Celebrating the Gene A. Daiber Pass Through and Designated Funds June 11, 2025 EvUCC Church – Highland, IL On June 11, 2025, at the EvUCC Church—where the L.U.N.C.H. Bunch 2025 prepares daily lunches for local children—the Highland Area Community Foundation (HACF) proudly hosted a special presentation to honor and celebrate the establishment of two generous charitable funds: the Gene A. Daiber Pass Through Fund and the Gene A. Daiber Designated Fund. These funds, were created at the foundation on February 11, 2025, reflect the Daiber family's deep commitment to supporting and nourishing our community for generations to come. Fund #1: Gene A. Daiber Pass Through Fund Total Gift: $50,000 This fund has been established to provide immediate, direct support to local food assistance programs. In accordance with the fund agreement, it will distribute $3,333.33 annually over five years to each of the following vital community programs: • Meals on Wheels • Highland Area Christian Services Ministry (HACSM) • The L.U.N.C.H. Bunch Summer Program These funds ensure critical food support reaches our neighbors who need it most. Fund #2: Gene A. Daiber Designated Fund Total Gift: $50,000 This second gift creates a permanent endowment that will support HACF’s general grants program. Through this lasting legacy, the Daiber family's generosity will continue to benefit the community far into the future by funding a wide range of local initiatives and needs. As Lillian Daiber shared, it was—and remains—her heartfelt hope that these gifts will nourish and uplift the very communities that gave so much to her family. Lillian and Gene Daiber were lifelong residents of the Highland and Marine areas. They grew up here, went to school here, farmed the land, raised a family, and built a life rooted in care for others. Like generations of farmers before them, they helped feed the community—and now, through these gifts, that legacy continues. Today, we are proud to award support to three outstanding organizations that embody the mission of feeding and serving others: • Meals on Wheels Represented by President Tom Campbell • Highland Area Christian Services Ministry (HACSM) Represented by Diane Williams • The L.U.N.C.H. Bunch Program Represented by Missy and Matt Loyet Representing the Daiber family today: • Lillian L. (née Steiner) Daiber, Marine, IL – Wife of Gene • Barbara S. (Thomas) Eberhart, Highland, IL – Daughter (was not able to attend) • Sandra J. (Michael) Leitschuh, Highland, IL – Daughter • Ellen M. (Victor) Mitchell, Highland, IL – Daughter • Carla A. (Mikeiel) Muniz, Marine, IL – Daughter We are deeply grateful for the Daiber family’s vision, compassion, and enduring love for this community. May these gifts stand as a lasting tribute to the power of giving back—and to the enduring legacy of Gene A. Daiber. May they continue to inspire, nourish, and unite us all in the spirit of community and care.