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Adams County, IN
Community Enrichment Funds
Unrestricted funds (aka Community Enrichment Funds) help meet important community needs. The founding donors place no restrictions on how these funds are to be used, giving the ACCF the greatest flexibility in making grants to address the community's most pressing needs. Unrestricted funds are endowed funds which mean income from the endowment provides the funds necessary each year for grants.
Ralph Biggs Community Enrichment Fund
Ralph was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was an avid golfer, an outdoors man, private pilot and entrepreneur. Ralph's faith was extremely important to him. He was a member of the St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic chruch, Decatur.
Ralph attended Purdue University where he graduated with a Masters in Business Administration and an Undergraduate Degree in Agriculture Economics. Ralph came to Decatur in the fall of 1962 to work for Clark Smith at Ideal Suburban Homes. Ralph became President of Ideal Suburban Homes in 1964 where he has been honored three years in a row as a Top Builder by Professional Builder Magazine. He founded Biggs, Inc, in 1964 and founded Ideal Realty in 1965 along with Clark Smith and Allen Felt. Ralph founded GKB Enterprises in 1980 along with Steve Kreigh. Over the years, Ralph developed 32 apartment complexes and managed 2,700 apartment homes. Ralph also developed Cross Creek Golf Course, Eagle Glen Golf Course, and Blackford County Country Club. He was one of the founders of Rural Rental Housing Association and a member of the Fort Wayne Home Builders Association for 44 yeras where he received numerous Spike Awards.
Ralph was also very involved in his community. He was one of the original board members of the Boys and Girls Club of Adams County, supported the St. Vincent DePaul Society, was a board member of Catholic Foundation Diocese of Ft. Wayne-South bend, and a member of Christ Renews His Parish. Ralph was a member of the Elks Lodge #993, Air Force Reserves, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity, and the John Purdue Club. Ralph was also honored twice as the recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash.
Ralph Biggs Memorial Scholarship Fund: The Affordable Housing Association of Indiana (AHAIN) Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Ralph Biggs. This state wide scholarship is available to a student who meets the eligibility requirements and resides in an AHAIN housing area.
Ralph Biggs Memorial Community Enrichment (CE) Fund: The Ralph Biggs CE FUND was established to provide support to local organizations that serve this community. The flexibility with this grant fund allows that a different organization can be served each year.
Ralph attended Purdue University where he graduated with a Masters in Business Administration and an Undergraduate Degree in Agriculture Economics. Ralph came to Decatur in the fall of 1962 to work for Clark Smith at Ideal Suburban Homes. Ralph became President of Ideal Suburban Homes in 1964 where he has been honored three years in a row as a Top Builder by Professional Builder Magazine. He founded Biggs, Inc, in 1964 and founded Ideal Realty in 1965 along with Clark Smith and Allen Felt. Ralph founded GKB Enterprises in 1980 along with Steve Kreigh. Over the years, Ralph developed 32 apartment complexes and managed 2,700 apartment homes. Ralph also developed Cross Creek Golf Course, Eagle Glen Golf Course, and Blackford County Country Club. He was one of the founders of Rural Rental Housing Association and a member of the Fort Wayne Home Builders Association for 44 yeras where he received numerous Spike Awards.
Ralph was also very involved in his community. He was one of the original board members of the Boys and Girls Club of Adams County, supported the St. Vincent DePaul Society, was a board member of Catholic Foundation Diocese of Ft. Wayne-South bend, and a member of Christ Renews His Parish. Ralph was a member of the Elks Lodge #993, Air Force Reserves, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity, and the John Purdue Club. Ralph was also honored twice as the recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash.
Ralph Biggs Memorial Scholarship Fund: The Affordable Housing Association of Indiana (AHAIN) Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Ralph Biggs. This state wide scholarship is available to a student who meets the eligibility requirements and resides in an AHAIN housing area.
Ralph Biggs Memorial Community Enrichment (CE) Fund: The Ralph Biggs CE FUND was established to provide support to local organizations that serve this community. The flexibility with this grant fund allows that a different organization can be served each year.
