Center Grove Magazine April 2019 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

APRIL 2019

MAGAZINE

How CGHS Senior Basketball Player Ben Nicoson Inspired An Outpouring of Generosity

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EDITORIAL MANAGER

HOOPS FOR HASKINS: HOW CGHS SENIOR BASKETBALL PLAYER BEN NICOSON INSPIRED AN OUTPOURING OF GENEROSITY

A car crash in Greenwood in December claimed the life of Southport High School senior football and basketball standout Rashawn Haskins. Rashawn’s sister, Brianna, was also in the accident and suffered severe injuries. Center Grove High School (CGHS) senior basketball player Ben Nicoson heard about the tragedy and felt compelled to help.

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APRIL WRITERS Christy Heitger-Ewing / Johnette Cruz Jon Shoulders / Suzanne Huntzinger Kelsey Musick / Kevin Conrad

APRIL PHOTOGRAPHERS JWcreative.indy / Erin Feldmeyer Christine Hynds of Hyndsight Photography Nickol Teague

SHOP LOCAL! Help our local economy by shopping local. Advertising supporters of the Center Grove Magazine offset the costs of publication and mailing, keeping this publication FREE. Show your appreciation by thanking them with your business. BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS ARE SPONSORED CONTENT

6 Zoe Strong: Johnson County

Community Supports We Are Zoe STRONG Foundation

8 Smokehouse Catering Company: Keith Johnson’s New Venture Delivers Delicious Southside Barbecue, Deli & More

12 Level Up: Ultimate Gaming

Xperience Celebrates Grand Opening In Greenwood

16 Rock The Block: Annual 5K Event Returns April 27

19 Hoops For Haskins: How CGHS

Senior Basketball Player Ben Nicoson Inspired An Outpouring of Generosity

24 The Driven Life: Whitney Small 28 Annual Gala for the Grove

The Center Grove Magazine is published by Towne Post Network, Inc. and is written for and by local Center Grove residents. Submit story ideas to PR@atCenterGrove.com.

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Returns April 13: Proceeds Benefit the Center Grove Education Foundation

31 Total Lawn Care: What Is An Organic Approach?

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atCenterGrove.com TownePost.com

Zoe STRONG Johnson County Community Supports We Are Zoe STRONG Foundation

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided by the We Are Zoe STRONG Foundation

Put a group of kind, caring and motivated moms together and it’s astounding what can get done in a short period of time. In October 2017, 7-year-old Zoe Martin was critically injured in a car accident caused by a reckless driver. When news of the accident spread at Saint Francis & Clare Catholic Church & School where Zoe attended second grade, her classmates and their families showered Zoe’s mom, Laura, with support, covering her in prayer, delivering meals to the hospital and caring for the family dog. A week after the accident, however, Zoe passed away from injuries sustained in the crash. “We knew we had to rally and find ways to honor Zoe’s memory,” says Jessica Hamilton, whose daughter was a classmate of Zoe’s. Within a matter of weeks, a dozen moms from the school had organized an auction to raise funds so that they could place a memorial butterfly bench on the school’s property. “It’s so Zoe’s friends have a happy, physical reminder that their classmate is still with them in spirit,” Hamilton says. “It’s also a comforting spot for her family to go sit when they need to feel Zoe’s presence.” The auction was held at Speedway Indoor Karting where the owners donated 50 percent of the evening’s proceeds from karting to the foundation. In addition, they sold 75 silent auction gift baskets, raising more than $13,000. Everyone was humbled by the outpouring of community support. That’s when the moms vowed to do something more. “We realized that we wanted to touch outside our school group and do things to help the greater community,” Hamilton says. So in the spring of 2018, they created the We Are Zoe STRONG Foundation, designed to keep Zoe’s memory alive while also helping youth in Johnson County. Its purpose revolves around community. “What started as a community for Laura grew to help the school community in processing the loss and then branched out to the greater community,” says Hamilton, an executive board member. “The We Are Zoe STRONG Foundation helps demonstrate to children that, in times of tragedy, we heal our hearts by coming together as a community.” The Zoe Fund is a component fund of the Johnson County Community Foundation, which was established in 1991 as a nonprofit organization created to help improve Johnson County. Zoe was a bright, sweet, caring girl who adored animals, Halloween and the color pink. She participated in Girl Scouts, excelled in school and loved playing “teacher.” The foundation created a Grants Program that seeks creative ways to improve the community. Applications are submitted in the spring and awarded in August. The board is currently in need of grant sub-committee members, so if you work at a bank and are interested in donating some time to review grant applications, contact the foundation. “We’re excited to see who applies and what kind of fun ideas people come up with,” says Hamilton, noting that each recipient will receive a large bright pink stainless steel Zoe

