Food bank fund founded

(This story originally appeared in The Republic, March 26, 2004)

Hope citizens must match former resident's pledge of $25,000

By Jerry Battiste

jbattiste@therepublic.com

HOPE -- Former resident Tim Andrews announced the formation of the Hope Area Food Bank Fund with a pledge of $25,000.

Andrews, who two years ago helped form the Hawcreek-Flat Rock Endowment Fund, said the money would eventually support the operating costs of the food bank but is primarily designed to help the bank provide for families.

"The idea is that, over time, the contributions will grow to such a large balance that income from the balance will be sufficient to support operating expenses of the food bank," he said.

"Building this much money up will take a lot of time and a lot of hard work, but we have to start somewhere."

He made the announcement Thursday at a recognition dinner for volunteers and supporters of the food bank and the Hope Community Center.

Andrews, a former resident of St. Louis Crossing, is a graduate of Hauser High School and Ball State University, and president of Advertising Specialty Institute of Philadelphia.

Almost 150 residents, many who have spent years working to raise money to support programs there, gathered for a meal and to listen to praise for the work they have done.

Andrews wasted no time in explaining why he was there and what he was doing.

"I don't know if it was the events of 9/11 or what it was, but recently I've started looking back on my life and thinking of the people that really meant something to me," he said.

One of those people, he said, was Stanley Rose, a grocer in St. Louis Crossing who often gave customers store credit and free food, including Andrews' family.

Andrews had kind words for Rose, his children, and his children's children.

"I don't know if Stanley's grandchildren, or even his great-grandchildren, realize what kind of man he was," Andrews said. "I just want to let them know right now, he was one of the greatest men I have ever met."

In honor of Rose, Andrews pledged $5,000 per year to the new fund for five years, with the stipulation the community provide matching funds. If at the end of five years the community has raised $200,000, Andrews has promised an extra $25,000 contribution.

All contributions will be used as seed money in the fund, and only the income from investments will be used for the food bank.

Heritage Fund of Bartholomew County manages all three funds created for residents of the Hope area.

Sherry Stark, Heritage Fund president and CEO, said she is constantly amazed at the giving nature of the people of Hope and the success of previous funds established there.

"It blows me away to see what you all are able to accomplish," she said.

"It really brings tears to my eyes."

Julie Glick, executive director of Community Center of Hope, said she had so many generous supporters to thank, she hardly knew where to start.

"You are the ones who give your time, your energy to make these things work," she said.

"I want to offer my personal thanks to all those who volunteer; you make a privilege for me to come to work every day."