Award will support Heartland Film’s High School Film Competition
First Lady Karen Pence hosted the third award reception for grant recipients of the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation at the Governor’s residence on Tuesday, where she awarded $30,500 to 35 organizations and charities that serve Hoosier families and children across the state. Heartland Film’s Development Director Kristi Barber was on hand to receive the award.
“When Mike was elected Governor, I was overwhelmed with requests from so many worthy organizations to get involved in their efforts. However, it quickly became clear that I couldn’t be at every event nor could I champion every cause. That is why I, along with a team of dedicated board members, started the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation as a way to shine a light on the organizations across Indiana who lift up our communities and make our state strong,” First Lady Karen Pence stated.
“Heartland Film is one of those organizations that is doing great work for our Hoosier children and families, and it is an honor to recognize them today,” said First Lady Karen Pence.
First Lady Karen Pence started the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation in August of 2013 as a way to recognize organizations and charities across the state. At the inaugural First Lady’s Luncheon held in April 2014, the Foundation awarded its first major grant of $100,000 to the Art Therapy Program at Riley Hospital for Children. This year’s luncheon recipient will be Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, which supports food banks and food pantries in all 92 counties. Throughout the year, the Foundation will award smaller grants to organizations across the state.
“Whether helping a child develop a love for reading or supporting families in need or encouraging a child to go further in the arts, these organizations are the backbone and the heart of our communities. They represent the very best of what it means to be a Hoosier, and we thank them for their service,” said First Lady Karen Pence.
As a nonprofit arts organization, Heartland Film’s mission is to inspire filmmakers and audiences through the transformative power of film. Best known for the annual Heartland Film Festival, the organization has expanded in recent years to allow for even more community-based programs, like the Heartland Film Roadshow, which brings year-round film screenings to towns across Indiana, and the Heartland Film Institute, which aims to educate and inspire the next generation of filmmakers.
“Heartland Film is honored to be recognized by the First Lady’s Charitable Foundation,” said Heartland Film President Stuart Lowry. “This grant will directly benefit aspiring young filmmakers through the Heartland Film Festival High School Film Competition.”
Tuesday’s reception is the third reception since the inaugural First Lady’s Charitable Foundation Luncheon held in April of 2014. This year’s annual luncheon will be held April 23rd.
First Lady Karen Pence presented a check to each organization ranging from $500 to $1,000 in grant money from the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation.
The Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3). The First Lady receives no compensation. Donations are tax deductible. Learn more about how to make a donation or request a grant award on the Foundation’s website at: www.IndianaFirstLadysCharitableFoundation.org