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butterfly. “The idea is that as we give out these scholarships, folks will start seeing pink butterflies throughout the community and associate it with the We Are Zoe STRONG Foundation.” In the past year, the board has organized a number of fundraisers, including a Skate-Celebrate-Donate party to celebrate Zoe’s ninth birthday. “We asked each guest to bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to Riley Hospital for Children in Zoe’s memory,” says Megan Delaney, the board’s vice president of fundraising. “We had four huge boxes full of toys, along with three mamaRoo™ infant swing seats, donated.” Each toy was labeled with a “We Are Zoe STRONG Foundation” sticker so that the foundation’s mission could spread. Next up is the Supermom Brunch to be held in May. Zoe’s mom, Laura Martin, who will forever fiercely love her only child, is grateful for all of the community support in launching the We Are Zoe STRONG Foundation. “Every one of the ‘We Are Zoe STRONG Foundation’ mommas

have just blown me away with the people, donations and opportunities that have been (presented,)” Martin says. “Saying that (these women) are a blessing doesn’t scratch the surface of my gratitude for keeping Zoe’s life alive, showing our parish children how tragedy can be molded into charity, beautifying our parish community and keeping me spiritually alive.” The Supermom Brunch to Benefit We Are Zoe STRONG Foundation On May 4, the We Are Zoe STRONG Foundation honors Zoe’s mom, Laura, as well as all the Supermoms of the community by hosting brunch at O’Charley’s Restaurant & Bar at 886 S. SR 135 in Greenwood. Pick from one of two brunch seating times: 8-8:45 a.m. or 9-9:45 a.m. and feast on eggs, bacon, pancakes, rolls and more. Moms eat free with the purchase of an adult ticket ($25). Youth tickets (4-12 years) are $8, and kids under 3 eat free. To learn more or to make a donation to the We Are Zoe STRONG Foundation, visit wearezoestrong.org.

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Smokehouse Catering Company Keith Johnson’s New Venture Delivers Delicious Southside Barbecue, Deli & More Writer / Jon Shoulders Photographer / JWcreative.indy

ince launching his own catering company in July of 2018, Keith Johnson has been one busy man.

After breaking away from a successful restaurant and food truck business he started in Bargersville three years ago, Keith Johnson founded Smokehouse Catering Company in Greenwood last year and has been focused exclusively on catering weddings, private, corporate and community events. “I wanted to focus on catering, and from day one we’ve specialized in weddings and event catering,” says Johnson, a southside native and Center Grove resident who worked in local law enforcement for more than 20 years before retiring. “This way I can focus on 100-percent quality and service, weddings are too important not to be 100-percent correct.” Smokehouse cooks up a variety of meats for parties of all sizes including pulled pork barbecue, brisket and boneless chicken breast, with delicious sides of mac and cheese, sweet corn casserole, coleslaw, green beans and others. The company also offers food station bar options like their Nacho Bar, New York Style Deli Bar and Texas Sausage, Chili and Hot Dog Bar. “The volume hasn’t been a problem since we started, and we have the ability to do more barbecue than probably anyone in town,” Johnson says. “The biggest challenge right now, since the business is still fairly new, is probably just making myself known as a caterer — getting the word out that I have broken off and getting that separation.”

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And so far it’s working out rather well. Smokehouse already has more than 80 weddings on the books for 2019 and caters for more than 30 event centers on the Southside of Indy and in surrounding counties.

catering company, The Food Guys Catering, and I brought over their executive chef Chip Huckaby. That led to a completely new menu and 30 additional event centers. We will reach more than 100 weddings this year.”

