Inman receives Cole Award

Bev Inman, a longtime activist in support of Jay County cancer patients, was named the recipient of this year’s Jack Cole Award for Volunteerism Wednesday at the annual meeting of The Portland Foundation.
The award, named for the foundation’s first full-time executive director, carries with it $250 for the charity of the donor’s choice.
Inman, who co-founded the Jay County Cancer Support group in 1997, has served on the Jay County Cancer Society board of directors since 1999, and is one of the sparkplugs of the annual Walk Against Cancer, donated the cash award to the Jay County Cancer Society Endowment at the foundation.
“We have a wonderful community,” said Inman, reminding those present that the 11th annual Walk Against Cancer is June 23. “Be that difference in someone’s life,” she urged. “Be that hand-holder.”
Also honored Wednesday were departing board member Marianne Horn, who served as foundation president for three years and played a key role in the establishment of the Friends of Agriculture Fund and the Women’s Giving Circle, and outgoing president Eric Reynolds.
Foundation executive director Doug Inman noted ten new endowments were added to the foundation in 2011.
The foundation now has 289 different component funds. At the end of 2011, its assets totaled $18.3 million. Since its founding in 1951, the foundation has awarded $12.1 million in grants and scholarships.
Inman also noted the generosity of the late Elizabeth Starbuck, whose estate will add significantly to the foundation’s assets. “We guess it’s going to be the biggest single gift we’ve received at the foundation,” Inman said.
The foundation made $59,000 in special grants to help in the wake of the February 2011 flooding, and a new fund — the Spirit of Community Fund — has been established by the board to deal with similar needs or extraordinary community projects in the future.
The board has allocated $10,000 to the Spirit of the Community Fund, which will be invested separately from other foundation assets. The public is welcome to make contributions to add to the fund.
“The larger the fund, the better the foundation will be able to respond in a time of need,” said board member Emily Roberts.[[In-content Ad]]