For the tenth year, Blue River Community Foundation (BRCF) has asked Shelby County to nominate an individual and an organization for the Spirit of Community Award.
The award recognizes and honors those whose contributions help to elevate the quality of life in Shelby County- the same mission as the Foundation. Each year BRCF receives more nominations than the previous year and every submission is worthy of being recognized, making the selection of a recipient a hard one to determine. How fortunate are we to live in a community with so many individuals who exemplify generosity and leadership? Individuals who are making a tangible difference in Shelby County through their selfless service and philanthropy. We are equally lucky that others recognize their efforts and wish for them to be celebrated.
When the nomination for Lee Marks and John C. DePrez, Jr. was received for the 2025 award, there was an immediate consensus among staff that the pair is beyond worthy of the recognition. Lee currently serves on the Board of Directors for BRCF and is a long-standing member of our Grants Committee. A Massachusetts native who spent many years living in New York, Lee brings a unique, outsider’s perspective when helping the Foundation make decisions and plan for the future. She has always encouraged the organization to think outside of the box. John served on the BRCF board for 15 years (one term as President) and is one of the pioneer leaders of the organization. Both currently serve on the Creative Committee and were instrumental in inspiring the Foundation to include supporting the arts as part of the Foundation’s quality of life efforts.
Their progressive mind-sets and experiences from around the country and all over the world have had a major influence on BRCF’s work. Though John has not served on the board for 10 years, he is one of the most engaged individuals with the organization. John checks in on the team on a regular basis providing feedback and encouragement. He often shares ideas and stories from other parts of the state and country, sparking several projects that have been able to be completed with his and Lee’s encouragement.
A great example is the large inventory of traffic cabinet boxes across Shelbyville that BRCF has had wrapped with vinyl art. The first installation originated from the suggestion and leadership of the creative couple. Lee and John planted a seed for BRCF with their motivation and guidance to produce one piece of artwork that has since grown into a garden of 19 art-covered boxes growing all over town- with more to come! The couple has also provided financial means for BRCF to complete these projects and often connects them with artists, contractors, and other agencies to help further their work. Lee and John share their time, talent, treasures, and ties with BRCF and other organizations and individuals across Shelby County. They are the epitome of community philanthropists.
In addition to serving with Blue River Community Foundation, Lee and John have donated their time serving on multiple other nonprofit boards. Lee has served with Girls Inc. (local and national), Indiana Arts Commission, Shelby County Players, and The Association of International Photography Art Dealers, NYC. John has served with The Penrod Society, Shelby Arts Alliance, Hoosier State Press Association, and the Indiana Coalition for the Arts.
There is so much more to be shared to more clearly paint a picture of these two outstanding philanthropists, but the heartfelt and endearing submission from their granddaughter, Sara Lewis, describes their spirit the best:
“I am honored to nominate my grandparents for their unwavering spirit of giving, both financially and with their time (serving on boards, supporting local news and business, participating in Shelby Shake, etc.). Their generosity knows no bounds as they have consistently dedicated themselves to improving the lives of those around them. Having lived and traveled across the country and world, they have chosen to share their wealth of experience and unique perspectives right here in Shelby County. Their contributions have made a significant impact, and we are incredibly fortunate to benefit from their kindness and dedication. Their selfless acts of service and philanthropy truly embody the essence of community spirit, making them deserving of this recognition.”
The individual winner of the Spirit of the Community award is given $1,000 to donate to a Shelby County nonprofit organization of their choice. Lee and John chose BRANCH, a recently established charitable organization that takes on ecological initiatives. They especially focus on weeding out invasive plant species.
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