$1M Donation to Boost Conner Prairie
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowConner Prairie Interactive History Park has received a $1 million donation from a prominent family and business in Hamilton County. The gift from Gary and Cindy Reynolds and Reynolds Farm Equipment comes on the heels of the family being honored with this year's Living Legacy Award from the Legacy Fund. November 7, 2014
Statement from Conner Prairie President and Chief Executive Officer Ellen Rosenthal:
“I can't think of a more deserving family to receive this recognition. The Reynolds family has truly made our community a better place to live. They have also made Conner Prairie a better place. Gary spoke on behalf of his family at the event and delivered a message that I will never forget. He thanked his father and mother, A.W. “Mac” and Arline Reynolds, for living their values and showing him and his siblings the importance of giving back to the community. His father once told him, “The giver is not as important as the gift.”
Source: Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
November 7, 2014
News Release
HAMILTON COUNTY, Ind. – The Legacy Fund Living Legacy Award was given to the children of A.W. “Mac” and Arline Reynolds, including Gary and Cindy Reynolds, as well as Reynolds Farm Equipment for their philanthropic contributions to Fishers and Hamilton County. The award was made during Legacy Fund’s Celebration of Philanthropy on Thursday, November 6th. An annual event, Celebration of Philanthropy was held at the Ritz Charles in Carmel, and in addition to the award ceremony, featured a showcase of 37 of the county's not-for-profit organizations. Approximately 400 people attended the event.
Created by Legacy Fund, an affiliate of Central Indiana Community Foundation, the award recognizes Hamilton County residents for their philanthropic contributions to the community. The Reynolds, and the company founded by Mac Reynolds and wife, Arline, in 1955 were the sixth recipients of the Living Legacy Award. Mac and Arline were active in the Fishers United Methodist Church, the church’s food pantry (Come To Me), Central Indiana Youth for Christ, Good News Ministries and Third Phase, Hamilton County’s largest shelter, food and clothing pantry.
Both were involved in a number of service organizations: Arline Reynolds participated in the Carmel Music Study Club and President and District Officer of the United Methodist Women. Mac Reynolds was a charter member of the Fishers Lion Club and also the Community Volunteer Fire Department and in 1998 received the state's highest service award, The Sagamore of the Wabash. Free to the public, the company’s annual Christmas light display raises money for Come To Me Food Pantry, and annually surpasses $30,000 in contributions to the pantry.
Mac Reynolds passed away in 2008; Arline died in 2013. In 2014, Reynolds Farm Equipment headquarters were relocated from Fishers to Atlanta, Indiana. Gary Reynolds, now the company's president, is a respected member of the Conner Prairie Board among other groups and not-for-profit pursuits. Previous recipients of Legacy Fund's Living Legacy Award include the Crosser family, Sonny Beck family, Judi Campbell Lowe, M.D. and family and the Jim and Juanita Harger family.
“The Reynolds family and their company represent the best of Hamilton County and our community, and are truly the embodiment of philanthropy,” said Terry Anker, President, Legacy Fund. “They have given their time, talent and treasure for people in need now, and also for our community's future and wellbeing. We have all benefited from their dedication and gifts.”
ABOUT LEGACY FUND:
Legacy Fund, an affiliate of the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF), serves Hamilton County by administering charitable funds, foundations and organizational endowments for individuals, families and not-for-profit entities. Established in 1991, Legacy Fund’s goal is to inspire philanthropy as it helps people enhance their family and charitable legacies in tax-smart ways. Legacy Fund has three main priorities: consult with donors, family foundations and professional advisors on charitable giving; award grants; and provide leadership to address community needs. For more information, contact Mike Knight at 317.843.2479 or mikek@cicf.org.
Source: The Central Indiana Community Foundation