Carrying It Forward | An Event Celebrating 35 Years of Philanthropy in Southern Indiana

In 2026, the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana marks a major milestone – 35 years of community-driven philanthropy. For more than three decades, the Foundation has partnered with donors, nonprofits, and civic leaders to strengthen Clark and Floyd counties, respond to changing needs, and invest in opportunities that improve quality of life for generations to come.

Carrying It Forward is an invitation to pause and reflect on what has been made possible through generosity – and to look ahead to the future we are continuing to build together.

This anniversary gathering will bring together the people who have helped shape our work over the past 35 years: longtime supporters, community partners, nonprofit leaders, and friends of the Foundation. It is designed to be both celebratory and meaningful, honoring the past while embracing what comes next.

This event does have a maximum capacity, so all RSVP’s will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis.

---

Featured Fireside Conversation: Tori Murden McClure

Tori’s accomplishments place her among the most accomplished endurance explorers in the world:

• First woman and first American to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean (1999)
• First American to ski to the geographic South Pole
• First woman to climb the Lewis Nunatak in Antarctica
• Accomplished sailor, mountaineer, and endurance athlete
• Author and sought-after speaker on resilience, leadership, and purpose

Her expeditions required months of preparation, extraordinary mental and physical endurance, and an unwavering belief in what is possible – qualities that closely mirror the spirit of philanthropy and long-term community investment.

As a donor advised fundholder, Tori also understands the power of generosity and stewardship. During the conversation, she will reflect on her journeys and explore themes of courage, perseverance, leadership, and carrying purpose forward – both on the water and within our communities.

Tori will be joined on-stage by the evening’s host, Angie Fenton (host of Extol Media’s “This is Southern Indiana”) and Linda Speed, CFSI’s President and CEO.

---

Why This Evening Matters

Since its founding, the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana has served as a steward of philanthropy across Clark and Floyd counties – connecting charitable intent with real community needs.

Over the last three and a half decades, the Foundation has:

This anniversary is not simply about a number – it is about 35 years of relationships, trust, and impact that continue to ripple across Southern Indiana. Our organization exists to ensure that generosity today creates opportunity tomorrow. Carrying It Forward is an opportunity to honor that legacy, recognize the people who make it possible, and recommit to the work ahead.

We hope you will join us for this milestone evening as we celebrate the past, engage in meaningful conversation, and carry this important work forward … together.

---

Thirty-five years in, our story is still being written – and we’re grateful to celebrate this chapter with you.