On the evening of November 8, 2017, Rob and Angie Workman were presented a framed picture of their son Alex, which will be hung on the Wall of Honor at the Rush County Community Foundation office.  Alisa Winters, Foundation Director, and several members of the Board of Directors presented the picture at a community-wide autism training event featuring speaker Dennis Debbaudt, made possible by the most recent grant award from the Alex Workman Memorial Fund.

Alex Workman was a special little boy who tragically lost his life at the age of 8.  At the time of Alex’s unexpected death, his parents, Rob and Angie, established the Alex Workman Memorial Fund at the Rush County Community Foundation to provide grant funding to support children with autism.  Since 2009, the fund has awarded nearly $14,000 to 11 different projects, ranging from therapy equipment for homes and classrooms to ongoing training and education for staff.

The Workmans elected to begin a fund at the Foundation to preserve Alex’s legacy forever, while also impacting a cause very special to their family.  Alex had autism, and by establishing the Alex Workman Memorial Fund, Rush County individuals, families, teachers, and our community at large can now better understand and provide resources for Rush County children with autism.

When asked to describe Alex, his mother Angela struggled to find the best words to summarize her beloved son’s life and personality.  “Alex was my best friend and taught me so much in such a little time.  He had the biggest heart of anyone that I’ve ever met…”she began.  Alex was a kind boy, whose sweet spirit shined through in his eyes and smile.  As Angie described, “he loved so purely and with his every fiber.  If you were lucky enough to get an ‘Alex Hug’ then you felt the squeeze through your entire body.  He gave the best sincere hugs!”

Alex loved, and was very good at, drawing.  He particularly loved to draw rockets.  He strived for perfection in his drawings, often resulting in multiple do-overs to get it just right.  Alex also loved Legos.  He enjoyed reading what he called “maps” and putting hundreds of pieces tediously together in record time to build objects.  Among their favorites was a large pirate ship, which is now stored in a glass case in the Workmans’ living room.

Alex’s sweet spirit touched the lives of those around him.  His two best friends were girls, and he made such an impact on them that they still struggle today with his loss.  Teachers and school staff members were among the lucky ones that got to know Alex well.  In fact, despite the fact that he rarely ate lunch at school, the lunch ladies made sure that he got his special red tray each day so he wouldn’t have a meltdown.  Alex was very special and everyone knew it.

Ending her presentation, Winters stated, “As a parent myself, I can’t comprehend the loss that Rob and Angie have suffered, and I know many in this room feel the same.  I simply know that among their most difficult days, Rob and Angie made a selfless decision to make the most of their loss by impacting others through the Alex Workman Memorial Fund.  Throughout the past 8 years they’ve worked with family, friends, the community, and businesses to raise funds to ensure that their son was recognized on the Wall of Honor at the Rush County Community Foundation.  Their hard work has paid off in many ways, and it is truly my honor to present this picture to you tonight.  Thank you for your hard work, your love, and your dedication.  Because of this fund and your fundraising accomplishments, Alex’s legacy will forever live on through impacting the lives of autistic individuals in our community.”