Frank & Marlene Bittner Community Enrichment
Marlene and Franklin Bittner were married for 58 years. Frank wanted Marlene's love of our local youth and education to live on long after her retirement from North Adams Treasure/ Executive School Secretary for the district.
This fund will serve as an annual tribute to Marlene's support of youth, education, and her service to this community.
This fund will serve as an annual tribute to Marlene's support of youth, education, and her service to this community.
James Briggs, Jr. Family Heritage Fund
James Day Briggs, Jr. and his wife, Sara Lou (Sink) Briggs have four sons John (Penny), Richard (Carolyn), Andrew (Rhonda), and Christopher. They shared a love for serving Adams County.
Jim began his education at IU, served in France during WWII, and graduated from Harvard. Jim returned to Geneva and at age 25 began full time employment for 65 years with the Bank of Geneva until his death in 2011. James served on several boards including the Limberlost Bancshare, the Limberlost Conservation, the Gold Club of the Limberlost, and was an original member on the Board at the Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF). The ACCF grew exponentially under his respected leadership into the impactful organization that it is today.
Jim was very proud of his town as he recalls when there was once very little in Geneva. He was proud to be part of all the opportunities to grow and support the community through the Bank of Geneva. He aw the development in employment, street lighting, baseball diamond, library, veteran's memorial, the community foundation, 4H and more in Geneva.
Jim grew up with a dad who modeled honesty and fairness in a neighborhood where many families were poor and struggling. He watched his community come together through the soup kitchen in Geneva and observed farmers sharing their surplus vegetables. His mother was a Red Cross agent who would have clothes, bedding and food delivered to their home where she would sort the items and distribute them to those in need. His father bought a cow for the neighborhood where the shared tasks benefited all the families involved. Some would milk the cow, others would store the hay, while others fed and cared for the cow. Pioneers and small-town folks did what they could to make life easier.
Jim saw firsthand how people, each doing their part, can make a great impact. Knowing this, Jim and Sara applied this mindset and examples to other areas in this small town and were very active in their community. Jim served on several boards and Sara was passionate about increasing the literacy and well-being of area residents. She is well known for her volunteer service with the library.
The James and Sara Briggs Family Heritage Fund will be used to provide financial support to the organizations of their interest in this community.
Jim began his education at IU, served in France during WWII, and graduated from Harvard. Jim returned to Geneva and at age 25 began full time employment for 65 years with the Bank of Geneva until his death in 2011. James served on several boards including the Limberlost Bancshare, the Limberlost Conservation, the Gold Club of the Limberlost, and was an original member on the Board at the Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF). The ACCF grew exponentially under his respected leadership into the impactful organization that it is today.
Jim was very proud of his town as he recalls when there was once very little in Geneva. He was proud to be part of all the opportunities to grow and support the community through the Bank of Geneva. He aw the development in employment, street lighting, baseball diamond, library, veteran's memorial, the community foundation, 4H and more in Geneva.
Jim grew up with a dad who modeled honesty and fairness in a neighborhood where many families were poor and struggling. He watched his community come together through the soup kitchen in Geneva and observed farmers sharing their surplus vegetables. His mother was a Red Cross agent who would have clothes, bedding and food delivered to their home where she would sort the items and distribute them to those in need. His father bought a cow for the neighborhood where the shared tasks benefited all the families involved. Some would milk the cow, others would store the hay, while others fed and cared for the cow. Pioneers and small-town folks did what they could to make life easier.
Jim saw firsthand how people, each doing their part, can make a great impact. Knowing this, Jim and Sara applied this mindset and examples to other areas in this small town and were very active in their community. Jim served on several boards and Sara was passionate about increasing the literacy and well-being of area residents. She is well known for her volunteer service with the library.
The James and Sara Briggs Family Heritage Fund will be used to provide financial support to the organizations of their interest in this community.
Blair & Deborah Brown Community Enrichment Fund
Blair and Deborah (Haffner) Brown met because of Manchester College. Even though they are both Manchester graduates, they did not meet while in school; rather, they met at a Manchester alumni event years later. Neither had attended a Manchester alumni event prior to 1983; however, they both opted to attend this event for varying reasons. By happenstance, they were seated next to one another. Both were single, working professionals.
