RCCF Named Top Group in Indiana by Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across Ripley County honored more than 4,900 veterans across southeast Indiana

Photo provided.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - Each year, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) recognizes top sponsorship groups for excellence in serving their local communities while helping to share the yearlong mission to Remember fallen veterans, Honor current servicemen and women, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom. Among the thousands of groups nationwide honoring veterans, WAA recognizes the top five sponsorship groups for their meaningful contribution in 2025.

#1 in Indiana for 2025

Wreaths Across America has awarded special recognition to the Ripley County Community Foundation as the #1 Sponsorship Group in Indiana for 2025! Through the Wreaths Across Ripley County initiative, local volunteers placed remembrance wreaths on the graves of 4,910 veterans across Ripley, Franklin, and Dearborn Counties; making it the largest Wreaths Across America partner in the State of Indiana.

Honoring Service Through Tradition

Each live balsam wreath is a gift of respect and gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy. For centuries, fresh evergreens have been used as a symbol of honor and have served as a living tribute renewed annually. As each wreath is placed, the veteran’s name is spoken aloud, ensuring their memory lives on. Wreaths Across Ripley County gives our community a unique and meaningful way to honor the sacrifices and contributions of our neighbors, families, and friends as they dedicated a portion of their lives to serving in the U.S. military.

Partnership with Ripley County Historical Society Wreaths Across Ripley County is in partnership with the Ripley County Historical Society, a dedicated group of volunteers who have invested countless hours researching historical records to identify local veterans and their final resting places. Their commitment ensures that no hero is forgotten and that each name represents a story preserved for future generations. For information about a local veteran, please contact the Ripley County Historical Society at rchslib.org or call (812) 689-3031.

A National Movement with Local Impact

Since its founding in 2007, Wreaths Across America has collaborated with hundreds of like-minded organizations, volunteers, and civic groups nationwide to remember and honor our nation’s veterans. Through Wreaths Across America’s national $5 back program, wreath sponsorships made an even more significant impact on communities—with $5 of each $17 wreath sponsorship being returned to the community, enabling them to support local programs and initiatives even more. WAA has given back $28 million in local contributions through this national program over the last 17 years!

All funds returned to the Ripley County Community Foundation have been used to establish a permanent endowment fund, allowing for ongoing support for programs that benefit local veterans.

“I have long said it would be disingenuous for us as an organization whose mission is to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom if we do not support other like-minded programs doing just that in their communities,” said WAA Executive Director Karen Worcester. “The Sponsorship Group Program is a great way to support the programs doing good work in your area all year while honoring as many veterans as possible!”

Support the Mission in 2026

The Ripley County Community Foundation invites you to “Remember Me” as we celebrate 250 years of Independence. Help us to honor American heroes and sponsor a wreath for the 2026 Wreaths Across Ripley County initiative. Each $17 sponsorship supports WAA’s year-round mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach as well as ensures that a live balsam wreath will be placed in remembrance on the headstone of a local veteran.

How to Sponsor a Wreath

To sponsor a wreath, visit the Ripley County Community Foundation’s website at https://rccfonline.org/, or mail donations to 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville, IN 47006. Donations made through the Wreaths Across America website need to be paid through group #IN0166P – Ripley County Community Foundation, Inc.

Volunteer on Wreaths Across America Day

This year, National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026. A remembrance ceremony will be held at noon at the Ripley County Courthouse, 115 N Main Street, Versailles, IN and wreaths will be placed immediately thereafter. The ceremony is conducted by members of the Leora Ware American Legion Post 173 and the Versailles American Legion Auxiliary, with support provided by the Patriot Guard.

To learn more about Wreaths Across Ripley County, obtain information about a specific cemetery, or make a donation, please contact the Ripley County Community Foundation at office@rccfonline.org or call (812) 933-1098.