Articles by Mike Rhodes

By: Jud Fisher— MUNCIE— With its centennial anniversary just a decade away, Ball Brothers Foundation continues to explore innovative ways of accomplishing its historic goals. “Ninety years later, our founders’ priorities are more relevant than ever,” says Jud Fisher, president and chief operating officer of the private Muncie-based philanthropy. “Our mission hasn’t changed, but the way we live it out continues to evolve.” That mission was established in 1926 when E.B. Ball—Fisher’s great-grandfather—created a trust of more than $3 million, which upon his death became the bedrock of the family foundation. Surviving family members managed the funds and added to…

By: Mitch Isaacs—  Muncie IN—In March, 130 citizens gathered for the first Neighborhood I.D.E.A. Conference. The steering committee has now opened program proposals for the second conference, scheduled for March 4, 2017. “Through the IDEA conference, Muncie’s neighborhood associations have gained access to tools and resources to sustain effective, collaborative neighborhood networks and keep open the lines of communication between residents and city leadership,” said Aimee Fant, Muncie Action Plan coordinator. Heather Williams, program manager for Building Better Neighborhoods explained the 2017 conference will follow the 2016 template. “This year’s conference was a huge success, so we are keeping many…

By: Angie Sexton— The Animal Rescue Fund, Inc., (ARF) and Promoting Animal Wellness, Inc., (arf’s PAW) is seeking a mission-driven director to actively promote and manage the organization. PAW is a new professional shelter medicine program of animal wellness providing vaccination and other medical procedures to low income residents, staffed by a veterinarian that graduated from Purdue. The director is expected to focus on fund development and public outreach as well as supervisory authority over several managers. QUALIFICATIONS College degree 2-4 years. Minimum of 3 years of management experience. Excellent communication skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office. Experience of working with…

By: Kristen McConnell— Muncie, IN—The YMCA of Muncie joins the Global #GivingTuesday Movement and pledges to raise awareness and funds to support Apple Tree YMCA’s Kindergarten Readiness Program The YMCA of Muncie has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Apple Tree YMCA’s early education program provides matching funds to allow underserved youth in our community the opportunity to become kindergarten ready. Occurring this year on November 29, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely…

By: Micah Maxell— Lunch to recognize youth, volunteers and supporters of the organization MUNCIE, IN—The Boys & Girls Club of Muncie will soon be hosting its annual Great Futures Recognition Luncheon, which highlights the impact of afterschool programs in Muncie, Indiana. The event will host 300 attendees, feature speaker Coach Mike Neu from Ball State Football, and present their annual awards. Thursday, December 8, 2016 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Boys & Girls Club of Muncie, Gymnasium 1710 S. Madison Street, Muncie, IN 47302 Featured speaker, Mike Neu, head football coach for Ball State University, will share remarks about the impact…

By: Jacqueline Hanoman— Muncie, IN— Ross Community Center entered a new phase of its development today, when it broke ground on the construction of new sports facilities on six acres it purchased earlier this year of the former Chevy property in the Thomas Park/Avondale neighborhood of Muncie. The new sports development will include high quality youth baseball and softball fields, and other recreational facilities to engage youth, families and persons of all ages of the surrounding communities. The project hopes to engage communities and teams from all over East Central Indiana and nationwide. The sports facilities are being built in the spirit…