Assistance League® of Indianapolis Receives Grant from Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation

Indiana First Lady Karen Pence with Patty Johnson and Carol Valentine

On March 10, President-Elect Patricia Johnson and Grants Chairman Carol Valentine were honored to represent Assistance League® of Indianapolis at the third award reception for grant recipients of the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation. The foundation was established by Indiana First Lady Karen Pence as a way to recognize organizations and charities across the state.

Held at the Governor’s residence, the reception was hosted by Mrs. Pence who said, ““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,”

During the ceremony, a total of $30,500 was awarded to 35 organizations and charities that serve Hoosier families and children across the state. Each recipient honored was presented with a check ranging from $500 to $1,000. The First Lady said this about Assistance League, “The Assistance League of Indianapolis 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.”

Carol Valentine stated, “We were in the company of groups from all over the state whose work on behalf of the underserved was being recognized.  We are honored that Mrs. Pence and the Board of Directors of the Indiana First Lady's Charitable Foundation chose to support Operation School Bell.”

Operation School Bell®, the largest of Assistance League of Indianapolis’ philanthropic programs, has provided new school clothes and supplies to qualifying children in the Indianapolis area for 31 consecutive years. During the 2014-15 season 3,375 students from the Metropolitan School Districts of Lawrence, Pike, Washington, and Warren as well as Indianapolis Public Schools visited the School Bell shop.

Assistance League is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that is committed to serve the needs of children and adults through ongoing philanthropic programs developed and managed by its members. The organization is funded through private and corporate donations, grants, and fundraising activities.  Grants received, such as the one from Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation, allow Assistance League to continue its mission.