Meet Ann W. King

Ann W. King has had an amazingly rich and varied career. She graduated from Ball State University with a major in Marketing/Merchandising and a minor in English. Over the years she has served as president and CEO of a Jesuit Preparatory School, as a special projects consultant, as a campaign director, as a manager of two specialty stores, as a retail store personnel director-and the list goes on. She even worked in Sydney, Australia on the Australia Stock Exchange.

Today Ann is an award-winning artist specializing in gold and silver jewelry and paintings in acrylic, pastel, watercolor, pen and pencil. She runs three small businesses, including A King's Art Studio and Gallery in Zionsville, which features her works as well as other award winning artists.

In addition to her work life, Ann has been a tireless volunteer, serving on numerous church, political campaign, community and school committees, including volunteer teaching, chairing major projects, and researching and developing plans for educational excellence. Furthering education, care of children in need, the arts, and good government are her passions.

Last, but certainly not least, Ann and her husband, who passed away in 2012, raised three children. Today her life is enriched by her three children and their spouses, her four grandchildren, and her one great grandchild.

The following is a condensed version of an interview with Ann.

I have been a lifelong Methodist and feel that I have to have a "church home" in order for me to remain emotionally and spiritually healthy. About fifteen years ago I searched and searched for a church which would match my philosophy that we are all God's children and I found St. Luke's mission of being open, affirming, inclusive, and antiracist was a good fit for me. I want to be a part of furthering that mission by contributing in every way I can in order to help perpetuate St. Luke's.

Running three small businesses and having run or been involved in other for-profit and not-for-profit businesses, I realize how important it is for the continuation of the entity to know how much money there is for all the programs, maintenance, and operational costs well in advance of when the bills are due. I wanted St. Luke's to know that they could count on financial support from me even when I am no longer here on this earth. I set up a giving fund with the Community Foundation of Central Indiana to support six of my favorite organizations which began to distribute funds a few years ago and will continue in perpetuity. It is a joy to witness each organization utilizing the funds for a special project which they choose each year.

I hope my gift to St. Luke's will allow it to remain a strong institution and be able to offer programs which are needed.

It is my hope and strong belief that St. Luke's mission of inclusion is the philosophy that will prevail, not only for our congregation, but for worldwide congregations as well.

St. Luke's is pleased to recognize Ann W. King as a member of St. Luke's Legacy Society. If you would like more information on how you too can become a member of St. Luke's Legacy Society, contact David Heetland, pastor of planned giving and stewardship, at [email protected] or 317.399.6202.