Blair was a Decatur attorney while Deborah was a Bluffton-Harrison elementary teacher. Fast forward to 2018, they celebrated their 34th annniversary.
Because they value education, they are establishing this fund to provide mini-grants for public school activities and Adams County.
Blair was a Decatur attorney while Deborah was a Bluffton-Harrison elementary teacher. Fast forward to 2018, they celebrated their 34th annniversary.
Because they value education, they are establishing this fund to provide mini-grants for public school activities and Adams County.
Charlie & Jean (Porter) Community Enrichment Fund
This fund was established by the Charlie and Jean (Porter) Brune Family who have dedicated a major portion of their lives to youth and community service, including volunteering their time and resources to area events and festivals over the years.
The Charlie and Jean (Porter) Brune Community Enrichment Fund will provide support for community events in Decatur.
The Charlie and Jean (Porter) Brune Community Enrichment Fund will provide support for community events in Decatur.
Mark & Connie Bulmahn Community Enrichment Fund
Mark started his business 'Mark's Heating and Air' in 1980 out of his parent's home (Leroy and Barb Bulmahn of rural Preble).
Fast forward to present and 'Marks Heating and Air' has grown to three locations (Decatur, Berne, and Portland) and to 27 employees and manages resident and commercial developments in Northern Indiana. Mark is very modest when he comments that he has been very blessed with good employees that have helped his company to thrive over the past 30+ years.
Mark and his wife, Connie (Stegmann), have three children, all who attended the Wyneken Lutheran School: Corey, Karmen , and Blake. Mark has also served on the school's board. In addition, Mark and Connie show their support to the community by providing time, talent, and treasure to: Boys and Girls Club, Love Inc., Adams / Wells Crisis Center, Adams / Jay / Wells Youth for Christ, Rotary Civic organization, and St. Paul's Church of Decatur.
Fast forward to present and 'Marks Heating and Air' has grown to three locations (Decatur, Berne, and Portland) and to 27 employees and manages resident and commercial developments in Northern Indiana. Mark is very modest when he comments that he has been very blessed with good employees that have helped his company to thrive over the past 30+ years.
Mark and his wife, Connie (Stegmann), have three children, all who attended the Wyneken Lutheran School: Corey, Karmen , and Blake. Mark has also served on the school's board. In addition, Mark and Connie show their support to the community by providing time, talent, and treasure to: Boys and Girls Club, Love Inc., Adams / Wells Crisis Center, Adams / Jay / Wells Youth for Christ, Rotary Civic organization, and St. Paul's Church of Decatur.
Dr. Freeman Burkhalter Heritage Fund
Retired music educator, Dr. Freeman Burkhalter attended Moody Bible Institute and received degrees from Northwestern University and a Doctor of Education from Columbia University. He taught music at Berne, Indiana (later S.A.) High School where his choirs consistently received top ratings.
Grants from this fund will be used to provide community support for music and community events.
Grants from this fund will be used to provide community support for music and community events.
Grants from this fund will be used to provide community support for music and community events.
Grants from this fund will be used to provide community support for music and community events.
Robert Eugene & Sandra Butcher Community Enrichment Fund
Though this fund is memory Susie, this fund represents the Gene and Susie Butcher family. Married nearly 55 years, Gene and Susie have five children; Eugene, Verlin, Karen, Nancy, Melissa, and 25 great/grandchildren. This fund is a token of their sincere appreciation for the community that helped raise their family and fulfills their wish to provide an annual tribute to the community.
Kevin & Becky Cochran Community Enrichment Fund
This fund was established by the Cochran family in recognition of community involvement. Kevin and Becky are the parents of three children: Matthew, Douglas, and Crystal all of Decatur. Becky, respected business owner (Cochran CPA), has served as a volunteer on many local boards and committees, to include the ACCF, PTO, and Relay for Life. this fund will provide annual support to many organizations in this community.
David & Sandra Collier Community Enrichment Fund
Savvy investors and philanthropic contributors, they started this fund at a time when the ACCF was offering a $1.00 for $1.00 match. Their fund doubled in size immediately.
David Collier grew up in Decatur, Indiana and has been in the insurance business for 40 years starting in 1969 while he was still a student at Indiana University.
