Kelly Sue Wensing (February 4, 1965- April 23, 2021) was a beloved leader and a force in the Indianapolis community. In addition to countless volunteer hours, board, and committee work, she served as NESCO president, Holy Cross Neighborhood president, HOA president, EDIN board member, and was one of the founding staff members of the Paramount Health Data Project. Kelly helped launch the "Bring Back the Chefs" dinner series during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also served on and supported the Eastside Games, bringing together hundreds of neighbors and dozens of communities each year.
Kelly Wensing was a collaborator, a helper, and a believer who couldn't—and wouldn't—say no to service.
She put her community, friends, family, job, husband, and even strangers above herself all day, every day. Kelly poured her heart and soul into every project, without needing fanfare or recognition. She was a brilliant, caring force behind the successful growth of the Paramount Schools of Excellence. She was a connoisseur of the arts and spent many years in Denver, Colorado, as an actor, comedian, and costume designer. She ran a comedy troupe called Comedy Helper that performed in Colorado and twice appeared on Chicago stages.
Kelly loved fine wine, aged liquors, and now the Holy Cross Wine & Cheese Festival has popped up in her honor. The festival serves thousands annually. It's an event that wouldn't exist today if not for her passion. Kelly was also a masterful home chef. She fell in love with the Indianapolis food scene, befriended as many local chefs as possible, and celebrated their gifts to our local culture. Kelly was instrumental in raising thousands of dollars through "Bring Back the Chefs" to support the service industry during COVID-19 and had plans to continue those efforts when her time with us came to an unexpected close.
In response to her passing, a Meal Train was set up to support her husband, Tommy Reddicks, and, unexpectedly, thousands of dollars in donations poured in. Tommy (and family) decided that the first thing Kelly would have done with the money was to serve those who had cared for her. So they used the first $1,000 in donations to gift the nurses who had cared for her in the ICU with 100 $10 Jimmy John's cards. And that idea - using the money to serve people food and make them feel loved- became the catalyst for more food events, like the Culinary Crossroads Supper Club at Paramount Cottage Home, the Junior Chef Academy, and Food Sports. These efforts began with $12,000 in donations and have grown to more than $75,000 raised for local chefs and over $15,000 for culinary scholarships. Those efforts continue today, with most of them linked on this website.
Kelly also loved to travel; travel was her passion, and there was always a "next trip" on the horizon. So, while her final voyage took her beyond this world, it doesn't take her from our memory or lessen the model example she provided for those around her. She was a "helper" and a true giving spirit, and that helps the work at the Kelly Wensing Community Fund make all the sense in the world. This work extends not only her voice but also her constant helping hand.
Consider making a donation in her honor by clicking the donate button below. There are no paid positions on Kelly's Fund, so 100% of all donations go directly to the work! Your donations are tax-deductible and immediately support the many causes on this site. Join in her cause and donate today.
Kelly’s Fund An Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization supporting the service industry and youth education through community-driven initiatives. Indianapolis, Indiana 📧 Email Kelly’s Fund is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
