By Bruce McKenzie

Have you ever been around someone who is infectious? No, not in a way that requires gloves, face mask, and gown, plus two cans of Lysol, but rather someone who has an infectious personality, someone others just love to be around. Someone who can light a room up like the 100-watt bulb in an Easy-Bake oven, with energy and life flowing from them in every direction.

One such person was the epitome of this infectious energy and vivaciousness. Caring, witty, and faith-filled, and always willing to help others, Sara Drexler grew up with a love of sports and friends, embracing all that she did, and living a typical Midwestern childhood, surrounded by her parents and sisters. As she grew older, Sara graduated from Tipp City Schools and went on to earn a degree in education from the University of Dayton, a school which she dearly loved and which gave her many cherished memories of her experience and the friends she made. Sara had many other passions as well, from watching sports, including the Cincinnati Reds in the summer and the Bengals in the fall, along with a quirk for reality TV, the Backstreet Boys, and moose. Yes, the massive four-legged creatures captured her attention on a family vacation to Yellowstone, so much so that she started collecting moose-related novelties.

After graduating, Sara landed a great teaching position with Tipp City Schools, where she also coached basketball and soccer. It was through these activities that Sara’s passion and encouragement shone both on and off the field. In the classroom, Sara was a committed, outstanding teacher and role model. She also served as a student senate advisor. On the field, Sara coached basketball and soccer, teaching young girls both the sports techniques and fundamentals as well as how to be the best they could be.

Sara’s passion was teaching, and she encouraged her students to excel in both school and life. It was these types of unassuming things in life which Sara seemed to hold with passion. It was her goal to be “all in” no matter how she was involved; she had a verve and a desire to be her best.

But all this changed beginning in July 2014 when Sara was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Sara faced this fight for her life while continuing to focus on her passion. Even while facing weeks of radiation treatments along with oral chemotherapy and MRIs, Sara continued to focus on teaching. Her co-teachers stepped up to help by handling the last period of the day, while Sara accepted her cocktail of chemo to keep the disease in check. With the strong support of those close to her and the entire Tipp Middle School staff, Sara continued to teach until November. But as the disease continued to progress, Sara no longer had the physical or mental strength to continue. Sadly, the disease prevailed, and Sara’s final day on this side of heaven was December 12, 2017.

It was during this time that Sara’s family created a way for Sara’s legacy to live on and continue to inspire the lives of future students. Since Sara loved to teach and encourage those around her, it only seemed fitting to offer back to the community a way for people to carry that legacy of passion forward.

With this thought, Sara’s parents reached out to the Tipp City Foundation. The foundation is well versed in helping individuals establish funds for a range of philanthropic purposes. The Youth of Tipp City Fund in memory of Sara Drexler  is designed to financially support childhood organizations throughout Tipp City. Some of the area’s schools, athletic events, faith-based organizations, field trips, park/outdoor recreational learning, and musical and theater opportunities are ways that Sara’s life is remembered, and her legacy carried forward. In addition to the joy of seeing financial support going to organizations in Sara’s memory, the Tipp City Foundation also planted a tree in Kyle Park in Sara’s name. This is where Sara spent many hours playing and coaching those whom she loved and cared about.

Likewise, the Drexler family sponsors scholarships for Tipp City High School graduating seniors. To date, eleven scholarships of $1,500 each have been awarded the past five years, totaling $16,500. This is just another way Sara’s legacy and passion for the next generation are helping support students.

Through her journey, Sara never complained about things or wondered “why me?” but instead continued living her life to the fullest. One thing that Sara enjoyed was journaling to help her deal with life’s ups and downs. One entry sums up how Sara viewed life. “If I were to have an ‘everyday survival kit’ I would put in it... music to remind me to dance, a camera to make memories, toothpaste to remind me to smile, tissues to remind me to cry, paint to remind me to add color in my life.”So, the next time you’re out and about in our community, and watching the next generation learn, play, and compete, remember that Sara Drexler’s legacy is still with us in many ways. You might not realize it right away, but you could be staring straight at it at any time, just like the moose who captivated Sara’s heart many years ago.

Joellen Heatherly’s interest in local philanthropy helped lead her to service on the board of the Tipp City Foundation.

