About the Foundation
Continuing the Boren Legacy
Founded in 2006 by Leland and LaRita Boren, the Avis Foundation today continues the philanthropic legacy of its benefactors to organizations benefiting others.
Our Mission
The Avis Foundation empowers organizations through impactful gifts in the areas of the arts, education, entrepreneurship, and autism, stewarding the Boren legacy.
Our Vision
To improve the quality of life in communities by connecting growth-minded grantees with the resources needed to thrive.
Our Values
Transparent Leadership • Transformational Stewardship • Trustworthy Partnership
The Boren story
Leland E. Boren and LaRita R. Gibbs, who married in 1958, embodied a spirit of generosity from the early days of their marriage. Leland, then president of The Pierce Governor Company in Anderson, Indiana, and LaRita, a TWA Airlines stewardess based in Oklahoma, committed to using their resources to help others. This commitment not only endured but expanded significantly over the years.
The Borens’ generosity is widely known throughout the state of Indiana and beyond, having an immeasurable impact on countless organizations. From capital projects to scholarships, to supporting individuals in meaningful ways, when Leland and LaRita saw a need, they were quick to respond.
In 1982, the Borens established the Boren Foundation, focusing on local non-profit organizations to address community needs. In 2006, the Avis Foundation, Inc. was founded and generously funded by the Estate of Leland E. Boren.
Though the Borens are no longer with us, their legacy of philanthropy lives on through the foundations they created during their lifetimes.
Our Team
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Marty Songer
Executive Director
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Angie Darlington
President
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Marylou Habecker
Vice President
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Susan Wilczynski
Director
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Norma Korporal
Secretary