MARTIN COUNTY — A crowd of nearly 300 community members gathered for the annual Martin County Community Foundation Dinner to celebrate local achievements, highlight foundation-funded projects, and honor this year’s top philanthropist.
Since its inception, the foundation has raised over 18 million dollars to support community projects throughout Martin County. Guest speakers at the event spotlighted several key initiatives made possible by the foundation, including:
- The 4-H Community Center, which served as the venue for the evening’s dinner.
- The new Loogootee Pavilion downtown.
- Improvements to the Little League fields in both Loogootee and Shoals.
- The police K-9 unit in Loogootee.
- The musical theater departments at both Loogootee and Shoals High Schools.
Ralph Ausbrooks of the Martin County Historical Society also addressed the crowd, highlighting important improvements made to the county museum and the old courthouse with the foundation’s assistance.
The highlight of the evening came when Greg Bateman announced Carla Harner as the Martin County Philanthropist of the Year. Harner has spent nearly 30 years actively serving the community through the Purdue Extension office and 4-H Youth. She later established Carla’s Catering in 2002 and was a founding member of the Martin County Community Foundation.
Looking ahead, Foundation Director Megan Hawkins reminded attendees that Gift 8 matching grants remain available. Through November 30th, every dollar donated to the foundation will be matched dollar for dollar.
