Classmates Anita Mohr, (The RHS DAR Good Citizen of 1964 – see photo above!) and Chris Levi, along with several Rushville High School (RHS) alumni, discussed planning their 60th class reunion. The group realized they wanted to organize “some kind of project that we could all contribute to,” said Anita. Although they had many options, they ultimately decided to create a fund through the RCCF to help make an impact on Rush County. This reunion was more than just a chance to reconnect with former classmates, but a chance to give back.
After consulting with RCCF Executive Director Chris May, the group created the RHS Class of 1964 Community Fund in September 2024. This fund is unrestricted, which provides funding to local nonprofits to satisfy emerging needs across Rush County.
Chris remembers the idea of this fund originating on the cusp of their 40th class reunion. “The snowballs started rolling, and it just got to grow,” she said. The Class of 1964 realized that the fund would go back into the community, which was a way to show love for their hometown. “It’s an appreciation of what their memories are,” said Chris. Each donation is not only nostalgic but also is another way to stay connected with Rush County.
Because of their crowdfunded efforts, the Class of 1964 garnered $8,505 in donations, and the fund earned more than $17,000 in Lilly Endowment matching funds. In the fund’s first year, it will grant over $1,000 to support local nonprofits, and the fund principal and annual payouts will continue to grow over time.
Anita and Chris proved yet again to be passionate advocates for RCCF. Both women have been involved with RCCF since its beginning. They have seen first-hand RCCF’s impact through their volunteer efforts and their own unrestricted family funds.
Anita is also a member of Chicks Impacting Rush County Lives (CIRCLe), RCCF’s women’s giving group that awards a large grant to a transformative project each year. Her husband, Gerald, served on the board and also worked as interim executive director of RCCF.
As a former elementary teacher, Anita could see the impact and opportunities from RCCF’s scholarships throughout her career. “That was a very worthwhile thing,” she said. Beyond the classroom, she has seen the fire departments and other organizations reap the benefits from RCCF. Anita’s internal work on RCCF committees and her external testimony helped establish the RHS Class of 1964 Community Fund.
Chris’ husband, Rick, was one of three founding members of RCCF, and he “devoted many of his years to making sure the Foundation was going to be real and get off the ground,” she said. She also volunteered for RCCF for years, helping the organization impact the County. When the class was making the choice to start the fund, “It was an easy thing for me to go ahead and be supportive of that,” Chris remarked.
Surrounded by her former classmates at their reunion during the annual Willkie Days festivities, Anita gave a speech about the fund and its purpose to help the community. After brief follow up emails, “that’s all it took,” she said. The fund was launched, and classmates far and wide made donations from $25 to $1,000.
The Class of 1964’s generosity proves that hometown sentimentality can make an impact. RHS Class of 1964 Community Fund helps to support a prosperous Rush County. It is now one of the seven Class funds at RCCF and is an opportunity for continued giving. Everyone is welcome to contribute, and donations can be made to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, accomplishments or to honor someone who has passed. Support the RHS Class of 1964 Community Fund with a gift.
