Time, Talent, and Treasure

The Pat and Jane Botts Donor Story

When talking about philanthropy, the phrase “giving your time, talent, and treasure” comes up a lot. Donating your time, skill sets, money, or property can be a challenge, but for Pat and Jane Botts, giving in whatever way they can is not only a passion but a part of who they are. In 2019 Pat Botts passed away, but through his wife, children and the organizations in which he was involved, his memory and passion for philanthropy live on.

For Pat and Jane Botts, philanthropy has been a big part of their lives. After they graduated from Ball State University, Jane went to work for First Merchants Bank and Pat began working at Mutual Bank, both located in Muncie. While at Mutual Bank, Pat was encouraged by the company to give back to the community by getting involved.

Once you start giving back, you get the bug.

“I think once you start volunteering, you get the bug,” said Jane.

We both felt very blessed to be in Muncie and it has given a lot to us, so we wanted to find ways to be involved and to give back to our community.”

In 2018, Pat and Jane established the Pat and Jane Botts Fund through The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County. Through this fund, Pat and Jane have and will continue to impact so many different organizations.

They wanted an efficient way to help the community they love. Setting up a fund through The Community Foundation was the easiest way to do that.

“It’s such an efficient way to give,” said Jane. “And in a community of this size, you can’t possibly know all of the needs. We want to help in whatever way we can, but we might not know how to connect with specific organizations. But, the Community Foundation does.”

The Community Foundation knows the needs of the community. The Pat and Jane Botts Fund, an unrestricted fund, allows the Foundation to quickly respond to changing needs. Pat insisted that their fund be unrestricted because no one knows what the needs of the community will be in the next five years, 10 years, and so on.

Their giving did not stop there. Pat and Jane worked closely with local nonprofits like BY5, Boys and Girls Clubs of Muncie, Habitat for Humanity, and more. Jane explains that education and supporting children has been a priority for them.

“Education and stability are important factors in a child’s life,” said Jane. “Children need to be supported, encouraged, and excited about going to school and earning an education. Children also thrive in safe, stable environments and we have been honored to work with Muncie Habitat to assist families in accessing safe and affordable housing.”

Pat and Jane's children volunteer at a home building for Greater Muncie, IN Habitat for Humanity. Pictured: Erica Bucholtz, Ben Botts, and Adam Botts

Pat impacted people in so many different ways; through his work ethic, volunteering, and his quiet unassuming leadership.

Jane has been so inspired by Pat’s impact on the Muncie community that she hopes to increase her own involvement.

“Pat impacted people in so many different ways; through his volunteering, encouragement, work ethic, and his quiet, unassuming leadership style,” said Jane.

In the past, Jane has volunteered in numerous ways in the local schools and currently volunteers for the Muncie Reads program at Grissom Elementary School. She is also a member of Psi Iota Xi Sorority. This is a national service sorority that was founded in Muncie in 1897. The group focuses on personal growth while seeking to enrich the lives of others in the community through philanthropic efforts.

The local chapter operates The Bargain Box thrift shop. Through their work, the sorority has been able to give over a million dollars back to the Muncie community.

“Individually, a person might not be able to contribute $25,000 to the community each year,” said Jane. “But being part of a group [Psi Iota Sorority], members feel good about knowing that their collective efforts are helping nonprofit organizations in Muncie and Delaware County.”

Jane hopes to pass her and Pat’s passion for philanthropy down to their children and grandchildren. She has expressed to each of her children the importance of not only giving your treasure, but also donating your time and talent, because, as Jane put it, “your dad did both.”

The Botts Family