Charles Gardner

“Even though progress is often slow in an environmentally recalcitrant state like Indiana, we are appreciative of the strong leadership and direction provided by HEC.”


Charles Gardner is a lifelong resident of Indianapolis and a member of the Indiana leadership team for Bread for the World, “a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad.” His wife, Dianne, is a Marion County Master Gardener/Volunteer. They also do weekly home deliveries for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Indianapolis.

Charles enjoys playing piano, organ, guitar, singing in choirs, biking, reading, and being a grandfather to 8 grandchildren. His #1 environmental concern is carbon emissions, especially in Indiana where we are still so highly dependent on burning coal. “We baby boomers have spent most of our lives ‘taking’ from this fragile earth.” he told us. “The least we can do in our remaining years is try to begin to undo some of the damage we have done.”

“Dianne and I have decided to make an annual contribution to HEC from our IRA. Even though progress is often slow in an environmentally recalcitrant state like Indiana, we are appreciative of the strong leadership and direction provided by HEC. We are hopeful that more and more Hoosiers will come to see the many benefits of this work for the sake of our children and grandchildren and the earth that sustains us all. “