Heritage Fund celebrates 50 years with 'Golden Joybilee'

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Heritage Fund - The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County announces the launch of its "Golden Joybilee," a year-long celebration honoring 50 years of philanthropy, partnership, and community impact.

To commemorate its milestone anniversary, the Community Foundation will be committing 50 Acts of Joy throughout the year.    

“For half a century, Heritage Fund has been a catalyst for good in Bartholomew County,” President and CEO Edie Blakeslee said. “The Golden Joybilee is our way of celebrating with people and partners who shape this community. Joy grows when it’s shared.”    

Founded in 1976, Heritage Fund has spent five decades strengthening the community through strategic grantmaking, donor stewardship, and collaborative leadership. The Golden Joybilee offers an opportunity to celebrate the foundation’s legacy and also to get energized for the next half-century of impact.    

Throughout the year, Heritage Fund will complete a series of acts designed to spread joy. It will include surprising local nonprofits with mini-grant awards, taking part in volunteer efforts, and offering fun activities for the community.     

As part of the celebration, the foundation has enlisted its crew of “Joyriders” (Heritage Fund board, staff, and supporters) to participate in the joy-filled activities.

The Joyriders’ inaugural Act of Joy was a recent stop at the Sans Souci thrift store. They delivered several carloads of donations and also learned about the nonprofit's work that provides low-cost household items, books, and clothing to area residents. 

Heritage Fund office corgi, Moon, is also getting in on the joy. The four-legged Joyrider took a birthday trip to Speck’s Pet Supplies to pick out treats and toys and deliver them to Animal Care Services, where they were joyfully received.    

Follow Heritage Fund for all the Golden Joybilee activities on Facebook and Instagram at @heritagefundbc.