The R.L. and Etta L. Triplett Foundation, based in Bluffton, this spring awarded a $5,000 grant to the Bluffton Child Development Center, according to Tomm Triplett of Ft. Wayne, Ind., president of the foundation board.

“The grant enables the Center to purchase an outdoor screened area in its infants and toddlers playground area,” he said.

“Without the screen, staff members are required to put sunscreen on each of the children each time they go into the playground area in spring and summer.”

Francine Donathan, Center director, said that she is excited about having the sun screen installed.

“We have seven infants (6 weeks to 18 months) who will benefit,” she said. “In addition, we have 14 toddlers (18 months to age 3) who will also benefit.”

“Some of our infants can’t wear sunscreen. This will help us when our youngsters go outside to play.”

The screened area will likely cover a 10-by-10-foot area or something similar.       

The Center, at 325 County Line Road, Bluffton, is a year-around child care center serving children 6 weeks old through 12-year-olds.

About the foundation
The Foundation was founded by the late Morris and Jean Triplett. Tomm, who grew up in Bluffton, is Morris and Jean’s son, and a grandson of R.L. and Etta L. Triplett.

R.L. Triplett was the founder of the Triplett Corp. of Bluffton. His wife, Etta Lantz Triplett, was the founder of the Bluffton College Home Economics Department. The Triplett Corp. was the largest employer in Bluffton for many years and sold its products throughout the world.

Since its inception in 1985, the Foundation has contributed in excess of S150,000 to such organizations as Bluffton Child Development Center, Bluffton Family Recreation, Bluffton Sportsmen’s Club, Bluffton Public Library, Bluffton EMS, Bluffton Hospital, Bluffton Community Assistance Program and others.

This spring the Foundation created a brochure to share its goals with the public. The goal support the Bluffton community in:
• Community improvement projects
• Advancement of charitable institutions
• Support of Bluffton Hospital
• Support for athletics, art, education and economic education in area schools

How to support the Foundation
The Foundation is a non-for-profit 501(c) 3 corporation. All contributions  are tax deductible. The Foundation accepts donations from individuals and organizations in memory of loved one to help further its goals.

Donations may be sent to:
R.L. and Etta L. Triplett Memorial Foundation
PO Box 158
Bluffton, OH 45817

Board members in addition to Triplett are Pam Weisenbarger, Terry Mullenhour, Fred Steiner and James West. For additional information, contact a board member or Triplett at [email protected].

The foundation is a member of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce.

See brochure attached below –