“Trying to figure out how fast you should grow is a big challenge,” Johnson says. “We just recently acquired another

In addition to event catering, Smokehouse offers carry-out orders on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at its location on West

“We enjoy catering and expect 100 percent positive feedback every time. I stay in touch with customers throughout the process and personally talk to most of them after the event.” - Keith Johnson Main Street, which includes a full kitchen and a smoke room in the back. Johnson employs six full-time staffers as well as two cooks and a rotating group of part-timers who help with bussing tables and other odd jobs at special events. “We were able to bring a great chef in from The Food Guys, who already had a great menu, and we’re able to blend their stuff

with our own menu and give people more options if they’re looking for that,” Johnson says. “We enjoy catering and expect 100 percent positive feedback every time. I stay in touch with customers throughout the process and personally talk to most of them after the event.” Smokehouse is also in the process of outfitting what Johnson

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“I have a freshman, a fifth grader and a second grader down here so I’m very tied to the community anyway through my kids,” he says. “With the business, we are very civic minded and involved in a lot of sporting events and community events. Just this year we’ve already done stuff for football, basketball, bands, fine arts and the fire and police departments. We’re really involved in the community and that’s what I enjoy the most.”

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Ultimate Gaming Xperience Celebrates Grand Opening In Greenwood Writer / Suzanne Huntzinger Photographer / Erin Feldmeyer

Grab your headphones and your joystick and head to one of the coolest new gaming centers in Indy. Ultimate Gaming Xperience recently opened in Greenwood in February, making it the first center to offer e-gaming, virtual reality rooms, e-sports tournaments and movie rooms all under one roof. Greenwood resident Ron Cummings wasn’t planning on having the opening of a gaming center as one of his 2019 New Year’s resolutions. But his son Riley had a different plan and now the gaming center is checked off the list. Riley came up with the concept and presented the winning game plan to Ron in October. Riley graduated from Central Nine Career Center where he studied computer technology and networking. With that foundation, he’s been building computers since age 15. Riley had good reason to approach Ron with his plans. Ron is a contractor, and Riley needed his dad’s business savvy and financial resources. “I know his skills are on point,” Ron says. “But, as a business mentor, I made him do his due diligence complete with a business plan and a budget. He took his time, did his research and came up with a concept that I thought would sustain the gaming industry on the southside. 12 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / APRIL 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

I’m proud of him. He’s young, he’s got the drive to do it, and it’s something good for the community.” For good measure, Riley tapped his friend Jordan McCarthy for his expertise. Jordan is a gaming aficionado, and a perfect pairing with Riley’s computer technology background. Together, they made some goals, planned their strategy and, from there, the game moved to the next level. “We started looking for a lease right away because our goal was to be in and open by Riley’s birthday, February 3,” Ron says. They hit their goal. They found a storefront in a central location with convenient parking access, and the space was vacated at the end of December. The trio went right to work doing all the demolition themselves.

ourselves.” That’s a big job considering the center has one main room for e-gaming, four virtual reality rooms (each with a different theme – Fortnite, Call of Duty, Minecraft and Nintendo), space for e-sports tournaments and a movie room. Ron, Riley and Jordan opened Ultimate Gaming Xperience almost on time. They held an open house (soft opening) in early February and an official Grand opening February 16.

Work Golden 7-1008 Rule “Riley built 14 custom, high-powered gaming computers, acquired Xbox and PS4 machines,” Ron says. “The only thing we contracted out of house was the main server and the networking. The rest of it we ran

“We had a continuous flow of people,” Ron says. “It took us a while to get the word out, but we keep getting busier every day. We want to be as full as possible.” It’s no surprise that some parents may be cringing to see more opportunities for their children to spend more time gaming. But some experts say playing a video game allows children to see the best version of themselves through the game character. Ron sees another important benefit.

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“Coming to the center gets your kid out of their room and out of the house,” he says. “It lets them be social, but this is for adults, too. We have guests in their 40s. Parents can come and game with their kids and bond as well.” Ultimate Gaming Xperience held its first tournament in March. It was a two versus two tourney in Fortnite. “Some are pretty competitive, but the tournaments are for all levels from novice to expert,” Ron says. “Our tourneys are open to an unlimited number of people who want to join.” The center is just getting started, but Ron, Riley and Jordan are already ramping up for additional opportunities to offer. Their theater room is already available to show movies, and they’re open to organizing birthday parties or other functions. “At some point, we’ll offer lock-ins when

