With assets of $10.3 million, the Daviess County Community Foundation now has an estimated 88 endowment funds. At the foundation’s 15th anniversary celebration Monday night Foundation President Lee Coffman presented 36 grants totaling $171,000 made possible through endowed funds created by donors in Daviess County.

Joe Wellman, a Foundation founding member, gave an update on the Foundation, which began Jan. 4, 1993, with a commitment to raise $8,000. Wellman explained there was no staff, no assets and no money in the bank. The first gift of $400 came from Art and Barbara Boddy.

Thanks to the generous giving of individuals like the Boddy's and Jay Myers, $233,000 was raised by the second year, Wellman said.

In the last 15 years, $4,962,000 in funds have been distributed to local organizations.

"The strength of the foundation is in the people involved," Wellman said.

Former Foundation President Alan Bubalo was awarded the Horizon Award for being an exceptional member of the community and for his selfless support, volunteerism, leadership, coaching and professionalism.

After apologizing for not wearing a tie, Bubalo said "it is a privilege to live in Daviess County."

In a moving moment, a gift of a scrapbook was presented to Barbara Boddy and her daughters in thanks and honor of her late husband Art Boddy and his life. Art passed away this year but was still remembered as several people stood and honored him as he had touched their lives, saying Art cared about everybody and the community. He and Barbara were involved in several organizations and gave tirelessly of their time and money. Several people left sentiments of Art for Barbara to be placed in the scrapbook. Foundation Director Jeannie Fields and her daughter Tracy Guy made the scrapbook for the Boddy family with all the pictures and articles she had of Art and his giving to the community as a founding member of the foundation.

Guest speaker for the evening was Brad Bumgardner, executive director of Parke County Community Foundation. He spoke of Community Foundations doing three things with local dollars — gathers, grows and grants them. Bumgardner asked if anyone ever really enjoys life when you are alive, saying people need to reflect more, stop and think intensely.

“Take a risk. To be aware you have to take risks. Nothing is sadder than the words ‘what might have been,’” Bumgardner said. "Have you made any plans to live on after you’re gone? The Daviess County Foundation is in the hands of the citizens and can be whatever you want it to be.”

Grants presented Monday went to:

$5,000 — Daviess County Fair for full funding for a roof over the bandstand project

$11,871 — Lighthouse Recovery Center for building improvements

$1,000 — Salvation Army for emergency assistance

$6,000 — Generations for Meals on Wheels in Daviess County