Debbie Palmer, President of the Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Fund (LMEF) recently accepted a check from First National Bank of Monterey (FNBM) for the Allen Chesser Summer Intern Endowment Fund.
Allen Chesser, longtime LMEF board member and volunteer, passed away unexpectedly in December 2022. Debbie Palmer, LMEF President, explained that they wanted to find a way to perpetuate Chesser’s stewardship and passion for Lake Maxinkuckee. FNBM, where Chesser worked for over 30 years, eventually ascending to President and CEO, was also looking for a way to honor Chesser. It just made sense to combine efforts.
“Over the decades the Wamsley family and our FNBM board of directors and employees totally embraced Allen’s time and devotion to the LMEF. We knew that the wetlands were Allen’s “other office” and totally understood the long-term benefit of Allen’s good work,” stated Mark Wamsley, FNBM Chairman of the Board.
“Creating a summer intern program seemed like a good way to continue Allen’s work. I think he would be pleased and excited about the possibilities,” says Palmer.
Contributions in Allen’s honor can be made by check or on the lakemax.org website. Please designate Chesser Fund.
LMEF
PO Box 187
Culver, IN 46511
Picture left to right
Ben Schaller, FNBM Senior Vice President
Mark Wamsley, FNBM Chairman and Director of the Board
Debbie Palmer, LMEF President
George Wamsley, FNBM Director of the Board
Dave McGowen, FNBM President and Director of the Board
Not pictured Julie Girton, FNBM Vice President and Director of the Board
Photo & article provided