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we figure out supervision processes,” Ron says. “Right now, kids 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.” No matter how the three expand the business, they’re ready for it. “We already know we’ll have to expand in the future and need more equipment,” Ron says. One thing they’re already prepared for is catering partners for concessions and parties. They’ve already partnered Arewith you ready to work with a company Chicago Pizza and Chick-fil-A for catering who does not subcontract? opportunities. In the future, Ultimate Gaming Xperience may expand the franchise to other Indianapolis communities. But, in the meantime, the center serves mostly Johnson County and the southside. For Beforeat After more information, visit them online ultimategamingxperience.com.We hire Professional Painters and NO SUBCONTRACTORS! Our whole team is dedicated to providing relationships in prompt, friendly, honest manner so all our clients can Ultimate Gaming Xperience isa located at take pride in a job well-done. Every estimate is always 1285 N State Road 135 in Greenwood just FREE and tailored to fit your budget. Find out why we are behind Rise’n Roll Bakery. Greenwood's fastest growing painting contractor.

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Rock The Block Annual 5K Event Returns April 27 Writer / Kelsey Musick Photography Provided

Rock The Block is an annual event that has become a community favorite on the southside. In 2018, more than 1,500 runners, walkers and volunteers raised more than $29,000 which benefitted 21 charities. The event is the brainchild of Erin Smith, a certified Zumba and group fitness instructor, who wanted to do something positive for the community. Smith moved to Center Grove 18 years ago and is a mother of two. Her hope for Rock The Block is that it remains a tradition where families create lasting memories. “Race Day is always filled with excitement, laughter, competition, fellowship and learning moments,” Smith says. “This year’s event expects more than 2,000 people to participate and rock it.”

Smith says that she hopes the event is a catalyst to improve the community in multiple ways. “Two of the most important ways would be supporting programs in our community focused on helping children and families, as well as improving the connectivity of trails in our county,” Smith says. Some participants have endured major health issues and have used this event as a catalyst to better their health and the health of their family. Andrea Jahnke, a Center Grove Elementary School fourth-grade teacher and mother of two, wanted her family to value health and wellness. She originally used the event for her son. “When he was 10 years old, I bribed him into doing a couchto-5K training program with me,” Jahnke says. “As we ran, I set a good pace for him, ran beside him and offered him words of encouragement. To my surprise, he said that it was the best day of his life and that he was proud he was doing this.” This is the fourth year for the event, which begins and ends on the Center Grove campus. Funds are raised for charities in the community. Last year, the Kid’s Run took place in the Student Activity Center. “People love a positive way to support their community,” Jahnke says. “When race participants register, they can choose a charity

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for their funds to support. Additionally, it’s a great way to stay in shape. And it’s nice to see people in the community value the things you do, like health and wellness.” Jahnke says that she is extremely proud of both her children for all their efforts and that Rock The Block has become a tradition for her entire family. For Karol Brandon, board director for the Center Grove Aquatic Club and mother of three, Rock The Block is also a family tradition. She has participated in the event since its conception. “My family loves to stay fit, but rarely takes the time to exercise together as our schedules are so hectic,” Brandon says. “Rock The Block is a great way for us to enjoy the day together and with our friends and swim family as well.” According to Brandon, Rock The Block does so much for the community. Not only do multiple charities benefit financially, but it brings the community together for a morning of fun. “Since weather isn’t always predictable, the student activity center has enhanced the experience for celebrating with friends and family and thanking the sponsors after the event,” Brandon says.

Smith adds that she wants to encourage the entire community to come out and ROCK IT on April 27th at 6:30 a.m. The event includes scenic courses, food, music, vendors, awards and giveaways – guaranteeing fun for everyone. Proceeds benefit area trail projects and organizations serving youth and families of the Center Grove School Corporation area and Johnson County. “Invite your next-door neighbor, your kids from out of town, or someone from church. You never know what God has in store,” Smith says. “Extend an invite and meet a new friend or create a tradition. Bring all the kids – wagons and strollers are encouraged on the 5K route. Costume runners are welcome, too. Collectively, we will make our community an even better place to live, work, and play.”

