Leadership Shelby County team launches new initiatives to support local veterans

The “Ramp it Up for Veterans” team from Leadership Shelby County is thrilled to announce an exciting new initiative aimed at giving back to those who have served our country.

The team is selling raffle tickets and offering sponsorship opportunities to help assist local charitable organizations who offer aid to veterans in our Shelby County, IN community.
In September 2024, a diverse group of eight individuals, who had just met each other, was tasked with choosing a project to serve Shelby County through the Leadership Shelby County program—an annual initiative by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. The team quickly focused on a mission close to their hearts: supporting local veterans.
“As a group, we realized that every single one of us has been touched by a family member or friend who has served in the military. We’ve also witnessed the challenges faced by veterans, especially those who have served during wartime. This project is our way of honoring their sacrifices and creating a long-term way to support our nonprofits who help veterans,” said Gena Linville, one of the team members.
The team’s work kicked off in Fall 2024 with an Operation Gratitude initiative, where Shelby County school students wrote heartfelt cards and letters to local veterans, and continued through community volunteerism with the construction of a safe entrance ramp at a local veteran’s home.
Now, the team is excited to continue this vital mission by establishing a Veteran Endowment Fund through the Blue River Community Foundation. This permanent Field of Interest Fund will provide an additional funding stream to nonprofit organizations who aid veterans in Shelby County, IN. Once established, the fund will accept donations year-round to sustain this essential cause. As policy per Blue River Community Foundation, the fund cannot begin granting to nonprofits until two years after the establishment date.
The goal is to raise $10,000, and we need your help to make it happen! Every donation—large or small—will have a lasting impact. To kick off the fundraising, the team has partnered with the Shelbyville American Legion to host a raffle (Gaming License #000131 / Registration #160667), with all proceeds benefiting the Veteran Endowment Fund. 
Raffle Details
Three lucky winners will be drawn on March 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Shelbyville American Legion.  Winners do not have to be present to win, but we warmly invite everyone to join us for the drawing celebration, where we will personally thank veterans for their service. 
Raffle items include:
Two Half Hogs donated by local farmer Nathan Stickford
One $100 Gift Card to Spegal’s Prime Cuts, generously donated by Amy and Greg Spegal
Raffle Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities
Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and are available for purchase at the Shelbyville American Legion (1125 Miller Ave, Shelbyville, IN 46176) and from the following team members:
Gena Linville (Major Health Partners)
Jessica Montgomery (WorkOne)
Aaron Jenkins (CraneWerks Inc.)
Lora Nigh (Golden Bear Preschool)
Nathan Stickford (Shelby County Co-op)
Dominique Huber (City of Shelbyville – Water Resource Recovery)
Emily Redelman (Kuhn’s Shelbyville Paint, Flooring & More)
Laura Land (Blue River Community Foundation)

Individual and corporate sponsorships are also welcomed and appreciated! Checks can be made payable to the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce (157 W. Washington Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176) with “Veterans – Leadership Shelby County” in the memo. You can also request a copy of the sponsorship letter by contacting any of the team members above.
Join us in honoring and supporting our local veterans through this meaningful initiative. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those who have given so much for our country.

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