Rita Eykamp’s passion for public service spans more than 40 years and dozens of organizations championing health, education, and the arts. With her husband, Richard, and his company, Mid-States Rubber Products, Inc. — where she still sits as treasurer — their philanthropic endeavors have earned numerous accolades.
The Mater Dei High School alumna and former teacher (who, when asked her age, says she is 50 forever) says her life has been enriched through seeing tangible benefits of service to the community through board leadership with the University of Evansville, Junior League, Catholic Foundation of Southwestern Indiana, Welborn Baptist Foundation, Signature School, the city’s Public Art Commission, Evansville Philharmonic, Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science, and many more. But lately, she has noticed a decline in major business leaders serving on community boards of directors. “There is still commitment, but less,” she says. “Serving on nonprofit boards is a great way to get to know your community. The higher the quality of the board members, the better the organization.”
Give us an example of your board service you are proudest of.
Co-chairing the fund drive to restore the Victory Theatre [which reopened in 1999] and chairing the capital campaign to renovate the Evansville Museum [completed in 2014]. I grew up involved in ballet and theater, so I am interested in the arts. The Victory Theatre was the last of the vaudeville and Downtown cinema theaters. For historical reasons, it was important that it be saved. Both the Victory Theatre and the Evansville Museum provide programs that offer education and entertainment opportunities.
How can business leaders benefit community groups?
Organizations are seeing less business commitment and would like to see more. A lot of involvement was from family-owned businesses, which were bought by larger companies. What made my presence on boards so significant was my experience on the Indiana Arts Commission and Indiana Bicentennial Commission, so I knew how to work with the state. Working as a treasurer meant my economic experience also was valuable. Many nonprofits do an outstanding job of helping their community.
What should business leaders expect when serving on a board?
The chair of a not-for-profit board that is from the business community offers … business expertise that is always needed and welcome. Boards need business members as well as community members to address the needs of the community.
How would you encourage people to get involved with board service?
If there’s an organization you’re already interested in, that you donate to, that’s a great way to start. There are so many opportunities if you take the time to look and appreciate what’s being done in the community. You just have to take advantage of them.