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How CGHS Senior Basketball Player Ben Nicoson Inspired An Outpouring of Generosity Writer / Kevin Conrad Photography Provided by Christine Hynds of Hyndsight Photography

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car crash in Greenwood in December claimed the life of Southport High School senior football and basketball standout Rashawn Haskins. Rashawn’s sister, Brianna, was also in the accident and suffered severe injuries. Center Grove High School (CGHS) senior basketball player Ben Nicoson heard about the tragedy and felt compelled to help. Nicoson spoke with his father, Brent, about initiating and leading a fundraising effort to assist the Haskins family during a time of need. “We thought there could be something we could do to help them financially,” Nicoson says. “I thought of a program that Mount Pleasant (Christian Church) does. They ask everyone in attendance to donate one dollar per person in their family and donate it to a family in need. I thought that I could ask the boys varsity basketball teams to help out and donate a dollar per player and possibly have them ask their football teams as well since Rashawn played football.”

opportunities,” Henderson says. “He felt that this was a great way to reach out to the family and let them know that student-athletes around the state were all thinking of the family during their loss.”

“Ben’s project allowed our state’s high school basketball teams an opportunity to support a family in need and provide awareness that life is fragile,” Commissioner Cox says. “The one thing that resonates greatly with Ben is his Nicoson reached out to CGHS Principal Jeff motivation to help someone in need. While Henderson to present his idea. there is a great deal of negativity across all forms of media, our young people are doing “Ben scheduled a meeting with me to amazing things. Those acts should fill the propose the creation of this fundraiser as a media content rather than all the negativity. means to leverage his connections to the high Any time our student-athletes step up to go school athletic programs in helping make a above and beyond to help others, I feel a positive difference in the lives of the Haskins sense of pride. Ben is certainly in that group.” family,” Henderson says. “We brainstormed some ideas about how he could ensure Hoops for Haskins began in late December coaches and athletic directors that he was and was to conclude at the end of the January. operating his fundraiser with the approval of However, with such an incredible response the school.” from teams, players and communities from With the support of CGHS, Nicoson launched a campaign known as “Hoops for Haskins.” He wrote a letter addressed to all the high school boys’ basketball coaches in the state, challenging each basketball player to donate a dollar. Indiana High School Athletic Association Commissioner, Bobby Cox, assisted Nicoson by sending the letter to all the high school athletic directors and basketball coaches in Indiana. “Ben was very passionate about trying to give back to this family from the athletic community that had given him such great

around the state, the fundraiser was extended until February 8. “We had an amazing turn out across the state and an even better one in Johnson County,” Nicoson says. “Every Johnson County school donated and we had large donations from many MIC (Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference) teams and many others. Roncalli donated a very generous amount as well.” Locally, the Center Grove Basketball

Hardwood Club, Center Grove Gridiron Club and the Center Grove High School Athletic Booster Club supported Hoops for Haskins with sizable donations. Also, dine to donate fundraisers were organized at nearby restaurants to help generate additional funds The Southport boys’ basketball team was hosting its final regular season game on February, 16. The Southport Athletic Director, Pete Hubert, Southport basketball coach, Eric Brand and Southport football coach, Brandon Winters, said this was an excellent time for Nicoson to present a check to the Haskins family prior to the start of the varsity game. The Southport basketball players, coaches and fans stood and applauded during a mid-court ceremony as Nicoson gave a check to the Haskins Family in the amount of $22,208.92 for the Haskins Memorial Fund. “It felt really good to finally be able to meet them (Haskins Family) and to finally be able to give them a form of hope,” Nicoson says. Nicoson had competed against Rashawn on the basketball court but did not know him or the family personally. “We think more than anything he has impacted the family with Hoops for Haskins. Which we believe was greatly appreciated,” Coach Brand says. They thought it was a great gesture and was kind to initiate such a selfless act.”

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a n k i n g

exPerience You can Bank on.

Nicoson’s high school varsity basketball coach the past three seasons, Zach Hahn, says the senior point guard is a leader by example. “He has never cared about individual accolades and always has a team-first mentality,” Hahn says. “His character and work ethic are unmatched. He is a phenomenal student-athlete that also demonstrates being a great servant leader to his team, the school and the community. It was not surprising to me that he opened his heart and dedicated himself to the Haskins family when he saw they needed help in healing. I couldn’t be more proud of his gesture and his willingness to continuously put others first. Our society needs more random acts of kindness and constant reminders that life is good.”

