Henry and Anna Jentzen Family Fund
The Jentzen family has always been active in the community, giving their time to help make Scott County a better place to live. They have decided to take their commitment to the community one step further by becoming a part of the Forever Tree Society at the Scott County Community Foundation.
Hank was a member of the Greater Scott County Chamber of Commerce for 10 years, serving as president for six of those years. He has also served on the grants committee for the Scott County Community Foundation for several years, and will mark his 10th year as a Big Brother in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Scott County mentoring program.
Ann volunteers for the American Cancer Society?s Relay for Life, and was active as a Scottsburg High School band parent when daughter Kelly was in school and will be when son Kevin begins his freshman year this fall. She is active at their church, the American Martyrs Catholic Church, where she is a Sunday School teacher and serves on the Board of Education. She is also a member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary.
Daughter Kelly has followed in her parents? footsteps. After being active in high school, she was honored for her hard work by being named the 2002 recipient of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. After graduating with her bachelor?s degree at Notre Dame University, she took two years off from school to work for a homeless shelter in South Bend. She then began her graduate studies at Notre Dame, and is now in her first year of law school there. Kelly?s desire is to work in the nonprofit sector, and this summer will work for the Notre Dame Legal Aid Clinic.
Son Kevin is an eighth grade student at Scottsburg Middle School. He serves on Student Council, is active on the Scott County Youth Grantmaking Council, a program of the Scott County Community Foundation, and is a cadet for the Scottsburg Volunteer Fire Department.
When the Jentzen family joined the Forever Tree Society, they were reluctant to be interviewed about their story. ?Good deeds are not to be advertised,? explained Hank. But they agreed to share their story, not for the recognition, but in hopes that others will better understand the program and perhaps establish their own funds.
?As the saying goes, ?It is better to give than receive,?? said Hank. ?Thanks to the Scott County Community Foundation, they make giving easy through their creation of the Forever Tree program. Anyone can establish funds which will give now and to future generations of our community.?
?Ann, our children and I wanted to give a gift to say thank you for our blessings and created a fund to help others in need. The Forever Tree is the perfect gift,? said Hank.
The Jentzens were able to take advantage of the Scott County Community Foundation?s matching funds program, which is offered for a limited time and will match dollar-for-dollar all donations.
?Our plan is to make tax deductible donations on special occasions such as holidays, birthdays and monthly installments,? explained Hank. ?We also asked relatives to make tax-deductible donations to our fund instead of buying gifts in the future. The Scott County Community Foundation will handle all the legalities of managing the fund.?
?The fund will bring hope and joy to those in need which will bring joy to our family,? said Hank. ?The Scott County Community Foundation Forever Tree Society will ensure our fund will keep giving now and for future generations.?
?Please think about the Forever Tree Society and how your family can make a difference by starting your own funds now,? said Hank.
