As Rush County natives and residents, J.B. and Shelly Gardner developed a passion for supporting their community. When Shelly read an article about another family who had started a fund at RCCF, she and J.B. were inspired to create a family fund that would help the community. Together their family established the J.B. and Shelly Gardner Family Community Fund in November of 2024.

Both J.B. and Shelly were familiar with RCCF and its mission to enhance life in Rush County. J.B. served on RCCF’s board from 2011-2016 after receiving a cold call from Mike Wicker, who at the time was serving on the board. J.B. Gardner’s almost immediate ‘yes’ kickstarted his enthusiasm for RCCF. In his first year, he recalls the shock in discovering the breadth of RCCF’s work. “[It] was a bit of a revelation,” he said. Later in his tenure, he served in many officer roles, such as Treasurer, Vice President and President.

“I was impressed with the level of people and their passion and commitment to serving here,” J.B. said.

Not only does the Gardner family know RCCF’s work from the inside, but they experienced receiving grants from RCCF. Over the course of ten years, J.B. and Shelly were a part of a group that created the Rush County Youth Group Work Camp Inc., a not-for-profit that ushered high school students from across the country to repair homes for underprivileged residents in Rush County.

“I mean, there were many, many residents that benefited from this,” said Shelly.

Shelly and J.B. wrote many grants through RCCF for the not-for-profit corporation, and the camp hosted as many as 400 teens and leaders for each camp week with the help of grant funding.

“They were a big supporter of us, and I know other groups have benefited, like we did,” Shelly said.

With years of first-hand knowledge of RCCF’s work, J.B. and Shelly knew their family fund would help support the needs of Rush County. The J.B. and Shelly Gardner Family Community Fund is an unrestricted fund that will support Rush County as emerging needs arise, and their fund was a part of Lilly Endowment’s GIFT VIII matching funds, which expanded the Gardner family’s impact on the community.

“I don’t ever remember a time when I’ve been disappointed in anything that the Foundation has done. You know, it’s just been a very good organization,” Shelly said.

“RCCF brings the money to life. When you’re actually able to put that money to use, that’s what makes it real,” chimed J.B.

With the intention of supporting their hometown, J.B. and Shelly Gardner’s fund will not only bring community support to life but also leave a lasting, yet humble, legacy of generosity.

To help the Gardner family support Rush County, donate to the J.B. and Shelly Gardner Family Community Fund.