In this episode of So Far So Good, Jim Ranft and Sarah Gillenwater sit down with members of Breast Wishes to learn more about the organization, its history, its mission, and the meaningful impact it has on individuals and families affected by breast cancer.

Alicia Snyder, Executive Director, and Jan Hillman share how Breast Wishes came to be and what makes its mission different from traditional breast cancer fundraising organizations. Rather than focusing solely on research or awareness, Breast Wishes works directly with individuals going through breast cancer by granting wishes that can bring comfort, happiness, and a little relief during an incredibly difficult time.

The group discusses what a wish can look like, from family trips and home repairs to appliances, furniture, adjustable beds, and other things that can make someone's life a little easier during treatment and recovery.

The conversation also explores how people are referred to Breast Wishes, the role of social workers and nurse navigators, and how the organization has grown its connections throughout Miami County and the surrounding area.

Alicia talks about her transition from owning and operating George's Family Restaurant to becoming the Executive Director of Breast Wishes, while Jan shares her extensive background in philanthropy and fundraising. The episode also touches on their personal connections to the organization and Jan's own cancer journey.

The team discusses past community support, including grants from the Tipp City Foundation and Troy Foundation, and shares some of the recent wishes Breast Wishes has been able to grant, including helping repair a family's Florida room and making a special trip possible for two lifelong friends.

The episode wraps up with a look at the upcoming Breast Wishes Casino Night, taking place October 2, and a conversation about the event, fundraising opportunities, VIP tables, and how the community can get involved and support the organization's mission.

• The story and roots of Breast Wishes
• What makes Breast Wishes different
• How the wish process works
• Examples of wishes granted to local families
• Referrals through social workers and nurse navigators
• Alicia Snyder's role as Executive Director
• Jan Hillman's philanthropy and fundraising background
• Personal connections to Breast Wishes
• Community grants and local support
• Recent wishes granted by the organization
• The upcoming Breast Wishes Casino Night
• How the community can support Breast Wishes

Tune in to So Far So Good to hear the stories behind Breast Wishes and learn how this organization is helping bring comfort, hope, and moments of happiness to people navigating breast cancer.

The latest podcast episode delves into the intricate relationship between community engagement and workforce development, focusing on the endeavors of Think TV, a local PBS station. The episode features an insightful conversation with Deb Schuerhart and Rodney Veal, both esteemed figures in the realm of education and community outreach. Deb, serving as the senior director of education at Think TV, shares her journey from a classroom teacher to her current role, emphasizing the significance of integrating technology into educational frameworks. Rodney, the host of the art show, articulates the vital role of public media in enhancing local arts and culture, thus fostering community connections. Central to their discussion is the notion of creating a robust workforce for the future, as they explore the challenges and opportunities presented by evolving job markets and educational demands. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how public media can serve as a catalyst for community growth and resilience, ultimately enriching the lives of individuals in Tipp City and beyond.

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the significance of community engagement and initiatives that foster local partnerships.
• Listeners are introduced to the roles of individuals at Think TV and their contributions to education.
• The discussion reflects on the evolution of workforce readiness and the importance of early career exploration.
• Insights reveal that public media plays a crucial role in connecting communities through educational programming.
• The episode highlights the necessity of adapting educational content to better serve the evolving workforce landscape.
• A major focus is placed on inclusivity and the need for diverse voices in discussions regarding education and employment.

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the establishment of the Spirit of Tipp City fund, an initiative by our esteemed guest, Matt Bueher. This fund is designed to perpetuate the legacy of community support in Tipp City, where Matt has resided for four decades. He articulates a profound connection to his hometown, underscoring the importance of giving back to a place that has significantly contributed to his family's well-being and professional success. Throughout our discussion, Matt elaborates on the objectives of the fund, which aims to finance local events and initiatives that resonate with the spirit of community engagement and enrichment. We delve into the process of creating such a fund and the various ways it can empower local organizations, thereby fostering a vibrant and cohesive community ethos.

Takeaways:

• The Spirit of Tipp City fund is designed to foster community engagement through various local events.
• Matt Bueher has been a resident of Tipp City for four decades, highlighting his commitment to the community.
• The fund aims to support activities that promote the unique character and spirit of Tipp City.
• Matt's family involvement in his business reflects the deep community ties cherished in Tipp City.
• The process of establishing the fund was straightforward, focusing on the community's needs and opportunities.
• Matt emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community that has supported his family for generations.

