The Cass County Community Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with the following mission:

"The Cass County Community Foundation honors the spirit of giving and assists donors in building enduring sources of charitable assets to promote education, enhance humanity and advance community development throughout Cass County."

CASS COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES LILLY ENDOWMENT COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Two Cass County students will receive full, four-year scholarships as the Cass County Community Foundation 2008 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars.  Natasha Bergstedt and Jacob Weinstein will receive not only full tuition to the Indiana college of their choice but also an $800 stipend each year for required books and equipment.

Natasha is the daughter of Doug and Suzette Bergstedt of Logansport.  She plans to attend Notre Dame University, majoring in Psychology with minors in International Studies and Latin, upon graduation from Logansport High School.  Natasha is President of the Student Council, a member of the National Honor Society, President of the Latin Club, and is heavily involved in many other activities, such as 4-H, Girl Scouts, gymnastics and soccer.

Jacob is the son of Dr. Todd and Roberta Weinstein of Logansport.  Upon graduation from Logansport High School, he plans to major in Business or Education at DePauw University.  In addition to his academic activities, including National Honor Society, Key Club, and Spanish Club, Jacob is a four-year member of the Berries basketball, football, and baseball teams, and is a youth referee and a regular volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The Cass County Community Foundation received 28 applications for the 2008 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program.  Applicants were required to have an SAT score of at least 1100 or an ACT score of at least 24, as well as a 3.5 or higher GPA.  All identifying details, such as student's name, gender, and school name, were removed from the applications prior to review.  Seven finalists were selected based solely on the criteria, which include academic ability, achievements, activities and citizenship.  The finalists then participated in further review, which included writing an impromptu timed essay, followed by a face-to-face interview session with the selection committee.  After completing the selection process, the CCCF Lilly Scholarship Committee submitted the names of the 2008 nominees to the Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. (ICI) for final approval.

ICI is a non-profit corporation that represents thirty-one regionally accredited degree granting, nonprofit, private colleges and universities in the state.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is a result of a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative to help Hoosier students reach higher levels of education.  Indiana ranks among the lowest states in the percentage of residents over the age of 25 with a bachelor's degree. There were 216 Lilly scholarships awarded statewide.

 

CROPS FOR KINGS” GRAIN DRIVE UNDERWAY NOW

Once again, the Lewis Cass FFA and the Lewis Cass Scholarship Endowment are sponsoring a local grain drive to benefit the Lewis Cass Scholarship Fund, administered by the Cass County Community Foundation.  Farmers can specify the number of bushels or the dollar amount they wish to donate, and the participating grain elevators process 100% of their donation to the fund.  Farmers can also request that the Lewis Cass FFA grain wagon come to their fields to pick up their donated crops. 

All donations are tax-deductible.  Since the first grain drive in 2004, donations of corn and soybeans from local farmers have totaled thousands of dollars to help this fund grow.

Participating grain elevators include Walton Elevator, ADM Logansport, and The Andersons at both Clymers and Delphi.

The Lewis Cass Scholarship Endowment awards three $1000 scholarships each year, one to a student attending a trade or vocational school, and two to students attending a traditional college. 

For more information about the Crops for Kings program, please call the CCCF office at 574-722-2200. 

 

SOUTHEASTERN LABOR DAY FESTIVAL II
PROVIDES HOLIDAY FUN

    

Galveston Town Park was THE place to be on Labor Day!  The second annual “Southeastern Labor Day Festival,” sponsored by the Cass County Community Foundation and local community leaders, was a day of music, food and fun for all ages! 

Local bands the Kitchel brothers, Hoosier String Players, Hight Family Gospel Group, Rendition, and No Identity filled the air with music from 1pm until 8pm.  In addition to the musical entertainment, attendees enjoyed a free hog roast with all the trimmings, including homemade cookies provided by area churches.  There were also visits from both McGruff the Crime Dog and Reading Railroad. 

Visitors toured the Galveston Fire Department’s newest fire truck, and went through the Fire Safety House manned by Logansport Fire Department personnel. CCCF Executive Director Deanna Crispen stated, “We wanted to thank the Southeastern School District community for supporting the foundation and making Cass County a great place to call home.  This event gave the community an opportunity to gather in the park for a day of fun and fellowship.  Special thanks go to the local merchants who distributed free tickets and helped spread the word, and of course the community leaders whose work and dedication made this event a huge success!”

For additional information about this event or the Community Foundation itself, call CCCF at 574-722-2200.

 

PRESS RELEASE

CONCERT IN THE PARK II Rocks in Royal Center!

On Saturday August 4th, Royal Center’s Rea Park was THE place to be! The second annual “Concert in the Park,” sponsored by the Cass County Community Foundation and local community leaders, was a day of food, music and fun for all listeners! Local bands, including Cross Roads, Wishbone Blues, River Road, The Tim Miller Trio & Pioneer High School Jazz Band, and No Identity filled the park with song from 1pm until 9pm. In addition to the musical entertainment, attendees enjoyed a free cookout with all the trimmings. CCCF Executive Director Deanna Crispen stated, “The purpose of this event was to give the community an opportunity to gather in the park for a day of fun and fellowship. We wanted to thank the Pioneer community for supporting the Foundation and making Cass County a great place to call home. We could not have done this without the local merchants who distributed free tickets and helped spread the word, and of course the hard work and dedication of community leaders who volunteered to make this event a huge success! We will be hosting a similar event in Galveston on Labor Day, September 3rd with more local bands and a hog roast!” For additional information about this event or the Community Foundation itself, call CCCF at 574-722-2200.