Robert and Mary Tincher leave a lasting legacy with $18.8 million donation
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A local charitable foundation is preparing to dissolve after distributing more than $18.8 million to five Bowling Green-area organizations, creating a lasting legacy for Robert and Mary Tincher.
The Robert and Mary Tincher Charitable Foundation distributed $18,805,375.32 on Friday, Aug. 28, to the Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Club, SKYCTC Foundation, College Heights Foundation and Med Center Health Foundation.
The foundation was created with wealth accumulated by Robert Tincher through Monarch Environmental, a solid waste franchise that served Bowling Green from 1976 to 1996.
Joe Campbell, secretary, director and general counsel for the Tincher foundation, said the decision to dissolve was made with the Tinchers’ wishes in mind.
Campbell said board members were concerned that future boards might not know Robert and Mary Tincher or understand how they wanted their wealth used.
By distributing the foundation’s assets now, the organizations receiving the money can invest and use it to serve the community for years to come.
The SKYCTC Foundation received more than $4.2 million. The money will be placed into an endowment to provide scholarships for students.
Heather Rogers, executive director of the SKYCTC Foundation, said the donation will have an impact well beyond the students receiving scholarships today.
“There are not enough words to say how appreciative and grateful,” Rogers said. “This will benefit so many students with scholarships and help students reach their dreams.”
Rogers said the endowment means the scholarships can continue indefinitely.
The College Heights Foundation also received more than $4.2 million, while the Salvation Army received $2.4 million. The Boys & Girls Club received $4 million, which will support programs and services for children in Bowling Green and Warren County.
The Med Center Health Foundation received $2 million to help support health care needs in the community.
The Tincher Foundation has previously made significant contributions to local organizations. Campbell said the Tinchers’ charitable giving has now totaled more than $31 million.
The Tinchers’ giving has supported scholarships, health care, children and families, housing and other community needs.
The foundation’s board voted to dissolve the corporation, with the dissolution expected to become effective Sept. 30 under applicable federal and state regulations.
Although the foundation itself will no longer exist, Campbell said its purpose was always to use the Tinchers’ wealth to make a difference in people’s lives.
“If you take anything away from today, that’d be an inspiration to pay it forward, to give to those who are in need,” Campbell said.
The final board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 23.
The organizations receiving the donations will continue using the funds to support people throughout Bowling Green and Warren County.