The focal point of today's discourse revolves around the origins and significance of the theme music that has accompanied our podcast, "so Far so Good." Our esteemed guest, Bob Keppel, shares the compelling narrative of how the lyrics were crafted by his Uncle Jim, a talented musician and educator who harbored a profound affection for Tipp City, his hometown. This episode elucidates the collaborative efforts that ensued when Heather Bailey, driven by a desire to commemorate Tipp City, sought to revive this cherished piece of local history. We delve into the intricate process of transforming handwritten lyrics into a contemporary musical format, employing modern technology to bridge the past with the present. As we explore these themes, we invite our listeners to reflect on the rich tapestry of community connections and the enduring legacy of familial creativity that continues to shape our collective identity.

Takeaways:

• The podcast episode delves into the significance of local culture, exemplified by the song about Tipp City.
• Bob Keppel shares the rich history behind the song written by his Uncle Jim, connecting generations.
• The process of creating a unique theme for the podcast involved utilizing AI technology creatively.
• Listeners gain insight into the community's bonds through shared stories and mutual support among neighbors.
• The episode highlights the enduring legacy of music in family traditions and local heritage.
• The discussion encompasses the broader theme of how art and generosity can strengthen community ties.

The dialogue presented within the podcast encapsulates a profound exploration of the significance of community and personal narratives in relation to philanthropy. The conversation is initiated by host Jim Ranft, who, alongside co-host Sarah Gillenwater and guest Heather Bailey, reflects on their shared experiences in Tipp City and the importance of local philanthropy. A salient theme emerges as they discuss the evolution of community engagement, particularly through the lens of generational shifts in leadership. Sarah, being one of the newest board members, offers insights into her upbringing in Tipp City, emphasizing her deep-rooted connections to the community, which have shaped her commitment to local initiatives. The podcast also delves into the personal stories that underscore the act of giving, highlighting how individual experiences and familial histories inform philanthropic decisions. Sarah recounts her family's legacy of generosity, illustrating how these values are transmitted across generations, thus reinforcing the narrative that every contribution is intertwined with personal histories that resonate within the community.

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the historical significance and ongoing impact of the Tipp City Foundation, as articulated through the insights provided by Jackie Wahl and Heather Bailey. I recount my personal journey and experiences, shedding light on the inception of the foundation and the evolution of its philanthropic efforts. As we delve into various projects and the legacy of contributions, we illuminate how each grant request reflects a story that contributes to the community's fabric. The discussions further reveal the importance of fostering a culture of philanthropy among the youth, emphasizing the need for active engagement in charitable endeavors. Our hope is to inspire listeners to recognize the profound influence of local philanthropy and to consider how they might become part of this enduring narrative.

Takeaways:

• In our examination of the Tipp City Foundation's history, Jackie Wahl shared invaluable insights regarding her appointment as a board member, which occurred in the fall of 1986.
• During the podcast, we discussed the evolution of grant funding, highlighting the significant growth from $2,000 in 1986 to over $200,000 per year in recent times.
• The conversation emphasized the importance of understanding the impact of grants and ensuring that the funded projects genuinely serve the community's needs.
• Jackie Wahl's contributions to the foundation have not only shaped its mission but also inspired future generations to engage in philanthropy and community service.

Introducing the Tipp City Foundation

What is the Tipp City Foundation, and why does it matter?

In the debut episode of So Far, So Good, hosts Jim Ranft and Sarah Gillenwater are joined by Foundation President Richard Bender, Fund Development Director Heather Bailey, and producer Greg Enslen to introduce the mission behind the Tipp City Foundation—and the stories that inspired this podcast.

Learn how the Foundation connects donors with community needs, why every grant has a story, and how local philanthropy helps strengthen education, parks, arts, nonprofits, and quality of life throughout the Tipp City community.

The conversation also explores why the Foundation is embracing podcasting as a new way to reach future generations, increase transparency, and showcase the people and organizations making a difference every day.

In This Episode

• What the Tipp City Foundation is—and how it serves the community
• Why the Foundation launched So Far, So Good
• How grants create lasting local impact
• The importance of donors, volunteers, and community partnerships
• Why every grant has a story worth telling
• A preview of future episodes featuring grant recipients, fund holders, and community leaders

Featured Guests

• Richard Bender – President, Tipp City Foundation
• Heather Bailey – Fund Development Director, Tipp City Foundation
• Greg Enslen – Clock Tower Media / Tippecanoe Gazette

Thank you for listening to So Far, So Good. If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and join us as we celebrate the people and stories shaping our community—one grant at a time.