History of the Foundation
The Yoder Memorial Scholarship Foundation was created in 1996 after the tragic death of my 17-year-old grandson, Joshua, who was killed in a car-truck accident in June 1996. He was to start college in August. During this terrible time the local communities were remarkable in their response to the families. It was this outpouring of love and compassion that inspired the creation of the scholarship program. This would be the families’ way of thanking them and giving back in honor and celebration of Joshua’s memory.
As fate would have it, once again I experienced the tragic death of another grandson, 18-year-old Tyler, who was killed in a car-motorcycle accident in Florida in August 2003. He was already enrolled in College. To honor the memory of Tyler, the Foundation’s name was changed to the Yoder Brothers Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
The Yoder Brothers Foundation offers college scholarships to senior student-athletes: seven four-year renewable scholarship grants and one trade/technical school grant are given annually to three Geauga Counties high schools - Berkshire, Cardinal and Newbury. All of these schools are in rural and farming communities; the young men and women have a great need of financial assistance to realize their dreams of a college education. Today, the Yoder Brothers Foundation’s scholarship program is one of the largest scholarship providers in Northeast Ohio, distributing more than $500,000 since the scholarship program began in 1997. Presently, we hold more than $700,000 in assets in an investment account with a goal of $1,000,000, which would allow the scholarship program to be self-sustaining.
Funding for the Foundation’s grants has been by monies contributed by the family, friends, local service groups, businesses and the Corporate Member program. On a more active basis the Foundation conducts three special fund-raising annual events: A Father’s Day weekend Baseball Championships Tournament for boys ranging in age from 14 to 12 and under; An Invitational Memorial Golf Tournament featuring a Celebrity Sports personality, and a Celebrity Dinner & Auction hosted by the Cleveland Indians.
The Yoder Brothers Foundation is registered with the Charitable Law Section at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in Columbus, Ohio. The Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code , Federal ID# 34-1848189 and all gifts and contributions to the fund are tax-deductible. The annual tax return is available for inspection during regular business hours at the offices of Dittrick and Associates Inc., Certified Public Accountants located in Burton, Ohio.
There is no administrative expense for the Yoder Brothers Foundation. Through many kind and generous people, all work is done on a volunteer basis and 100% of all contributions go directly into the scholarship fund.
Jack J. Menosky, President Board of Trustees
Updated: Sept. 8, 2008