Last week, Thrivent Main Street Financial Group hosted their fifth annual Christmas party at the Tipp Center, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. This event brought together their clients for an evening of celebration, community spirit, and generosity. The highlight of the evening was a meaningful service project where attendees packed over 100 “Taco Tuesday” bags for Operation Veteran and Caregiver Support Food Pantry. This act of kindness perfectly reflected Thrivent’s mission to foster generosity and make a tangible difference in the community. The event also showcased local talent and catering by Red Devil Pizza and Deli, a new downtown business that delivered a delicious spread for the attendees.
Thrivent Main Street Financial Group, located at 115 W Main Street in Tipp City, is part of Thrivent, a Fortune 500 financial services organization with over a century of history. Led by Matt Buehrer, FIC, alongside Kyle Buehrer, Rob Brown, and Kayla Buehrer, the team is dedicated to helping clients achieve financial confidence while living generously.
Their impact extends far beyond this event. In 2023, Thrivent supported 411 Thrivent Action Teams, contributing over 22,000 volunteer hours and generating more than $1.5 million in economic impact for local charities through their Choice Dollars program. As we move into 2024, they have already launched 472 Action Teams, with a goal of exceeding 500 by year-end.
We are incredibly thankful for Thrivent Main Street Financial Group’s partnership as a 2025 Event Supporting Partner sponsor. Their unwavering support helps us bring impactful events to the Tipp City community while fostering a spirit of collaboration and generosity. If you’d like to join Thrivent in supporting the Downtown Tipp City Partnership, consider making a donation today. Thrivent ensures that 100% of your contribution directly supports our mission, as they cover all credit card processing fees. Your gift helps us continue hosting events, fostering community spirit, and driving positive change in Tipp City. Every dollar makes a difference.
To donate, visit Thrivent DTCP donation link. Thank you for helping us make a lasting impact in our community!
To learn more about Thrivent Main Street Financial Group and their community initiatives, visit www.thrivent.com.
Celebrating the Heart of Tipp City: Why the Annual Awards Night is My Favorite Event of the Year
There’s something magical about coming together as a community to celebrate the people and businesses that make Tipp City so special. That’s why the Downtown Tipp City Partnership’s Annual Member Meeting and Awards Night is my favorite event of the year.
This evening is more than just an awards ceremony—it’s a chance to reflect on the incredible work being done in our downtown and to honor those who contribute to its charm, vitality, and success. From small business owners to dedicated volunteers, the event shines a spotlight on the heart and soul of our community.
What makes this event even more meaningful is that many of the awards are chosen directly by you, the community. You decide who deserves to be recognized as the Downtown Business of the Year, the Best Downtown Shopping Spot, or the Volunteer of the Year (among others). Your votes and nominations capture the stories of dedication, creativity, and hard work that make Tipp City thrive.
There are also two awards—the Heart of Downtown Award and Volunteer of the Year—that are chosen a bit differently. These are based on nominations from the community but are selected blindly by an outside committee. This ensures that the winners are chosen fairly and solely on the merit of their contributions. It’s always exciting to see who will be honored with these special awards!
This year’s celebration will take place on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Tipp Center. It’s an evening filled with good food, drinks, and entertainment, but most importantly, it’s a night dedicated to celebrating the people who make our downtown a vibrant and welcoming place.
Proceeds from this event will go toward DTCP’s promotional efforts for 2025, helping us continue our mission to preserve, promote, and enhance Tipp City’s historic downtown.
As I look forward to this year’s event, I can’t help but reflect on how much I love being part of this community. Tipp City isn’t just a place—it’s a family of people who care about one another and are passionate about keeping our downtown thriving.
If you haven’t yet cast your vote or submitted a nomination, there’s still time! Voting is open through December 31, and you can participate by visiting https://forms.gle/F11ZdDSJbjcF5BNs8. Your votes and thoughtful nominations play a huge role in making this event so special.
I hope to see you on January 27 as we come together to celebrate the heart of Tipp City. Whether you’re a business owner, a volunteer, or a supporter of our downtown, this night is for you.
This past weekend felt like stepping into the pages of a holiday storybook. On Friday evening, Main Street transformed into a scene straight out of a movie. The beautiful Hagemeyer Homestead horses, elegantly dressed and pulling their twinkling, lit wagon, carried groups of bundled-up families and friends up and down Main street. We strolled through the stores, taking in the festive displays and finding treasures that were as unique as the people they were meant for. I found gifts for out-of-town friends—little pieces of Tipp City that I knew they’d love—and, of course, my daughter couldn’t resist a boutique treat for herself. As the evening wound down, we grabbed a delicious Hot Shot brown bag dinner from Bodega and headed home, hearts full of the magic of downtown Tipp City. But the magic didn’t stop there.
