On a recent morning, RCCF staff made a visit to Rushville Elementary School (RES). Each year, checks are distributed to local organizations that are beneficiaries of an RCCF fund set up for them by a donor. These are known as designated funds. This stop included a check but also some incredible news.

“Ok, wow. OK, OH WOW,” marveled Rushville Elementary School (RES) Principal, Julie Innis, in shock.

This check was more than three times the amount of the check they received in 2023. But the good news didn’t end there. Within three years, that amount is expected to increase to more than eight times of the 2023 check! All to benefit the students.

A recent gift from the estate of Randy Deer made the Dr. Robert D. Stewart Memorial Fund established for the school, will significantly enhance the size of the fund and the annual payouts to benefit RES.

“We’ll watch Mrs. Innis skip down the hallway now,” teased Jim Jameson, Rush County Schools (RCS) Superintendent.

“I might even do a cartwheel,” joked Innis.

“I’m thinking of some stuff we’ve dreamed about for the kids and now with this we’ll be able to do that,” noted Jameson. Innis smiled in agreement.

“I can do things that I won’t have to take out of the budget. This is exciting!” she said.

The Dr. Robert D. Stewart Memorial Fund was established to honor his memory.  Dr. Stewart was a Rush County native, teacher, and principal of RES. Over 28 years in existence, the fund has paid nearly $60,000 for the specific benefit of the physical or student identity at RES, outside of the school’s operational budget.

Innis continued, “This is truly amazing. This generous donation has touched us deeply. It will allow us access to programs and materials that have been restricted or only dreamed about due to budget constraints.”

One program in particular is student-led and prepares them for future success by helping them become problem solvers and leaders. RES received a three-year grant to help offset some of the costs but was struggling to find a way to sustain the program. “This may just be the answer we have been looking for,” she smiled.

Her ties to Dr. Stewart make this gift even more special. “My first memories of Dr. Stewart are from long ago when I was a student, and he was a teacher. He was the ‘cool’ teacher who had a life size tree house in his room as a reading corner. It was a great incentive to finish work and get to spend time in a lofted reading corner,” she recalled. “Later, Dr. Stewart was the principal here at RES. He was an administrator who clearly loved his job and loved being around kids. He had a lot of positive energy. I remember his smile. His memory will live on through financial support of future endeavors to improve the lives of students attending RES.”

Randy Deer, Dr. Stewart’s business partner, was described as “one of those rare individuals that realized early in his life that without generosity, personal financial success has no meaning.” His generosity has substantially increased the impact that this fund will have for Rush County students. By making this gift in his will, he honored his values.  Now RES is keeping his values active and thriving.

RCCF’s permanent (or endowed) funds increase in value over time. These dollars are carefully invested in the stock market. The earnings from these investments are used to make grants, including annual payouts to organizations like this one to RES, and scholarships. The original donations remain invested to keep earning. This is a major advantage of donating to RCCF’s funds. These dollars will be awarded year after year and forever.

RCCF makes it easy for anyone to be a philanthropist. If you have a passion for enhancing life in Rush County, we can help you achieve your charitable dreams. A gift of any size will make a difference today and for generations to come. Visit our legacy giving page to learn more. Or contact Chris May, Executive Director, at (765) 938-1177, ext. 1 or cmay@rushcountyfoundation.org to discuss the possibilities.

 

You might even make your beneficiaries flip with excitement!

Don’t you love Mrs. Innis’ willingness to go all out for her students?! We are grateful to her for willingness to share her excitement.