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Nicoson’s father says his son stepped outside of his comfort zone to make a difference. “Susan (Ben’s mother) and I are very proud of Ben and happy he decided to run with an idea that has been so well received and helpful to the Haskins family,” says the elder Nicoson. “The communities, teams and individuals that supported Ben’s fundraiser deserve a lot of the credit. Ben took a chance and got out of his comfort zone to try to help a hurting family. I think that’s something Ben and others can take from this. If you take a chance and put your heart into something great, good things can come from it. I am very proud of him to actually put his idea into action. He followed through with a

Client/Filename:

NBI

Job #:

ANBI-7495-07

7495 Rake PB_8.125x10.625

Job Name: Rake PB Ad / atCenterGrove.com 21 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / Tricia APRIL 2019 Size/Specs:

8.125" x 10.625"; Full Page 4C

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January 2019

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great idea and it changed a family’s life.” Nicoson’s lead pastor at Mount Pleasant Christian Church (MPCC), Chris Philbeck, says he demonstrated great maturity and humility in his efforts to raise this money. “There’s a verse from Psalms that comes to mind when I think about Ben,” Pastor Philbeck says. “It’s Psalm 25:9 that says, ‘He (God) guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his ways.’ Ben personifies this verse because he has a deep faith in God, and he recognizes the importance of living out that faith. “At Mount Pleasant we talk a lot about changing the world. In fact, our mission statement is ‘To change the world: one life, one family, one opportunity at a time.’ It blesses me to know that Ben has taken that challenge to heart. I absolutely love that our weekly “Change for a Dollar” ministry gave him a practical way to help

the Haskins family. “I know that Ben did not do this to bring any attention to himself, but I’m so thankful that this story is being told because I definitely think it provides inspiration to everyone who hears it,” Pastor Philbeck adds. “What kind of impact would it have on our community if all of us could capture a vision for the power of encouraging and serving others? That’s what Ben did. He came alongside the Haskins family and served them in a way that I’m sure brought some light and hope into their world at a very difficult time.” Nicoson’s MPCC high school pastor, Matt Pineda, has been his youth minister the past four years and has watched him grow in his faith and mature into the young man he is today. “I told him I was proud that he took his

resources and combined it with his heart for people and was able to do something special for God’s Kingdom.” Pineda says. “I want this to be something he can use as encouragement for the future in what his potential could be when he puts his heart and his resources together. We can all learn from Ben’s example that when people come together, something special can happen. “Probably the most ironic thing about all of this is that Ben doesn’t want the credit or the recognition. He’s such a humble young man. In fact, he’d much rather just be in the background of all of this, but in order to raise the money, he has to be vocal about it. Some people desire to be praised, while others deserved to be praised. Ben deserves a great deal of recognition for his efforts to support this family and hopefully we can all be inspired to help others around us when they are hurting.”

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The Driven Life: Whitney Small

all changed when Plexus was introduced to me in February 2015. A trusted friend told me how she thought focusing on improving my gut health, reducing inflammation & regulating my blood sugars would help give me the healthy pregnancy I had been wanting and it was the answer I had been looking for.” What is your greatest joy from owning your own business?

Writer / Johnette Cruz Photography Provided by Nickol Teague

Meet Whitney Small, a mom, wife, independent business owner and a champion for the fatherless. Whitney and her husband Jason relocated from Pennsylvania to Greenwood back in 2012. She left the corporate world to venture out on her own, in hopes of being more present with her two children, Delaney who is five and Bennett, now three years old. What she didn’t expect was a complete shift in her family’s direction that led them into uncharted territory. Take a look below at what drives Whitney every single day.

“I live to help others. Having a small part in helping someone change his or her life absolutely fulfills me.” Your family has answered the call to foster. Tell us about it.

What do you do for a living and how did you get into that business?

“Ever since I’ve known my husband, he has had a heart for adoption. Truly, I had never given fostering or adoption a thought until suffering the loss of our third pregnancy close to Christmas 2016. That loss triggered something in our hearts to begin the process of becoming foster parents. This past year of being a foster family has tried, strengthened, stretched and grown us in many ways. We are currently fostering our fifth placement. Although the state average is much longer, our placements have ranged from 24 hours to three months.

