The Tipp City Foundation hosted its annual donor reception earlier this month, an event to both thank and interact with those whose support is key to the foundation’s success.
“We are an all-volunteer organization, without paid staff or an office. We don’t have a visible way for the community to keep us on top of their mind,” said Heather Bailey of the Tipp City Foundation.
“Saying ‘thank you’ in person each year gives us visibility with the people who sustain us. This gathering is often the only way to put a face to the names of the Bethel and Tipp City people who send us gifts each year,” she added.
The donor reception is held in different venues with the Staub Farm hosting this year’s event.
Among those donors are Susan and Patrick Langley.
Susan Langley said she thinks she first learned about the Tipp City Foundation through the former Tipp City Herald newspaper and from some friends who mentioned the foundation.
“We have always thought that giving to local organizations, as well as those with broader appeal, was extremely important. How better to see our donations at work than to have the control under those we know and trust!” Susan Langley said on behalf of herself and husband, Patrick.
“We are impressed by the range of funding chosen by the Foundation knowing that it affects so many individuals in our local communities,” Susan Langley said.
Mike Porto and his wife, Gail, have lived in Tipp City nearly 40 years, raising four children through the Tipp City schools.
“We have always felt like this was a true community and have tried to be good and active citizens,” Mike Porto said.
He was uncertain when or how they became aware of the foundation and its work.
Gail and Mike Porto have supported the foundation for the past 10 to 15 years, he said.
“We give to the Tipp Foundation because we believe in its purpose. We like the idea of supporting local interests and local people,” Mike Porto said. “We have a vested interest in making Tipp City the best place it can be because this is our home and our future.”
The importance of the donors to the foundation cannot be overstated, Bailey said.
Bob and Deb Keppel also learned about the foundation and its work through the local newspapers, initially the Tipp City Herald.
“We have been impressed and grateful for the impact the Foundation has had on our community. We also have friends who have established funds within the foundation that support causes that are near and dear to our hearts,” they said.
The Keppels, who have supported the foundation for several years, said not a week goes by that they don’t think or say that they are grateful to live in Tipp City. Deb was not raised in Tipp City but has lived in the community for 44 years since marrying Bob.
“This is our home, and we want to see it grow and thrive. We are pleased to see the many types of worthy agencies that the Foundation supports – schools, arts, hunger relief, drug recovery programs – to name a few. We believe the Foundation does an excellent job of distributing the funds to deserving individuals and projects,” the Keppels said.