A Tipp City native, Heatherly participated in her first foundation board meeting in March.

“For some time now, I have routinely contributed to a variety of the funds linked to the Tipp City Foundation and believe firmly in supporting philanthropy locally.” Heatherly said. “Tipp City is a big part of my past and I hope to invest in a more inclusive future while retaining our small-town appeal.”

Heatherly said she sees herself working as a connector to bring people and resources together where it makes sense.

“I also consider myself to be a ‘big picture’ thinker who respects those who plan ahead and foresee how the decisions we make today impact future generations. I have good common sense, the ability for critical thinking and can conduct myself respectfully, even with difficult people,” she said.

She has focused her career in the area of public service, specifically adults with disabilities. Heatherly retired in 2019, then re-entered the workforce the same year. She now works for the State of Ohio as a vocational counselor, assisting people with developmental disabilities get jobs in their communities.

After serving four years on the Tipp City Exempted Village Schools Board of Education, Heatherly chose not to seek re-election last fall. After that high profile service, she said she “was searching for healthy functioning outlets to share my strengths.”

“The Tipp City Foundation is a community minded group of people with diverse values who seek to invest in Tipp City and the people who reside in surrounding communities. I have volunteered with several local nonprofits in Tipp City and also Miami and Montgomery County,” Heatherly said.

She is married to Jim Heatherly. Both are active in the Tipp City schools and the community. Jim Heatherly owns his own business and is a former football coach and umpire assignor in the area.

Both of their adult children graduated from the Tipp City schools. Their daughter is a Montessori teacher in Tennessee and their son is a medical cannabis cultivator in Dayton.

She said family and friends have inspired her willingness to give back to the community.

“My parents and in-laws were role models for civic inclusion and volunteerism. I also credit my high school civics teacher-turned lawyer, Tom Cochran; my professional mentor, Sue Curtis; and consider several past school board members as mentors,” Heatherly said.

She said she would also like people to know that, ‘I am proud of our community and the residents who want better for current and future generations.”

Joellen Heatherly’s interest in local philanthropy helped lead her to service on the board of the Tipp City Foundation.

A Tipp City native, Heatherly participated in her first foundation board meeting in March.

“For some time now, I have routinely contributed to a variety of the funds linked to the Tipp City Foundation and believe firmly in supporting philanthropy locally.” Heatherly said. “Tipp City is a big part of my past and I hope to invest in a more inclusive future while retaining our small-town appeal.”

Heatherly said she sees herself working as a connector to bring people and resources together where it makes sense.

“I also consider myself to be a ‘big picture’ thinker who respects those who plan ahead and foresee how the decisions we make today impact future generations. I have good common sense, the ability for critical thinking and can conduct myself respectfully, even with difficult people,” she said.

She has focused her career in the area of public service, specifically adults with disabilities. Heatherly retired in 2019, then re-entered the workforce the same year. She now works for the State of Ohio as a vocational counselor, assisting people with developmental disabilities get jobs in their communities.

After serving four years on the Tipp City Exempted Village Schools Board of Education, Heatherly chose not to seek re-election last fall. After that high profile service, she said she “was searching for healthy functioning outlets to share my strengths.”

“The Tipp City Foundation is a community minded group of people with diverse values who seek to invest in Tipp City and the people who reside in surrounding communities. I have volunteered with several local nonprofits in Tipp City and also Miami and Montgomery County,” Heatherly said.

She is married to Jim Heatherly. Both are active in the Tipp City schools and the community. Jim Heatherly owns his own business and is a former football coach and umpire assignor in the area.

Both of their adult children graduated from the Tipp City schools. Their daughter is a Montessori teacher in Tennessee and their son is a medical cannabis cultivator in Dayton.

She said family and friends have inspired her willingness to give back to the community.

“My parents and in-laws were role models for civic inclusion and volunteerism. I also credit my high school civics teacher-turned lawyer, Tom Cochran; my professional mentor, Sue Curtis; and consider several past school board members as mentors,” Heatherly said.

She said she would also like people to know that, ‘I am proud of our community and the residents who want better for current and future generations.”

