Westfield’s Jim and Stephanie Yott were among the 28 organizations and charities that recently received grants from First Lady Karen Pence. The inaugural grants were part of the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation, where Pence awarded $22,000 to organizations that serve Hoosier families and children across the state. The Yotts represented the Emily Yott Foundation.
“The Emily Yott Foundation is one of those organizations that is doing great work for our Hoosier children and families, and it is an honor to recognize them,” Pence stated.
Emily Yott was diagnosed with leukemia shortly after her first birthday in 2006. Despite all efforts, after 14 months of intense treatment, including a stem cell transplant at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Emily passed away on May 1, 2007 at age 2.
The foundation’s mission is “to give to the children and their families that are forced to travel the journey of childhood cancer.”
“On behalf of our organization and the families that receive the benefits from donations like this to our foundation, we are humbled and so very thankful to have received this grant from the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation. Every penny will go towards providing assistance for families in need,” Stephanie said.
The foundation is in its seventh year and continues to evolve. In 2013, Stephanie said they provided $15,000 in assistance.
“We hope to double that in 2014,” she said. “We really are passionate about helping these families in crisis.”
Pence started Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation in August as a way to recognize organizations and charities across the state. In April, the foundation awarded its first major grant of $100,000 to the Art Therapy Program at Riley Hospital for Children. Throughout the year, it will recognize organizations with smaller grants.
“These grants are a first step toward making a big impact in recognizing these deserving organizations. We hope it can help give them a boost and bring more interest to their causes,” Pence stated. “These organizations are the backbone and the heart of our communities. The Emily Yott Foundation represents the very best of what it means to be a Hoosier, and we thank them for their service.”
