Tillman Road Facility to be Named After Beloved Jane Avery

Community Harvest Food Bank will rename the Tillman Road facility to “The Jane Avery Distribution Center” in honor of long-time Executive Director Jane Avery, who passed away last July. Under Avery’s nineteen years of leadership, the food bank grew to distribute nearly 13 million pounds of food to more than 90,000 people annually.

In 2011, Mayor Henry awarded Avery with the Key to the Fort for her commitment to the community through her stewardship and involvement. She was also awarded the 2015 Sagamore of the Wabash, presented by Governor Mike Pence for distinguished service. Avery dedicated her life to serving the most vulnerable in our community with compassion and dignity.

“Over the past twelve years, I was blessed to work with Jane,” said John Wolf, Community Harvest CEO. “Her enthusiastic personality and warming smile are missed each and every day. This dedication is a tribute to an individual who treated everyone with dignity and respect.”

“I had the privilege of working with Jane for fourteen years,” said Carmen Griffith, Community Harvest President. “She was a truly warm and genuine woman, and I am so honored to celebrate her legacy.”

Wolf and Griffith will be in attendance, as well as Jane’s family and the Community Harvest Board of Directors and staff. Anyone wishing to attend the dedication ceremony can visit 999 East Tillman Road in Fort Wayne on Tuesday, June 14th, at 4:00pm.