Jim Fisher and Jud Fisher’s remarks at “Garden Party of the Century”

As Ball Brothers Foundation marks its 100th year of grantmaking, the foundation celebrated May 14 with its “Garden Party of the Century,” an evening gathering held along Muncie’s historic Minnetrista Boulevard. The event brought together a small group of grantees, community leaders, peer funders, and board members to reflect on a century of philanthropy and partnership in East Central Indiana. 

Guests gathered among the original Ball family homes for an evening of live music, 1920s style lawn games, hors d’oeuvres, and mingling. The setting holds special significance for the foundation, as Ball Brothers Foundation’s first board meeting was held 100 years ago in the home of Edmund B. and Bertha C. Ball, located on the boulevard. 

In remarks from the front porch of the E.B. & Bertha C. Ball Center, BBF Board Chair Jim Fisher and BBF President & CEO Jud Fisher reflected on the meaning of the moment and the enduring importance of partnership in philanthropy. 

Jim Fisher, Chairman of the Board

Good evening, everyone—and welcome. I’m Jim Fisher, Chairman of the board of Ball Brothers Foundation. I am going to make some comments and make a toast, then turn this over to my nephew, Jud Fisher, our president and CEO. 

On behalf of our Board of Directors, thank you for being here to celebrate this milestone with us. Tonight is especially meaningful because we are gathered here on the ground of Minnetrista at the historic home of Edmund & Bertha Ball, where Ball Brothers Foundation held its very first board meeting 100 years ago. 

As a member of the Ball family—and as someone who has grown up hearing stories about the people who came before us—I can tell you that moments like this bring history into vibrant perspective. It is humbling to stand in this place a century later, surrounded not only by members of our family, but by the many people and organizations who continue the work of building stronger communities every day. 

To our grantees: thank you. You are the nonprofit leaders, educators, healthcare providers, artists, local officials, and problem-solvers who turn ideas into impact. You do the hard work of serving others, strengthening neighborhoods, creating opportunities, and improving lives. We are honored to partner with you. 

Tonight is a celebration of history, but it is also a celebration of possibility. The story of Ball Brothers Foundation is still being written by all of us together. 

So, as we enjoy this beautiful evening, I’d like to offer a toast. 

To 100 years of partnership, generosity, and community. 
To the Ball family legacy and all those who have carried it forward. 
And to the many people in this community whose work gives that legacy meaning every single day. 

Cheers—and thank you for being here.

Jud Fisher, President & CEO

Thanks Jim. I’m Jud Fisher, President & CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation. I echo my uncle Jim in welcoming you all to this once-in-a-century celebration.   

For 100 years, Ball Brothers Foundation has sought to support the city, region, and state that the Ball family chose to call home. Over time, that work has grown far beyond what those early board members likely could have imagined. Today, Ball Brothers Foundation is one of Indiana’s oldest and largest private family foundations. But what has always mattered most is not the size of the foundation—it is the relationships behind the work. 

I also want to recognize our board members—both past and present—as well as fifth generation members of the Ball family who are with us tonight. If you are currently affiliated with the board, or at one time served on the board, and if you are a Ball family member, please raise your hand. Thank you all for being here. 

The continuity of this work across generations is something we never take for granted. Stewardship matters. Community matters. And gathering together like this reminds us that philanthropy is ultimately about people and shared purpose. 

That shared purpose in this shared place—Muncie, Delaware County, and East Central Indiana—is to improve quality of life. Rather than spread our resources thin outside of our shared place, we will continue to partner, collaborate, and create hands-on solutions with all of you as we move on from our celebration and into the next century of work together. 

I am honored to work with my staff as we support our board to steward this legacy into the future.  

Now, I’d like to thank my staff: Jenna Wachtmann, Donna Munchel, Dan Wolfert and Susan Brumley. A special thank you to Susan for helping to set this whole event up. Could you all raise your hands, as well as our former staff members Neil Schmottlach and Rich Spisak? Thanks for all the hard work you all have put into this foundation. I’d also like to thank Minnetrista for assisting in bringing this event to life, as well as Diane Waters at the E.B. Ball House, and David Martin from Maplewood Guest House for their time and effort to open the doors to their homes tonight. Thank you to the team from Ball State Catering for our food tonight, and I know you will enjoy Nick Engel and his jazz ensemble as they play music for us. 

As I finish, please explore these beautiful grounds and Ball family homes along Minnetrista boulevard. Maplewood will have some Ball family fashions displayed from the 1920’s, as well as some other items from Ball Stores. The food tents are now open, so relax, explore, reconnect with friends and colleagues, and simply enjoy this wonderful evening together. Everything you need to know about the evening is in your commemorative booklet, so please refer to that as the night goes on. 

Thank you again for helping us celebrate 100 years of Ball Brothers Foundation and this great community.