Tracy Souza
A lifetime spent sharing his love of music with others, some good fortune and smart financial planning created a winning combination for an exciting fund established at Heritage Fund just this year.
The Asbury Conservatory Fund was created to provide free music lessons for students in the Columbus community so they can develop musical talent and appreciation for the purpose of enriching that student’s life.
Chuck VanNatta, Mill Race Center’s 2013 Senior of the Year, likes to make things happen. In addition to tending his orchard of nearly 100 trees, he decided he wanted to establish a music conservatory to help young people learn about and enjoy music. Having been a high school band director and music director at Asbury Methodist Church, Chuck knows the wonderful livelong impact music can make.
In fact, that job as a high school band director paved the way for Chuck to meet his wife, Janet, she herself an accomplished pianist and organist. Sadly, Janet passed away in 2017, but her obituary noted the happy times she and Chuck enjoyed with impromptu moments of music while traveling the world.
Some people’s philanthropic dreams are planned to happen after they are no longer living. Chuck knew he would enjoy watching the Asbury Conservatory develop, so he got things rolling. Teachers are being hired and the conservatory currently is reaching out to students to offer free music lessons. How often does that happen?
Thank you, Chuck. Heritage Fund is so pleased to be able to support Your philanthropy. Your way.
Tracy Souza is president and CEO of Heritage Fund – The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County. Contact the fund at 812-376-7772 to learn more about how they can help you do “Your Philanthropy. Your Way.” Send comments to [email protected].
