May 2024: Excellence in Teaching Award Winner, Q&A with Nonprofit Support Network, and more
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Fire & EMT Teacher Selected as Excellence In Teaching Award Winner
We are pleased to announce that Chris Horner, a fire-science teacher at the Muncie Area Career Center, is the recipient of Ball Brothers Foundation's 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award.
"Chris' students will be on the front lines of fighting fires, saving lives, and keeping our communities safe. There's no question that Chris' instruction is preparing them to be leaders in high stakes work," shared BBF's Jud Fisher in a recent press release.
In addition to Horner, the foundation recognized two other finalists for this year’s award: Tiffany Turner, a math and science teacher at Muncie's Northside Middle School, and Lindsay Myrick, a high school math teacher at Yorktown High School.
Learn more about the ways this year's winner and finalists go the extra mile to educate their students.
Grantee Spotlight: Nonprofit Support Network
Nonprofits in our community are tackling some of society’s most complex challenges. When BBF was approached with a request for seed funding to help support Nonprofit Support Network’s (NSN) early operations, the foundation’s board embraced the opportunity.
Check out our latest Q&A with NSN's Carly Acree-King to learn more about how the organization is helping local nonprofits with fundraising help, HR services, peer networking, financial management, and more.
Mussels, Medici, and More
This spring, Ball Brothers Foundation's board met at the Bureau of Water Quality's new education facility on Muncie's westside. The facility was supported by a BBF grant awarded several years ago through the Project Blueways initiative.
The board toured the Bureau's mussel propagation facility and learned about progress towards water quality and recreation enhancements from grantees including The Nature Conservancy in Indiana and the Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District.
The board also visited the David Owsley Museum of Art at Ball State University for a tour of the "Beyond the Medici" exhibition. The DOMA has a deep and special connection to the Ball family with support that continues today.
ICYMI: Meet Dan Wolfert, New Program Officer
Ball Brothers Foundation is excited to welcome Dan Wolfert as a new Program Officer, joining the foundation’s growing team beginning June 3.
Dan, a local resident and volunteer himself, is deeply engaged in the Muncie-Delaware County community and will be instrumental in growing our relationship-centered grantmaking efforts.
“Joining Ball Brothers Foundation is a thrilling opportunity for me to be part of an organization that empowers our community through philanthropy and leadership. I am deeply inspired by the legacy of the Ball family and committed to preserving it while driving positive change." - Dan Wolfert
Behind the Scenes: May Highlights
In May, we were on the move:
Signing the final beam that was placed on top of the new downtown YMCA, a once-in-a-generation project.
Celebrating the work of the foundation, the legacy of the Ball family, and progress happening in Muncie's McKinley neighborhood with a special dinner at 7 Rock Brew.
Exploring Indiana's Music City! We took a field trip to draw art and culture inspiration from Madison, IN.
See what we're up to and to get to know our team a bit closer! Check out our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
