Donor Story

Robert and Anita Ludington embodied the “American Dream.” They were hard workers who valued education and determination. Robert served two tours with the US Navy, and received a degree from Purdue by taking classes at Barker Mansion. His job as a draftsman at Pullman-Standard led to an interest in railways.  With partner, Robert Holloway, he […]

Wilbur R. Deiters was an extremely private person, yet very kind and very friendly in a quiet way. Born and raised in La Porte, he was the only child of Henry and Minnie Deiters, German citizens who immigrated to the United States in the 1920s. Wilbur had a BS degree from Indiana University and worked […]

Unity has a number of Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) with donors who actively participate in making grants to local charitable organizations. Some of these DAFs are guided by individuals, some by couples, some by entire families! Every fund is unique and has a special history. One La Porte County family, who for anonymity purposes will […]

In memory of the recent passing of Unity Foundation founding board member, Burton “Bud” Ruby, we’d like to share a nomination piece written by Unity president, Maggi Spartz, for Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. In sharing this, we hope to shed brighter light on Bud’s incredible life, achievements, and […]

Alzheimer’s disease has robbed Sandy Kowalski of much of her life. It has stolen her energetic personality, her determination, even her contact with the outside world. But it can never take away Sandy’s accomplishments. Her work, especially in the field of community health, will have an influence on LaPorte County for years to come. And […]

A few years back, Dawn Weik Grossman was sitting in the lobby of a local bank waiting for her mother to complete some financial business. Grossman noticed a Unity Foundation brochure, picked it up and read it, then took it home to show her husband, Luke. They liked what they saw and decided Unity Foundation […]

Sylvia Bankoff had a wealth of talents, of intelligence, of drive, of family and friends, of commitment to community, of passion for many causes. It was this kind of wealth she wisely invested, multiplied and generously bestowed. Even though she passed on June 17, 2008, at the age of 90, her legacy will live on […]

June B. Kelley’s avid love of gardening is still beautifully evident in the Long Beach community, even though she passed away five years ago. Her son, Dennis, created the June B. Kelley Garden Fund for Long Beach to support public gardens on Oriole Trail between the former Long Beach Elementary School and the Town Hall. […]

A boy was born in 1907. With his father passing away five months later, his mother was forced to place Ernest “Ernie” in a Budapest orphanage. At that time, she worked as a servant and therefore was unable to have him with her. Nearly 15 years later, the boy’s Iowa grandparents sent for Ernie and […]

  Todd and Stephanie Dickard describe their family experience as ‘a story of ayoung person who made an impression.’ It’s a sad story, but it’s one where grief finds an outlet in the power of doing good. Todd and Stephanie’s daughter Carley died at the age of 16 in 2006 from a brain tumor. ‘She […]