The yellow rose stands for joy and happiness. It symbolizes sunshine and brightness into our lives. Yellow represents joy, peace, warmness, to cheer up someone, lifting spirits, friendship and caring. ?The yellow rose is a perfect description of Mrs. Nancy Laird, who was a loving and caring person,? shared Scottsburg resident Hank Jentzen.
Due to the close relationship Jentzen had with her and her family, he and her son Scott have established a permanent endowment fund at the Scott County Community Foundation in her memory.
?Looking back to my younger days in New Jersey, Mr. and Mrs. Laird always welcomed me into their home,? said Jentzen. ?I felt the love and warmth of their kind spirit. They were wonderful people and Mrs. Laird created a caring home for many young adults who were friends of their children.?
?This past December, Mrs. Laird called me and told me she always thought of me as one of her sons,? shared Jentzen. ?We reminisced about the old days and had a few laughs. That was the last time I talked to her. She passed away just before Christmas of 2019.?
Having been a longtime grants committee and board member for the Scott County Community Foundation, Jentzen was familiar with the far-reaching impact made in the community through unrestricted funds. With this type of fund, the Community Foundation has flexibility to meet the changing needs of Scott County. Local organizations apply for funding during the Community Grants Program, and the grants committee thoughtfully and carefully reviews each request before making recommendations for funding.
?Over the years I have tried to give back to her for her kindness by hopefully making her final years a little more joyful. Now it only makes sense to create an unrestricted fund in her memory,? said Jentzen. ?The fund will ensure her kindness will live on forever, and help create a better community now and for future generations to come.?
??Looking forward and giving back? is part of the mission statement for the Scott County Community Foundation. That?s what this unrestricted fund is about,? continued Jentzen. ?My life has been made better for knowing Mr. and Mrs. Laird. Scott and I decided an unrestricted fund was the best way to help others now and forever. This fund is our way to say thank you, and knowing her kindness and generosity will continue to help others in our community forever through the Scott County Community Foundation is a great feeling.?
Donations to The Yellow Rose of Nancy R. Laird Memorial Fund are currently being matched $2 for every $1 donated through a grant opportunity from Lilly Endowment Inc. Tax-deductible contributions can be made by mailing to the Scott County Community Foundation; PO Box 25, Scottsburg, IN 47170. Donors may also stop in the office or give online at www.www.scottcountyfoundation.org. Please call 812-752-2057 with any questions on how you can memorialize a loved one through a permanent endowment fund.
