When Jake Sappenfield was twenty-three years old, Bob Heuchan convinced him to co-chair the Good Cheer Fund of Johnson County. By age 30, he stepped up to be chairman and at age 45, he is still heading the annual food drive.
“I haven’t had a “normal” Christmas in 23 years” Sappenfield says.
He says his family takes it in stride, knowing his phone will be ringing during the weeks leading up to distribution day. The Good Cheer Fund of Johnson County provides meals to Johnson County residents during the Christmas season. Last year 900 food baskets were delivered to families throughout the county on the Saturday before Christmas. Canned food goods are collected throughout the county at schools and various businesses and philanthropic groups as well as private individuals donate goods, funds, and volunteer their services to maintain the long running charitable event possible.
The Good Cheer began in 1921 by local business owners. While his involvement began with the suggestion ‘this would be good for your career.’ Sappenfield says while that prediction is true, the real reward comes in the giving back. He says his eyes have been opened to the needs in the community.
“Poverty exists,” he says. “Right here in our own town. The Good Cheer fund is about our county helping our neighbors.”
Sappenfield grew up in Franklin and said outside of his parents, Paul and Donna Sappenfield, organized sports have been one of the biggest influences in his life. Basketball has always been his sport of choice. While a student at Franklin College he played on the basketball team. Also, while at FC, he met his wife,
Elizabeth. Together they have three daughters, Emma, 19, Olivia, 17, and Anna, 6. Sappenfield says he will probably have the longest sports coaching career of all time with three daughters, coaching them in basketball and soccer. He considers his style of coaching, “pretty laid back.”
He likes to focus on getting better opposed to winning. Winning is fun though he admitted. Until recently, Sappenfield served on the Franklin Community School Corporation School Board, a role he hated to leave but his family moved just outside the school district into Whiteland. He is also a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Franklin Rotary Club, served on the Economic Development force with Aspire Johnson County as well as a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador.
Sappenfield credits his community involvement and growing up in a town where your school friends are still your friends today have created a life that he is proud of. He spends his free time running daily with his wife and enjoys traveling and concerts. He says attending concerts with his children appreciating “his music” has been an awesome feeling. In November, he attended The Eagles concert at the Las Vegas Sphere with his parents.
In the future, Sappenfield is keeping his eye open for someone willing to step into his shoes and take on the Good Cheer Fund Chairperson role.
