By Becky Gulden
The Tipp City Foundation’s annual report will begin hitting mailboxes this week and Tippecanoe Gazette readers are getting a sneak peek!
According to the Tipp City Foundation, the annual report serves as a reflection of the impact over the past year.
“It provides transparency and accountability by showcasing how donor contributions are used to support local nonprofits, schools, and community initiatives,” said Heather Bailey, editor of the annual report and Foundation volunteer. “It also celebrates the generosity of our community and the ways in which philanthropy strengthens Tipp City for generations to come. We hope to reintroduce the Tipp Foundation to those in the community who may both need our help and to those who can also help by contributing to our 64 funds.”
Each year the report features artwork from a local artist. Each artist interprets the idea of community through their personal lens. This year’s featured artist is Susan Kuntz. Kuntz is a retired art educator with 34 years of teaching experience.
“Year-round I keep an eye out for talented people able to interpret the community through their unique artistic styles. When I find someone, I introduce myself and ask if they would be interested in telling the story of our community through their art. This year evolved in a similar manner. I knew that Susan Kuntz was retiring and that her time would fill quickly, so I made the ask as soon as I could. The work you see on the pages took at least 9 months for her to complete,” said Bailey.
“When Heather approached me about doing artwork for the annual report, I was hesitant – maybe even a little resistant to the idea. I have artwork for my own fun and interest, for friends, and for fundraiser requests, but never for a publication. In the last decade of my teaching, I found a digital drawing app that was fun and easy for my students to use. Over the years of playing around with it, I saw its potential for letting me use flat shape and color in many versions. Being able to experiment with several versions of a design in a platform that was as fluid as the ideas were, was so very appealing,” said Kuntz.
Kuntz grew up in a military family, which means she moved around a lot. In fact, she attended nine different schools before graduating high school in Germany. She settled in Ohio 42 years ago and attended Wright State University and then received her Master of Education degree from the University of Dayton. She settled in Tipp City in 2000 and after moving around so much the feeling of community meant a lot to her.
“I think what makes any place special to you, is how you feel when you're there. After a childhood of going from place to place, I like being rooted in a community,” said Kuntz. “Tipp City exemplifies small-town charm. It's the kind of place where people know their neighbors and stop to talk to each other.”
She explains how Covid and the feeling of isolation played a role in this year’s art project. It was during those first months of the shutdown that she would take walks with her wife.
“We talked a lot about how we don't realize how much we need everyone – the people we know and those we don't; the jobs we knew about and those of which we had no inkling – all necessary to the whole. Our connectedness is our strength, not just in our commonly held beliefs, but in our openness to what is initially unfamiliar, said Kuntz. “The quilt squares, I hope, reflect that each of us – all of us – are important to the whole and that our care for our city and each other is the binding thread.”
And that was the thought behind this year’s artwork: Tipp City imagined as a quilt. In one featured piece you will see Coldwater Café along with other Tipp landmarks.
“As we walked, I began to be inspired by the shapes and colors that I think are iconic in Tipp, like the blue rounded awnings of Coldwater Café, the storefront of Sam and Ethels, or even the granary on 571. These are things we see all the time, and yet they are part of the visual fabric we take for granted. Honestly, the quilt square idea came about because I felt like it lent itself to the flat simplified shape and color usage that I wanted to explore. Then it just grew into a way to show Tipp's connectedness,” Kuntz explained.
Heather Bailey agrees.
“Tipp City is a gem of a community that perfectly balances small-town charm with a forward-thinking spirit. With its historic downtown, locally owned businesses, scenic parks, and strong sense of civic pride, Tipp City offers a welcoming environment where neighbors support one another. The city's excellent schools, vibrant arts and culture scene, and numerous community events make it an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Bailey.
So, if there was one key takeaway from the annual report, Bailey says, it would be this: “The key takeaway from the report is that generosity fuels progress. Every donation, large or small, contributes to a stronger, more vibrant Tipp City and Bethel Township. Through the power of collective giving, we can uplift local organizations, enhance education, support the arts, and foster a thriving community for all,” said Bailey.
The annual report will begin hitting mailboxes later this week. If you would like one, please call 937-528-2482. If you leave your name and mailing address, you’ll be added to the list.
The Tipp City Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Tipp City and Bethel Township by providing grants to local nonprofit organizations. Its mission is to connect community generosity with local needs, ensuring that philanthropic contributions create meaningful and lasting impact. Whether supporting education, the arts, historical preservation, health initiatives, or social services, the Foundation serves as a trusted steward of charitable giving, strengthening the community both now and for future generations. They would love to hear from you if you have any questions about applying for a grant or if you would like to contribute.