Articles by Mike Rhodes

Ball Brothers Foundation Launches Into 2020 With New Appointments and Website

By: Melissa Jones—  Muncie, IN — Ball Brothers Foundation, which awarded its highest grant payout in history of more than $8 million last year, looks to the future with a strategic board appointment, an internal staff promotion and a website refresh. Dr. Jeff Bird was appointed to the foundation’s Board of Directors, and Jenna Wachtmann was promoted to vice president of the foundation staff during the board’s February meeting. “As the foundation continues to grow, we are further strengthening our…

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14 Delaware County Non-Profits Receive $569,987 in Grant Funding

By: Kallie Sulanke, Community Engagement Officer— Muncie, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. awarded $569,987 to 14 non-profit organizations during the first Quarterly Competitive Grant cycle of 2020. The Community Foundation’s purpose is to improve the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County for this generation and generations to come. Quarterly Competitive Grants are awarded to fund projects for which there is a demonstrable community benefit in one of the following areas of interest: arts and…


New Scholarship Initiative to Benefit Ball State Undergraduate Students From Indiana

By: Ball State Marketing and Communications— Muncie, IN – The George and Frances Ball Foundation and Ball State University are partnering to create an endowed scholarship initiative that will significantly increase financial assistance for undergraduate students from Indiana. The George and Frances Ball Scholars Program also provides incentive for new donors to support Ball State students by matching each dollar raised by Ball State up to $5 million. The initiative will be the largest single investment in student scholarship funding…


John Carlson: Down Under’s No Place To Be

By: John Carlson— Every time I hear loud, mysterious noises coming from our crawlspace, I am thankful for being a fat guy. I don’t hear the noises all that often, though. Nancy, on the other hand, hears loud, mysterious noises coming from our crawlspace all the time, but  in its own way this is even worse for me. See, having been raised a conservative Baptist, I firmly believe in biblical absolutes, including God’s divinely mandated division of household duties by gender….


Shafer Leadership Academy to Offer 20th Session of Core Program 

Registration for 2020 Emergence Program is Now Open— Muncie, IN—Shafer Leadership Academy (SLA), a local not-for-profit organization that provides inclusive leadership development so that people, organizations and communities reach their full potential, is offering the 20th session of it’s signature leadership program. The program will run from April 7 to May 26, 2020. Emergence: Personal Foundations of Effective Leadership is SLA’s core leadership program. It is an eight-week highly interactive and engaging training opportunity ideal for emerging or experienced leaders…


Blue Man Group Performs at Emens on February 24th

By: Tara Kenney— Muncie, IN—Emens Auditorium will play host to the Blue Man Group stage show on February 24, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. Over 35 million people on our blue planet have experienced the surprising and exciting show that is Blue Man Group. And now, the Blue Men return with a new show — Blue Man Group- North American Tour. The world-renowned bald and blue trio embarks on a new journey of discovery, the result of over 27 years spent…


Muncie Habitat for Humanity is Accepting Partner Family Applications Now

By: Sheena Peters— Muncie, IN—Muncie Habitat for Humanity is currently taking applications for individuals and families interested in partnership beginning in early 2020. Habitat is seeking applicants who are ready to begin their journey toward homeownership—NOW. This journey includes an application process, sweat equity hours, education classes, and ends with owning your own home. Join us at one of our upcoming informational meetings to learn more about the Homeownership Selection Criteria. Those in attendance will receive information on the income…


Indiana Students To Receive Free FAFSA Filing Help at College Goal Sunday

By: Kelsey Batten— Indianapolis, IN– Financial aid professionals will be volunteering at multiple locations across the state, including many Ivy Tech locations, to help college-bound students and their families open the door to financial aid during College Goal Sunday. The event is set for 2 p.m. (local time) on February 23, 2020. Students who attend College Goal Sunday will have the opportunity to get assistance with filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA form is required…


United Way, Ball State and IYI Present ‘State of the Child Conference’ Feb. 28

By: Juli Metzger— Muncie, IN—Join the Indiana Youth Institute, United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties, and Ball State University on Friday, Feb. 28 for “State of the Child Conference.” This year, the presentation of the 2020 Indiana KIDS COUNT Data Book will be followed by facilitated discussions on what the numbers mean and how communities can address the issues. The KIDS COUNT Data Book is a revealing look at statistics and demographics affecting all Indiana counties. This event…


Thousands Turn Out to Support Muncie Mission’s 16th Annual ‘Walk A Mile In My Shoes’ Event

By: Bob Scott, Vice President of Development— Muncie, IN—Nearly 2000 supporters gathered at the Muncie Fieldhouse on Saturday, February 8th to show compassion for their neighbors in need with a walk to the Muncie Mission. With this 16thannual edition of Walk A Mile In My Shoes, a total of over $1 million has been raised to provide food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, and hope to those battling addictions. The 2020 Walk generated over $102,500 in contributions and…