RCCF's CIRCLe Fund awards $12,000 grant

Kevin Green, Greensburg Daily News, Ind.
·3 min read

May 24—RUSHVILLE — The Rush County Community Foundation's CIRCLe Fund (Chicks Impacting Rush County Life) was started by six friends and RCCF supporters: Pam Hoeing, Michele King, Heather Meckes, Amy Ploeger, Cindy Taff and Betsy Williams. It is a donor-advised fund and women's giving group that pools many donors' resources via a $300 annual contribution. Each year they make a large grant to a transformative project.

At their annual meeting, members gather to read applications from local organizations and vote to determine the recipient of the grant.

"My vision was for any and all women to have a voice in the way their annual memberships are being spent," Hoeing explained.

And they do. Passionate discussions follow the presentations. Their decision is never easy.

This year's $12,000 grant was awarded to the Rush County Senior Center. It will help purchase a new wheelchair lift for one of their Ride Rush County public transportation vehicles and expand the activities they provide.

Ride Rush provides a critical service for many in Rush County, not just seniors. Those in need of transportation assistance for medical appointments, grocery shopping, or simply staying connected to their community are eligible.

Anyone in Rush County can arrange for a ride at least 24 hours in advance by calling (765) 932-2935 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, visit ride-rush.net.

"The CIRCLe grant will allow us to further our mission and enhance the lives of seniors and those with mobility needs in our community," Angela Cavaletto, RCSC Executive Director, said. "We are honored and grateful for the recognition and support from the community. Our team is eager to get to work and to make an impact in Rush County!"

Studies show that when seniors socialize and dine together, they experience lower rates of depression and live longer, healthier lives. With nearly 20% of Rush County's population age 65 and older, these activities are providing an important service. A calendar of events can also be found on ride-rush.net.

In addition to presentations from the 2024 applicants, last year's recipient, Girls Inc., provided an update to members. Through in-class programming, Rush County sixth-graders learned about puberty, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects. Seventh-graders learned about healthy relationships based on communication and respect.

"One reason I enjoy being a member of the CIRCLe is for a small personal investment, the CIRCLe is able to make a large impact on the Rush County community," Taff said.

Hoeing agreed: "I am truly excited to have new, creative, and inspirational projects developed for our 501c3 organizations to prosper and grow by leaps and bounds!"

Membership in the CIRCLe is open to all women in Rush County.

"We truly welcome women of all ages! We love to hear what the next generation has on their mind and their hearts," Hoeing said.

To join the CIRCLe for 2025, a $300 donation must be received by December 31, 2024. Mail or drop off payment at the RCCF office, 117 N. Main Street, Rushville, IN 46173, or give online at rushcountyfoundation.org.

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