HOPE – The Students’ Fund of Hope has released its annual report for 2023.
Organizers of the nonprofit organization said they gave out $64,708 in assistance in 2023 in the following areas:
- $26,640 for lunch and book assistance
- $21,903 on essential needs like rent, utilities, groceries, shelter, gas and car repairs
- $6,135 on coats, shoes, clothing, field trips and extra-curricular activities
- $5,609 on school needs like a science lab, headphones, supplies, special classroom requests and field days
- $2,671 on snacks and birthday supplies
- $1,750 on community needs such as filling blessing boxes and tragic event relief
The Students’ Fund of Hope has “never denied supporting a family in need,” Hope Elementary School principal Jessica Poe said.
When lifelong friends Whitney Budd and Stephanie Long founded the charity in 2018, their goal was to alleviate any burden a child might carry that is out of their control, so the student can focus on their schoolwork.
While the two friends knew their goal would require sufficient funds, they had no idea how much their neighbors were willing to help.
On July 27, 2018, dark storm clouds lingered over Bartholomew County as the Students’ Fund of Hope held it’s first major fundraiser. They were selling root beer floats to rescue over $6,000 worth of small claim lunch accounts for Flat Rock-Hawcreek students.
While many feared the threatening clouds would bring a complete washout, the rains stayed away. The next thing that Long and Budd knew, the Students’ Fund was selling a remarkable 350 root beer floats an hour.
Many gave the Students Fund much more than necessary. There were others like construction company owner Chad Miller, who first donated $200 before driving his own truck to replenish depleted supplies of ice cream, root beer and cups – all with his own money.
But the biggest surprise came from Community Center of Hope Executive Director Chelsea Warriner, who announced the center was prepared to match donations up to $2,500. Four days later, another $1,050 came in through donations made through social media.
Many were in shock, disbelief or both when they learned a small town fundraiser held brought in more than $10,000.
“I’m not surprised they were willing and able to help during the root beer float fundraiser, and have continued to support our organization thus far,” Budd said. “But I was surprised that the people of Hope got behind it in such a grand way.”
Long moved out of Hope in September 2022, leaving Budd as the president and remaining founder of the charity. But by then, everything was falling into place. In 2023, the Students’ Fund of Hope held 16 events that included three new and successful fundraisers.
Over $20,000 was raised after Chatney Gelfius, the mother of Hauser High School basketball standout Ledger Gelfius, organized a free throw shooting contest for the Students’ Fund. She persuaded her son’s teammates into taking pledges for how many baskets each would make during 100 free throw shots.
Also, $10,000 was raised through the generosity of Hauser alumni Nick Wiedersatz, who is now a professional pilot based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Wiedersatz purchased half a cow and two deep freezers. Area residents who purchased a $10 raffle ticket had a chance to win 125 pounds of prime beef with its own deep freezer.
“We did (raffles) twice last year-in the spring and fall,” Budd said. “We’ll do it again this spring.
The third largest fundraiser is Bingo Night, which brings in a fairly steady amount of cash, she said.
According to the annual report, the organization’s Community Engagement Hub was utilized in 2023 for free tax preparation, a mobile food pantry during inclement weather, school supply giveaways, free community events and the storage of needed student items.
Approximately 250 free counseling sessions were provided to children at risk and in need of mental health services last year by licensed mental health counselor Caitlyn Linzy, who sits on the board of directors.
Also on the board is the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Matron Bobbie Shake, who made her living writing grants on behalf of the county prior to her current position. Now, Shake is able to do the same for the Students’ Fund.
“The nine board members all have different skill sets and come from different churches,” Budd said. “They bring so much to the table because they have focus where I don’t, and can do things that I can’t.”
While the rapid growth of the organization is impressive, the Hope Elementary principal says there is nothing surprising about the success of the Students’ Fund of Hope.
“The amount of community support in Hope is incredible,” Poe said. “Other people can’t truly understand it until they are here, but the people of Hope wrap themselves around families anytime they need help.”
