Jim and Juanita Harger received the Legacy Fund Living Legacy Award for their philanthropic contributions to Noblesville and Hamilton County during Celebration of Philanthropy on Nov. 8.
The Hargers were the fourth recipients of the Living Legacy Award. Created by Legacy Fund, an affiliate of Central Indiana Community Foundation, the award recognizes Hamilton County residents for their philanthropic contributions to the community.
“It’s very humbling. We never thought we deserved this award. To be recognized is very humbling,” said Juanita. “To be honored by your peers and the community is quite an honor and that’s how we view it,” Juanita said.
“It’s quite an honor. What we did, we never did it for recognition. We’re not used to being put in the limelight,” Jim added.
Jim is active in First United Methodist church, served 10 years on the Noblesville Township Advisory Board and the board of Wainwright Bank and Trust, and was also the founding president of Legacy Fund.
“It was easy for me to say yes when Bob Campbell and Tori Hanson came to me in 1991 to be the founding president,” he said. “Legacy Fund was giving us an opportunity to expand philanthropic endeavors in a growing Hamilton County.”
In addition to her 15-year career as a school counselor, Juanita has held leadership positions in church, clubs and organizations in Noblesville. She joined Tri Kappa Sorority and became president, and was also the founding president of the Noblesville-Hamilton Southeastern Public Library Foundation. The couple is also dedicated to the arts in Noblesville, the Theater Guild and the Cultural Arts Commission.
“Jim and I view our journey as a ‘Y.’ We came from two different paths and joined together to become one in our philanthropic goals: education, people and community,” Juanita said.
Previous recipients of the Legacy Fund Living Legacy Award include The Crosser family, The Beck family and Judi Campbell, M.D.
“The Hargers represent the best of Hamilton County and our community, and are truly the embodiment of philanthropy,” said Legacy Fund President Terry Anker. “They have given their time, talent and treasure in support of people, education and community, and we all have benefited from their dedication and gifts.”
An annual event, Celebration of Philanthropy was held at the Ritz Charles in Carmel, and in addition to the award ceremony, featured a showcase of 47 of the county’s not-for-profit organizations as well as a performance by comedian Dave Dugan. Approximately 450 people attended the event.
“It’s an amazing event, great people,” Jim said.