“I am an independent ambassador with Plexus Worldwide. Prior to plexus, I had no clue what network marketing was nor did I support others who were involved with network marketing. That

There are so many highs and lows to fostering. It’s a constant roller coaster of emotions. Our high point to date has been seeing a drug-addicted baby make a complete 180 in his health,

24 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / APRIL 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

development and demeanor over the course of three months. He’s recently returned to family members and we couldn’t be happier for them. As for the lows, each time we get a placement their stories get harder to hear. Your heart breaks in a whole new way. As layers of their story are revealed your heart breaks deeper and wider.” What has been challenging? “Time management can be super tricky for me. As any mom would understand, we want to be able to do it all. Accepting that I can’t do everything and do it all perfectly has been an ongoing challenge and adjustment.” Your faith seems to be really important to you, why? “My life has drastically changed and improved over the past eight years and it’s all because of Jesus. If I hadn’t had faith, I most likely never would have become a network marketer or a foster parent. My faith is what pushed me to pursue these unseen plans.” How do you serve your community? “My family attends Mount Pleasant Christian church and serves

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO RETIRE? WE HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO TELL YOU. WITH OUR RETIREMENT INCOME EXPERTISE, WE CAN HELP BRING YOUR FUTURE INTO FOCUS. Visit us at www.raymondjames.com/ulrichkoenig to learn more ULRICH KOENIG Vice President, Investments O: 317.885.0114 | Toll Free: 800.382.9487 | ulrich.koenig@raymondjames.com 701 E. County Line Rd., Suite 302 | Greenwood, IN 46143 25 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / APRIL 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

in a variety of ways. We love participating in our annual events like Night to Shine and Change the World. My husband serves the church through their financial ministry. He leads classes and meets with people individually. I am active in the Women’s Ministry and serve in the children’s ministry as well. We are also involved in Defend 82:3, Mount Pleasant’s Orphan Care Ministry.” Where do you get you inspiration from? “My inspiration begins and ends at home. Changing lives through this accidental business has allowed me to stay home and focus on the greatest ministry of all, my family.” What would you tell your younger self today? “Seek Jesus. Now. Don’t wait one more second.” What Drives you? “Living my life for Him, the desire to change my family’s future, my husband who is my biggest supporter and the many amazing people in my life that force me to level up to be a better version of myself.”

26 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / APRIL 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

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Annual Gala for the Grove Returns April 13 Proceeds Benefit the Center Grove Education Foundation Writer / Kelsey Musick Photography Provided

Third-year Executive Director of the Center Grove Education Foundation, Jennifer Rakow, has lived in Center Grove with her two boys and her husband since 2003.

As part of the Gala evening, a silent auction is held where businesses donate everything from experiences to product baskets and gift certificates.

“Last year, we auctioned off more than 100 items,” Rakow says. “This year, along with our traditional auction items, The first Center Grove Education we’re excited to be partnering Foundation Gala was held in with the American Fundraising 2007. Foundation (AmFund), a national charity that specializes According to Rakow, it has since in raising funds for deserving become the Foundations’ largest organizations, such as ours. fundraiser. “It’s an evening of dinner, dancing and entertainment,” Rakow says. “And it’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate our work and raise funds for future projects.” Last year, the Foundation was awarded more than $68,000.

According to Rakow, AmFund will have 11 trips for guests to win in the Gala’s special “Trips of a Lifetime Silent Auction.” The auction includes possible trips to Costa Rica, Napa Valley, New York and Ireland. Shifts in state funding and property tax caps have changed the way that public education is funded.

“The need to raise private‐sector funds to support our schools is more important than ever,” Rakow says. “Thanks to our donors, the Center Grove Education Foundation is able to provide additional curriculum resources and new technology for our students, along with upto-date professional development training for our teachers and staff.”

St. in Indianapolis – on Saturday, April 13 at 6 p.m. Black tie is optional.

According to Rakow, while some amazing projects were funded, there were many that had to be turned down.

For those who are interested in staying downtown after the Gala, rooms are available at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown, which is attached to the Indiana Roof Ballroom. You can call 317-2361800 and mention the Center Grove Education Foundation to take advantage of their discounted group rate. For more information, visit centergrovefoundation. org/2019-gala-for-the-grove.

“Those tough choices have challenged and energized us to continue our efforts to raise even more money,” Rakow says. The Gala For the Grove is an adult-event for those 21 and older. The event will take place at the Indiana Roof Ballroom – located at 140 W. Washington

28 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / APRIL 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

Proceeds from the Gala allow the Center Grove Education Foundation to provide additional learning experiences and resources for Center Grove students and teachers. Gala tickets can be purchased for $100.

GALA

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F OR T HE

SA T URD A Y APRI L 1 3 , 20 1 9 AT THE INDIANA ROOF BALLROOM

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29 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / APRIL 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

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