Gratitude for community results in 'Faith Fund'

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Published: Friday, 06 March 2015 19:12

Allen Finke spent much of his young life in foster homes throughout northwest Indiana. He found himself in Winamac in his mid-teens and left the foster care system, homeless.

Although it was a discouraging beginning, the current and important news is that Allen Finke recently made a major gift to establish the Allen and Mary Ann Finke Faith Fund in the Pulaski County Community Foundation.  The endowment will support missions programs of both the Kewanna and Winamac United Methodist churches. 

“I learned that ‘family’ is a bigger concept than just relatives. ‘Family’ is people who care,” said Finke.

When Jim and Rita Berg of Winamac heard the teenager’s story, they welcomed him into their home. He was grateful for the home, as well as the structure and caring they provided.  After graduating from high school and service in the Air Force, Finke returned to Winamac, the only true home he had ever known.  He married, moved to Kewanna, and started his own family.

The Finkes were touched by tragedy when fire destroyed their home in 1965.  His wife’s family, friends, neighbors, even concerned strangers offered assistance. The meaning of family became clear.  

Just three years later, another fire destroyed his young business, Kewanna Metal Specialties. Once again, the Finkes' spirits were lifted as relatives, neighbors, employees, strangers, and fellow church members lined up to ask how they could help.

Experiencing these acts of kindness and support made a great impact. 

Finke felt committed to give back to his community and was involved in public and private organizations and activities including:  Rotary International, Boy Scouts, Winamac YMCA, Toastmasters, Michigan City Power Squadron, and the Pulaski County Community Foundation, among others. 

He was also an active congregant of the Kewanna United Methodist Church, and currently the Winamac First United Methodist Church.

“The Allen and Mary Ann Finke Faith Fund represents a lasting thank-you for all that the community has done for me,” said Allen.

Wendy Rose, PCCF executive director said, “The Community Foundation is pleased to be a part of this generous endowment. The fund will provide helpful support for both churches through annual distributions of fund earnings.”

For more information on endowments and the latest GIFT matching opportunity, contact the Pulaski County Community Foundation at 574-946-0906 or visit PCCF’s website at www.pulaskiccf.org.