Karen Brashaber is a lifetime Rush County resident and educator.  Raising her three children in our community and seeing firsthand the impact the RCCF can bring by having a child who was a Lilly Endowment Scholar, Karen has chosen to give back by serving as a board member.  Her service on committees and as the chair of several, as well as her fair-minded and gentle soul allow her to be a valuable member of the Rush County Community Foundation board of directors. Read more about Karen below:

1. Did you grow up in Rush County? Where did you go to school?

Although I was not born in Rush County, I did grow up here. My parents moved to Rush County when I started kindergarten. I went to Mays Elementary, Rushville Junior High, and graduated from Rushville Consolidated High School.

2. What are your hobbies and interests?

I love to read and work puzzles. I am an avid Cincinnati Reds fan as well as a Purdue Boilermaker fan. I enjoy walking and singing (but not at the same time!).

3. Do you work with any other community organizations?

I am on the Rushville Public Library Board and am currently the treasurer. I also sing with the Rush County Chorale and am a member of the Center Christian Church where I help lead worship and teach Sunday School.

4. What do you like most about your community?

I like the people of our community. We have educators that make our school system great, doctors and nurses who give us an award-winning hospital, and local business owners and workers who know and care about their customers. We have many dedicated community members that work hard to help us improve, grow, and keep up with the ever-changing world.

5. How did you become involved with RCCF?

I became involved with RCCF by serving on the scholarship committee and an education committee. I am part of a group that founded the Jeff Hufford Scholarship Fund, and that process really opened my eyes to the benefits of giving to RCCF.

My children have received RCCF scholarships, and their lives have been greatly impacted by this. It is an honor to serve on the Board, and to promote the many ways that RCCF has improved the lives of Rush County people.

6. What is something that people may not know about the foundation that you wished they did?

RCCF is so much more than an organization that just gives scholarships. Through the years, RCCF has impacted the entire county. RCCF has provided funding to develop or improve so many projects, including the Waggener Community Pool, the Rush County Historical Society Museum, local fire departments, the Boys and Girls Club, the Senior Citizens Center, and many more.

7. Do you believe that the Foundation plays an important role in the community? How so?

RCCF is a catalyst for change in the community. As a provider of leadership and financial support to organizations in Rush County.