Saturday’s Tippecanoe and Christmas Too deepened the sense of wonder. I had never experienced the home tour before, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Each home on North 3rd Street was a story brought to life, beautifully decorated for the season with incredible care and creativity. The homeowners, with just six weeks to prepare, opened their doors and their hearts, inviting us into spaces filled with history, charm, and a unique holiday spirit. Adding to the enchantment, we were allowed a rare glimpse into the second story of the historic Burwell Building. Built in 1880, this stunning structure was once home to Ralph Burwell, a gifted artist and photographer. With its soaring ceilings, intricate details, and light streaming through a central skylight, the space is breathtaking. These stories connect us to the heart of Tipp City’s history, reminding us of the lives and creativity that have shaped our downtown.
If you didn’t get the chance to attend this year, you missed a holiday experience straight out of a storybook. The day began at the Hotel Gallery Community Room, where the cozy Cookie Chalet welcomed guests with festive treats, instantly setting the mood for a day filled with warmth and cheer. The festive entertainers throughout the tour helped keep the atmosphere fun and lively. A surprise from Gardens Alive came in the form of mini spruce trees, a last-minute gift that brought unexpected joy to so many attendees. The event was a true testament to teamwork and community spirit. Our incredible volunteers, guided by an incredible leadership team, worked behind the scenes to ensure everything flowed seamlessly.
The Tippecanoe Historical Society added depth to the experience with their detailed storyboards, offering a window into the rich history of the homes and our town. The display room at Mauk Cabinets by Design provided the perfect backdrop for the 11 raffle baskets, while Santa was in the house for a memorable photo opportunity. It was a warm and welcoming spot where attendees could take a break, chat about the beautiful homes and stops on the tour, and soak in the festive atmosphere.And, of course, our downtown merchants brought their own special touch to the weekend. Their creativity and unique offerings added so much character to the weekend events. Every element came together to create an unforgettable experience, one that perfectly captured the spirit of the season.
Looking back, it’s clear this weekend was more than just a series of events. It was about creating moments to treasure—a story written by everyone who came, whether they were volunteers, homeowners, merchants, or visitors. They came for the story, and they stayed for the magic. And that magic, as always, is what makes Tipp City unforgettable.
Falling for Tipp City: Capturing the Heart of a Small Town
As I wander through the streets of Tipp City, this small historic town continually enchants me with its sense of community and warmth. Tipp City isn’t just a place to shop or grab a bite—it’s a place where memories are made, and every visit becomes an experience worth sharing.
Last month, after dropping my daughter off at the hometown football game, I set out on one of my usual walks around town. It’s on these walks that I often come up with my best ideas, and that night, as the sounds of the game echoed faintly in the background, I realized just how much this town has become a part of me. Here, my daughter was nearby, safe with friends, and I was right where I wanted to be, surrounded by the familiar streets and shops that feel like home.
This blog is a passion project to capture and share the essence of our downtown—a place that’s more than just a destination; it’s a story worth telling. Each article will dive into the people, places, and moments that make Tipp City truly unique. From hidden gems in quaint shops to laughter-filled evenings with friends at local events, this town has a way of showing you that it’s not just buildings or streets—it’s a feeling.
I hope, as you follow along, you’ll be inspired to come visit, wander, shop, and experience the small-town charm that makes Tipp City so memorable.
A Yuletide Experience: Christmas Magic in Downtown Tipp City
Can you picture it? The sidewalks of downtown Tipp City bustle with families and friends bundled up, shopping and exploring the holiday offerings of our local merchants. The joyful energy fills the air as people stroll along, discovering hidden gems in each storefront.
The Yuletide Winter Gathering is one of those special times when our town feels like something straight out of a holiday movie. You can hear the rhythmic clip-clop of horses’ hooves as carriage rides roll up and down Main Street, offering families a charming ride through our historic streets. There’s a sweetness in the air, a mix of fresh kettle corn popping and laughter echoing down the blocks.
At Mauk Cabinets by Design, families gather for treats and that classic Santa photo—a cherished holiday tradition that brings out the smiles and holiday spirit in everyone.
This is what Christmas feels like in Tipp City, a truly Hallmark-worthy experience right here in our historic downtown. Through this blog, I hope to share moments like these and invite you to come see, feel, and taste the magic for yourself. Because here in Tipp City, holiday memories aren’t just made—they’re part of the town’s heart and soul.
Stepping Into Living Simply Soap: A Sensory Escape
Imagine walking into a store that feels like a scene from your favorite movie. That’s exactly what it’s like at Living Simply Soap. Everything is beautifully arranged, and the scents are absolutely incredible—it’s as if you’re instantly surrounded by a little bubble of calm the moment you walk through the door.
One day, I had the chance to observe all the interactions happening around me, and I couldn’t help but notice how the staff makes such an effort with each person who walks in. They treat you like a friend, and they’re genuinely eager to help, whether you’re looking for something to ease a headache, the perfect face cream, or even a clean, eco-friendly laundry detergent. It’s not just about buying products; they go out of their way to make sure you leave with exactly what you need.
Living Simply Soap is more than just a store—it’s an experience that leaves you feeling connected and cared for. It’s one of those places that makes me so proud of Tipp City. The warmth, friendliness, and personal touch you’ll find here capture the heart of this town and make every visit special.
If you’re in town, make sure to stop by. Come for the products, stay for the people, and experience a little slice of the magic that makes downtown Tipp City so memorable.
