October 27, 2026
ELKHART, Indiana — Two Elkhart County giving circles, one brand new and one with more than a decade of giving behind it, have presented a combined $35,000 to local nonprofits. Guys Who Give Elkhart County awarded its first-ever grant of $25,000 to Ryan’s Place. In addition,100 Women Who Care Elkhart County gave $10,000 to the Elkhart County Jail Ministry.
Guys Who Give
The $25,000 gift came from the first Guys Who Give meeting, held Oct. 6 at Maplecrest Country Club in Goshen. Three nonprofits were drawn at random to make five-minute pitches, and members voted on the spot. Ryan’s Place received what was raised that night.
Ryan’s Place provides free grief support to children, teens, and families after the death of a loved one.
“It is an honor for Ryan’s Place to receive the inaugural gift from Guys Who Give,” said Launa R. Leftwich, president and CEO of Ryan’s Place. “Their support is not only a contribution, but it is also a reminder of what is possible when people come together to care for grieving kids and families.”
Leftwich said the gift will help the organization keep its services free. She also thanked the Community Foundation of Elkhart County for supporting the creation of Guys Who Give.
Jeff Boomershine and Curt Yoder started Guys Who Give this fall, modeled after 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County. Guys Who Give members give $500 at each of two meetings a year, held the first Tuesday of October and May. The next meeting is May 4, 2027. Any man with ties to Elkhart County can join.
100 Women Who Care
100 Women Who Care Elkhart County, the giving circle that inspired Guys Who Give, continued its long run of generosity with a $10,000 grant to the Elkhart County Jail Ministry.
The ministry plans to use the money for tattoo removal, both inside and outside the jail. “We’re thrilled to receive this donation from 100 Women Who Care,” said Cory Martin, chaplain of the Elkhart County Jail Ministry. “The generosity of Elkhart County never ceases to amaze us. This will be used to support our current and formerly incarcerated neighbors as they continue to rebuild their lives.”
The next 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County meeting is January 12, 2027.