Dave met fellow Decatur resident Sandra (Singleton) while at Decatur High School. They both went to Indiana University where Dave majored in Business Management and Sandy got her Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education, specializing in Home Economics. They returned to their hometown of Decatur where they have been very loyal community supporters.
Dave and Sandy have been active members of Adams County working with the First United Methodist Church serving in numerous capacities from church officers to key renovation committee members. They have been reliable committee members on the Decatur Chamber of Commerce Board, Junior Achievement, Boy Scouts of America (Dave is an Eagle Scout and has been a leader since 1971), and the Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF) where Dave has held officer positions and served on many committees. Both Dave and Sandy accepted lead roles for the relocation and renovation of the current office of the ACCF at 103 N. Second St., Decatur IN. In addition they have provided support to Campus Life, American Red Cross, and Love INC.
David is the owner of Collier Insurance Agency located at 104 S. Third St, Decatur IN. He has three employees and has provided service to over 2,000 clients. Sandy has worked as a Home Economic teacher and in various offices in an administrative position.
Committed and proud parents, Dave and Sandy have three children: Jenifer ( Schloemer), Kristina (Gerber), and Cameron Collier along with grandchildren.
Upholding the highest regard for family, in addition to being very involved in their children and grandchildren's lives they continue to maintain respectful legacies for their parents. Dave and Sandy Collier have recently established new funds in the ACCF.
David Collier grew up in Decatur, Indiana and has been in the insurance business for 40 years starting in 1969 while he was still a student at Indiana University.
Dave met fellow Decatur resident Sandra (Singleton) while at Decatur High School. They both went to Indiana University where Dave majored in Business Management and Sandy got her Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education, specializing in Home Economics. They returned to their hometown of Decatur where they have been very loyal community supporters.
Dave and Sandy have been active members of Adams County working with the First United Methodist Church serving in numerous capacities from church officers to key renovation committee members. They have been reliable committee members on the Decatur Chamber of Commerce Board, Junior Achievement, Boy Scouts of America (Dave is an Eagle Scout and has been a leader since 1971), and the Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF) where Dave has held officer positions and served on many committees. Both Dave and Sandy accepted lead roles for the relocation and renovation of the current office of the ACCF at 103 N. Second St., Decatur IN. In addition they have provided support to Campus Life, American Red Cross, and Love INC.
David is the owner of Collier Insurance Agency located at 104 S. Third St, Decatur IN. He has three employees and has provided service to over 2,000 clients. Sandy has worked as a Home Economic teacher and in various offices in an administrative position.
Committed and proud parents, Dave and Sandy have three children: Jenifer ( Schloemer), Kristina (Gerber), and Cameron Collier along with grandchildren.
Upholding the highest regard for family, in addition to being very involved in their children and grandchildren's lives they continue to maintain respectful legacies for their parents. Dave and Sandy Collier have recently established new funds in the ACCF.
Richard & Helen Conrad Community Enrichment Fund
Richard, 81, was a member of Salem Magley Church where he was a past Deacon and Elder. he worked for Roy McNett Home Builders, was the co-owner of Custom Design Builders, an d was a concrete contractor and farmer.
Helen, 88, was a member of the Salem Magley Women's Guild and Ladies Aide. Helen was a homemaker and retired in 1995 after 45 years of service with Fort Wayne Wire Die.
This fund was established by family as a tribute to these two special people that well influenced their lives and strengthened their family with their devoted traditions
Helen, 88, was a member of the Salem Magley Women's Guild and Ladies Aide. Helen was a homemaker and retired in 1995 after 45 years of service with Fort Wayne Wire Die.
This fund was established by family as a tribute to these two special people that well influenced their lives and strengthened their family with their devoted traditions
Adams County Coon Hunters
The annual Adams County Coon Hunters grant will be awarded to a nonprofit organization that shows an appreciation for outdoor programs and projects that support Adams County youth.
Tyler & Ronda Cowans Family Community Enrichment Fund
Tyler Lynn Cowans: age 48, passed away (June 25, 2015) as a likely result of injuries sustained from the car accident July 27, 2014. He was a 1986 graduate of Bellmont High School and had attended Grand Rapids Junior College and Ivy Tech College in Fort Wayne. Tyler was a confinement officer with the Adams County Sheriff's Department for almost 24 years. In addition, he enjoyed his catering business, "2 Guys Cookin", fishing and playing with his grandson.
