Mission Statement
Through the memory of Mark Andrew Kreusch, our mission is to enrich the lives of children by investing in programs, facilities and services that provide children the opportunities and resources to grow, learn and play in a safe and healthy environment.
Mark’s Story
The Mark Andrew Kreusch Memorial Fund was founded by his family to honor Mark’s life and spirit. Mark was four years old when his life suddenly ended in a boating accident on August 11, 2007. Mark loved his family, his friends, and embraced life by enjoying all that he did. His zest for life shined through his smile and giggle. Mark’s parents vowed to keep his spirit alive by enriching the lives of other children. His family and friends will miss him dearly. Their dream is to continue his legacy. Through various projects the fund will “Leave a MARK on a child’s life”.
Dear Friends of the MAK Fund
Life moves fast! Boy, isn’t that the truth! We are totally amazed at how each year goes by so quickly. This year marks the 15th anniversary of Mark’s accident. How can this be possible!? He would be 19 years old right now and ready to turn 20. We are truly amazed at the success of the Mark Kreusch Memorial Fund. The fund has come a long way in 15 years!
Enriching the lives of children is our mission! Each year we grant money to local organizations that help children. Our goal is to “Leave a MARK on a child’s life!”. In 2008 and in 2009, the fund gave grants away totaling $3,000 each year. For the past five years, our grants have totaled an average of $45,000 per year! WOW! We have supported nearly 60 organizations with more than 110 grants and scholarships in the past 15 years that total over $400,000. This isn’t possible without our donors who have amazed us! And you all continue to amaze us year after year! More than 4,800 donations have been made to Mark’s fund. Without this continued support, the fund would not be able to help so many children live fuller lives through our grants. We carefully choose the organizations to help, and in most instances, we build relationships with these organizations that last for years. Collectively, all of our donors should take pride in the changes Mark’s fund makes in the community as each donor and each donation is a part of every grant!
So, as we reflect on these past 15 years, we are overwhelmed and amazed with the continued support and the opportunities that the fund has been able to support. “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” (Helen Keller) Our hearts are full with joy at the success of the MAK FUND! We thank you for your continued suppor t as it would not be possible without it! It may be hard to imagine what our 4-year-old Mark would look like now, but we know that he is helping “Leave a Mark” on children all over our community!
– Jon & Suzie Kreusch
The Mark A. Kreusch Advisory Committee
An advisory committee meets semi-annually to discuss and plan the fundraisers and projects for the Mark A. Kreusch Memorial Fund. The committee is always open to new ideas for fundraising as well as information on the needs of the children in our community. Please send an email to info@markkreusch.com to inform the committee of any fundraising or project ideas. We welcome your input!
Bill & Liz Anderson, Tony & Jennifer Argue, Chris & Sarah Cerar, Pete & Sherri Cerar, Chuck and Beth Gochenouer, Scott & Tara Kaskocsak, Brad & Jennifer Midtlien, John & Kim Miller, Jim & Cara Powers
Ambassador Program
The MAK Ambassador Program is a group of high school seniors and juniors who have decided they want to give some of their limited free time to support the mission of the MAK Fund and leave a MARK on a child’s life. Our goal is to help these high-potential students gain some valuable life skills and support them as they grow from young adults into role models who will then continue to make an impact on their communities. By participating
in this program, the students get a firsthand understanding of the organizations that the MAK Fund provides grants for our community. Additionally, this special group of high school students is responsible for organizing and hosting the MAK Fund’s annual Miles for Mark 5K fundraiser every spring.
MAK Ambassadors learn valuable lessons like how to interact with adults in a non-household environment, to plan and execute a community
event, and ask for and collect monetary donations from non-amily members.
|
2023 |
2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Archbishop High School | Archbishop High School | Archbishop High School |
|
Claire Anderson, Tony Acuri, Andy Duplain, Davis Goechenouer, Madison Houpt, Jack Keighley, Josie Oueliette, Kristen Senkiw, Kara Senkiw, Emma Schwieterman, Carter Sheets, Collin Wehner |
Kate Anderson, Lily Bradley, Tommy Grawe, Will Holtgreive, Gabrielle Houpt, James Keighley, Lilly Lawson, Hannah Redmond, Cade Ryan, Will Schwieterman, Grace Vollmar
|
Kate Anderson, Lily Bradley, Tommy Grawe, Will Holtgreive, Gabriella Houpt, James Keighley, Lilly Lawson, Hannah Redmond, Cade Ryan, Will Schwieterman, Grace Vollmar |
| Bellbrook High School | Bellbrook High School | Bellbrook High School |
| Grace Atchison, Rachel Holbrook |
Erin Allen, Rachael Cordonnier, Abby Dunham, David Greathouse, Shelby Hurst, Sydney Tieber |
Erin Allen, Rachel Cordonnier, Abby Dunham, David Greathous, Shelby Hurst, Sydney Tieber |
| Centerville High School | Centerville High School | Centerville High School |
| Anthony Argue, Andrew Crompton, Bella Ferrazza, Ben Hanchak, Gloria Huelsman, Kyle Kenney, Elizabeth Lunne, Anna Grace Muckerheide |
Madison Argue, Grace Cowell, Cara Crompton, Izzy Laidly, Kendal Lieberman, Ethan Muckerheide |
Madison Argue, Grace Cowell, Cara Crompton, Izzy Laidly, Kendal Lieberman, Ethan Muckerheide |
| Chaminade Julian High School – Mac Powers, Oakwood High School – Colin McDonald |
Historical List of MAK Ambassadors
2019 – 2020
2018 – 2019 – Alter High School – Grace Bradley, Ben Conroy, Jack Dimario, Nick Kreusch, Christopher Miller, Dan O’Connell, Lindsey Rocco, Lauren Schimpf, Matthew Schimpf, Derek Willits, Bellbrook High School – Nicole Cordonier, Jade Midtlien, Caden Barr, Katie Schultz, Centerville High School – Tim Ankerbauer, Ashley Greer, Nick Hoffman, Ella Snead, Grace Stoller
2017 – 2018 – Alter High School – Grace Bradley, Ben Conroy, Jack Dimario, Nick Kreusch, Christopher Miller, Dan O’Connell, Bethan Powers, Derek Willits, Bellbrook High School – Nicole Cordonier, Haley Hurst, Jade Midtlien, Kyle Miller, Centerville High School – Kyle Biggs, Bethany Ekeh, Sam Haught, Nick Hoffman, Trey Schultz, Jackson Stoller
2016-2017 – Alter High School – Jimmy Finke, Ellie Powers, Bellbrook High School – Nathan Cordonnier, Haley Hurst, Kyle Miller, Centerville High School – Bethany Ekeh, Sydney Fowler, Nora Fullencamp, Sam Haught, Trey Schultz, Jackson Stoller
2015 – 2016 – Alter High School – Jimmy Finke, Nick Groene, Ellie Powers, Bellbrook High School – Nathan Cordonnier, Hana Midtlien, Centerville High School – Sydney Fowler, Zach Spangler
2013 – 2014 – Alter High School – Joe Nikolai, Bellbrook High School – Hali Midtlien Centerville High School – Lauren Barhorst, Lauren DiMario, Grace Hoffman, Michael Spangler