in high schools throughout Miami County. *A Lucky 13 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 www.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, Diana Featherstone, Dee Gillis, Joellen Heatherly, Glen McMurry, Jim Ranft, distribution chair, Julie Taylor, treasurer, Jackie Wahl, 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 www.tippfoundation.org or Tipp Foundation on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.