Ronda, age 49, passed away as a result of injuries sustained from the car accident. Ronda was a member of Tri Kappa Sorority for 20 years where she held several past offices and was now in their Honorary Membership. She served on the Board of Directors for the Adams Wells Crisis Shelter from 1997 to 2013 and held the office of secretary for many years. According to the Executive Director, Angie Gunsett, "she was so very giving of her time and dedicated to helping "those in need'. She was a member of the Business & Professional Women's Club of Decatur and the Boys & Girls Club of Decatur. She had also bowled from 1983 to 1993 at Villa Lanes as part of the Showmaker's bowling team.
Married December 31, 1994, they were married for nearly 20 years. In 2015, surviving are their daughters, Mariah A. Cowans (16) and Maranda L. Cowans (20) and grandson Jaiden Tyler Cowans (2) of Decatur, IN.
Ronda, age 49, passed away as a result of injuries sustained from the car accident. Ronda was a member of Tri Kappa Sorority for 20 years where she held several past offices and was now in their Honorary Membership. She served on the Board of Directors for the Adams Wells Crisis Shelter from 1997 to 2013 and held the office of secretary for many years. According to the Executive Director, Angie Gunsett, "she was so very giving of her time and dedicated to helping "those in need'. She was a member of the Business & Professional Women's Club of Decatur and the Boys & Girls Club of Decatur. She had also bowled from 1983 to 1993 at Villa Lanes as part of the Showmaker's bowling team.
Married December 31, 1994, they were married for nearly 20 years. In 2015, surviving are their daughters, Mariah A. Cowans (16) and Maranda L. Cowans (20) and grandson Jaiden Tyler Cowans (2) of Decatur, IN.
Elizabeth DeVoss Community Enrichment Fund
Liz made a significant impact in many peoples lives in Adams County, Indiana, but the average person would never know this as she worked with a special group of people who tried to keep their abuse confidential and lives private, as reported by Dan and Bette Ross, founders of the Elizabeth DeVoss Community Enrichment Fund.
Elizabeth DeVoss, born in San Francisco, CA, to Dr. Russell and Evelyn (Groves) Staines, was married nearly 35 years to Jay DeVoss, a well-known Decatur attorney. Together, they had four children: Jennifer, John, Matthew, and Brian. Battling cancer for seven years, Mrs. DeVoss drifted into history with honor and grace in January 2001.
Though gone, many friends and family still remember Liz and draw on her strength. She was a tireless fighter for crime victims.
She worked in defense of the victims of abuse, molestation, and domestic situations. By mere circumstance most of these victim's were women and children.
Mrs. Elizabeth DeVoss will long be remembered as an advocate and mentor for abuse victims. the establishment of the Elizabeth DeVoss Community Enrichment Fund will insure that her mission will be sustained For Ever.
Elizabeth DeVoss, born in San Francisco, CA, to Dr. Russell and Evelyn (Groves) Staines, was married nearly 35 years to Jay DeVoss, a well-known Decatur attorney. Together, they had four children: Jennifer, John, Matthew, and Brian. Battling cancer for seven years, Mrs. DeVoss drifted into history with honor and grace in January 2001.
Though gone, many friends and family still remember Liz and draw on her strength. She was a tireless fighter for crime victims.
She worked in defense of the victims of abuse, molestation, and domestic situations. By mere circumstance most of these victim's were women and children.
Mrs. Elizabeth DeVoss will long be remembered as an advocate and mentor for abuse victims. the establishment of the Elizabeth DeVoss Community Enrichment Fund will insure that her mission will be sustained For Ever.
DHS Class of 1957 Community Enrichment Fund
The representatives of the DHS, Class of 1957 wanted to be sure their legacy was remembered. Using the remaining funds from their 65th Class Reunion and generous contributions from classmates, this endowed community enrichment fund was established. Participating in this meeting November 16, 2022: Jerry Rumple, Marilyn Eley, Toni Foor, Carolyn Gould and Jay Gould. They wanted to insure that the DHS Class of 1957 would be remembered
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