Indalecio Ruiz came to this country from Mexico when he was 16 years old, dreaming of a better life. Shortly after meeting his wife, Celia Cantu, they married and raised 11 children in Chicago before moving to Northwest Indiana. The two worked hard their entire lives, teaching their children that anything can be done through hard work and determination. Creating a legacy of more than 80 souls who have become business owners, educators, and entrepreneurs – above all, American citizens.

America is a nation of immigrants, descendants of those who have come from somewhere else and made the land great. As it says on the Statue of Liberty, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” The legacy of Indalecio Ruiz is the American dream personified.

This fund supports nonprofit organizations providing services to Lake County, Indiana families and individuals in the areas of arts and culture, education, environment and animal welfare, health, and other ever-changing community needs.