As assets of the Tipp City Foundation endowments grow, so do the opportunities to broaden the impact on Tipp City. Contributions in 2021 exceed $1.3 million. Today endowed assets exceed $8.5 million. Four percent is awarded annually through grantmaking.

First quarter grant applications were inspiring. Equine therapy was reviewed for the first time in Foundation history. Schools requested help with theater, music, science, and literacy programs. Basic medical needs such as mental and dental health were also evaluated. Each of these was addressed through the grants awarded.

Ultimately, 11 organizations were chosen to receive 15 awards.  Grants totaled $60,301.44.

The following is a list of recipients, award levels and the impact grants will make. The additional support that donor advisors gave through their grantmaking is included.

ARTS & CULTURE

Project T.I.P.P. (Teens Impacting and Promoting Philanthropy), $5,000.00, gives teens grantmaking responsibility over these dollars as they play the role of a grant distribution committee. This exercise is in conjunction with the Tipp City Chamber of Commerce’s Teen Leadership Academy in June 2022.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $3,000.00, supports the purchase of a new band trailer.

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 Public Library, $462.99, makes eight multisensory skills kits, which will be available for checkout.

EDUCATION

Bethel Local Schools, $2,440.45, supplements K-2 reading to grow proficiency. Heggerty Decodable Books provide the instruction. An H.E. and Emma Drewing Fund grant.

Bethel Local Schools, $2,398.00, aligns science learning with Ohio standards via a Mystery Science subscription for pre-K through 5^th grade. Over 850 students will benefit. A Radle Family Fund for Science Education grant.

Miami County Educational Service Center, award, connects play-based learning therapy to 60 local young students. The Robinson-Walters Fund advisors awarded the grant request of $500.00.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, award, adds a designated sensory area to Broadway Elementary. The Tipp Giving Fund advisors awarded the grant request of $1,290.91.

RECREATION

Bethel Local Schools, $5,000.00, represents a payment towards the Foundation’s commitment of $25,000.00 to build a new stadium. The stadium will be used for sports and marching band activities. Funded, in part, by Bethel Community and Bethel Arts Funds.

Tipp Pride Association, $7,500.00, represents a payment towards the Foundation’s commitment of $75,000.00 to build a new stadium in City Park.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Miami County Dental Clinic, $4,500.00, nods to the importance of oral health by supporting exams, x-rays and cleanings for uninsured patients. About 50% of their 9,632 Miami County patients are uninsured. A Senior Wellness Fund grant. Additional support from Robinson-Walters Fund advisors rounds out this request for a total of $5,000.00.

New Creations Counseling Center, Inc., $6,000.00, assists with counseling and psychological services for those with financial need. In 2022, a 7% patient increase from the Tipp City, Bethel Township, and Monroe Township communities is expected.

Tipp City Fire and Emergency Services, $6,500.00, promotes fire safety education with a new “smoke house”. A Safety First Fund grant.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Eagles’ Wings Stable, Inc., $2,500.00, fills a vacancy within the herd of equine “therapists”. A William’s Gift Fund grant.

Tipp City Enrichment Program, Inc., $5,000.00, urgently addresses their bulk nutrition supply shortage. Gordon Food Services discontinued their contract because of the national labor shortage; now this program is faced with buying from retailers.

Tipp City Enrichment Program, Inc., $3,000.00, updates essentials in this 100+-year-old building such as paint, carpet, and repairs.

Tipp City Seniors, Inc., $5,000.00, underwrites the addition of a restroom to the newly remodeled second floor.

The deadline for 2Q grant submissions is May 15. Jim Ranft is available for your grant-related questions at 937-528-2482. Applications are available online at www.tippfoundation.org.

Since 1943, the Tipp City Foundation has awarded $2,560,988.44 through December 31, 2021.

Members of the Foundation are Heather Bailey, Richard Bender, vice president, Mary Bowman, Diana Featherstone, treasurer, Dee Gillis, Joellen Heatherly, Bruce McKenzie, Patrick Reese, Jim Ranft, president and distribution chair, Nathan Rentz, Julie Taylor, Jackie Wahl, secretary, and Bill Wendel,

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, please contact Heather Bailey at (937) 528-2482.

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