Jasper Engines' giving circle a philanthropic success

JETT also awarded its first grant for a national organization to Metal Mission this year, an organization founded by a 9 boy named Kylan because he wanted to help his Ugandan pen pal. Metal Mission turns scrap metal into funds that Kylan uses to help communities in Africa. In all, JETT granted $19,768.50 for 2015 funded by the minimum $100 donation Jasper Engines employees pay to be part of JETT. The group will present the grant checks at Saturday’s Will Read and Sing for Food show at Jasper Engines’ building at 1220 Power Drive.

JETT steering committee member Matt Bland’s favorite part of being in JETT is awarding money at the annual granting party. He still remembers the first one in 2013 when JETT donated $7,575 to Dubois County Community Meals.

“I got to go and see my $100 turn into over $7,500,” Bland said. “It’s just cool to see what little I did turn into such a large amount that I would never imagine giving myself.”

“What stands out to me most is the power that can come from combining efforts,” said Chip Morris, call center manager and member of JETT. “$100 can be a lot to people, I do understand that, but how many of us go blow $100 and don’t think anything of it?”

JETT goes beyond giving money. The group gathers six times a year to volunteer, usually at Dubois County Community Meals. Group members also volunteered at Anderson Woods, a summer camp in northern Perry County for adults and children with disabilities, and would like to expand their reach.

“We’re trying to give people service opportunities and get involved in the community,” Bland said.

Balsmeyer has been amazed at how quickly JETT has blossomed and sees continued growth in the organization’s future.

“It’s a combination of our associates giving their time and money and the company believing in that and supporting that,” Balsmeyer said. “That’s the true beauty of this program.”