George and Hilinda Marsh and their daughter Katie, gave most of their substantial estate for the purpose of helping needy children and families. According to legend, George and Hilinda were traveling through Van Wert on a frosty winter night on their way home from the theater in Fort Wayne, Ind. when they noticed two small boys huddled together in a dark deserted doorway. Their mother was working evening hours. Moved with compassion, Hilinda said, “There George, we could use our money when we need it no longer, to establish a home for little fellows such as those.”

The Marsh endowment, contributed more than 90 years ago, has provided resources for building a stately campus, assembling dedicated professionals, underwriting a successful orphanage for many decades and now for expanding services to meet the changing needs of children and families.