Photo provided Heritage Fund Joyriders made their first Act of Joy in honor of the community foundation’s Golden Joybilee year delivering donations earlier this month to Sans Souci thrift store. Back row, from left: Alice Johnson, Laura Garrett, Angie May, Amy Laker, Sans Souci Executive Director Sheryl Adams, Sans Souci Outreach Coordinator Courtney Foust, Jen Morrill. Front row, from left: Jill Swain, Diane Doup, Kristin Munn and Danielle Nickerson.
Heritage Fund – The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County has launched its Golden Joybilee, a year-long celebration honoring 50 years of philanthropy, partnership and community impact. To commemorate its milestone anniversary, the community foundation will be committing 50 Acts of Joy throughout the year.
“For half a century, Heritage Fund has been a catalyst for good in Bartholomew County,” President and CEO Edie Blakeslee said. “The Golden Joybilee is our way of celebrating with people and partners who shape this community. Joy grows when it’s shared.”
Founded in 1976, Heritage Fund has spent five decades strengthening the community through strategic grantmaking, donor stewardship and collaborative leadership. The Golden Joybilee offers an opportunity not only to celebrate the foundation’s legacy but also to get energized for the next half century of impact.
Throughout the year, Heritage Fund will complete a series of acts designed to spread joy, including surprising local nonprofits with mini grant awards, taking part in volunteer efforts and offering fun activities for the community.
As part of the celebration, the foundation has enlisted its crew of “Joyriders” – Heritage Fund board, staff and supporters — to participate. The Joyriders’ inaugural Act of Joy was a recent stop at Sans Souci thrift store to deliver several carloads of donations and chat with Executive Director Sheryl Adams and Outreach Coordinator Courtney Foust about the work of the nonprofit that provides low-cost household items, books and clothing and employment opportunities to residents.
“We’re so grateful to be part of Heritage Fund’s Golden Joybilee,” Adams said.
“These donated goods will directly support our neighbors and our mission of creating a “community where everyone can live life ‘without worry.’”
Heritage Fund office corgi Moon also is getting in on the joy. The four-legged Joyrider took a birthday trip to Speck’s Pet Supplies to pick out treats and toys and deliver them to Animal Care Services.
“The animals and staff at Columbus Animal Care Services would like to thank Moon for her well thought-out choices of gifts, treats and food. We are so grateful to be included in 50 Acts of Joy for the year. We thrive on the donations that are provided to the shelter from the community,” said Julie Daiker, volunteer and social media coordinator.
