Good idea
The creation of a not-for-profit foundation to generate funding for future Bartholomew County park improvements is smart thinking.
The Bartholomew County Parks Foundation will use the Heritage Fund _ The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County to serve as the fiscal agent and manage gifts and donations. The fund will allow donors to select areas of interest, such as Projects, Youth Scholarships and Endowment Fund.
Such as setup has benefited the city of Columbus for decades, and the new foundation will be a benefit in providing funding for the improvement and maintenance of county parks that bring joy to many residents.
Among the dozen parks under the county’s purview are Anderson Falls, a favorite of nature enthusiasts; Dunn Stadium, which hosts many sporting events; and Owens Bend park, known as a fishing spot.
The county’s parks have great potential but also have an enormous need for improvements. With county funds pinched, the foundation can play a big part in enhancing the quality of life throughout the county.
Residents should use the Bartholomew County Parks Foundation as a vehicle for supporting the community assets with financial donations, to ensure that the parks can fully provide users with the enjoyment they desire.
Tremendous assistance
Kudos to those who organized and volunteered to help at three free community Thanksgiving meals.
More than 1,600 people were served this year at three sites:
America and Roby Anderson Community Center, 275 meals on Nov. 19.
First Christian Church, 594 meals on Nov. 24.
Columbus Baptist Church, 747 meals on Nov. 24.
The efforts of organizers and volunteers made a positive impact in many people’s lives.
Successful project
Columbus North student Maddy Neal organized a Thanksgiving Day 5K/10K race to benefit the Love Chapel food pantry in Columbus. Her senior-project goal was to raise $10,000 and bring in 2,500 cans of food for Love Chapel.
Mission accomplished. Neal said the race had more than 500 participants, raised more than $14,000 after expenses and generated donations of more than 3,300 cans of food.
Neal’s project was a worthwhile idea to help those who struggle to put food on the table. Neal and those who participated in the event and donated canned food are to be commended for their contributions.
