COLUMBUS, Ind. – Landmark Columbus Foundation (LCF) has announced three major gifts to its endowment, bringing the total amount to over $1.8 million. These gifts will help the foundation reach its goal of $3 million by the end of 2025. Several other generous donors have made pledges and contributions alongside these gifts, showcasing the community’s unwavering commitment to preserving and advancing Columbus’s unique cultural and architectural heritage.
John and Sarah Lechleiter have pledged an extraordinary $500,000 to the LCF endowment. Their dedication to community support for the arts is well-known, and this gift further underscores their commitment to sustaining Columbus’s design legacy.
Mark and Wendy Elwood have committed $100,000 to the endowment. As long-time supporters of Landmark Columbus Foundation, the Elwoods are passionate about ensuring the organization’s efforts to celebrate and care for Columbus’s cultural heritage.
Connie and Terry Marbach have contributed nearly $50,000. Their generous gift reflects their belief in preserving Columbus’s cultural identity and fostering a vibrant community through progressive preservation efforts.
“As LCF Board Chair, I am proud of our strides in building our endowment, and the community’s belief inspires me in our vision,” said Mark Elwood, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Columbus-based company Elwood Staffing. “Together, we are laying a solid foundation to support our initiatives and allow us to continue advancing Columbus’s legacy of design excellence far into the future.”
Landmark Columbus Foundation started its endowment journey at the end of 2019 with a seed gift from Lilly Endowment Inc. of $524,824. Since then, the endowment has grown with over $1.8 million committed to supporting the organization’s efforts to build a solid pathway to financial sustainability.