An endowment to benefit the Cabby O’Neill Gymnasium, made possible by Dr. Michael and Whitney Ruff, has been established with the Dubois County Community Foundation.
The endowment is intended to provide perpetual income for the legendary gym and to honor one of its lead volunteers, Bernie Vogler of the friends of Cabby O’Neill Gym.
The facility built in 1939, was home of Jasper Wildcat Boys Basketball including O’Neill’s 1949 state champions as well as Girls Basketball and Volleyball and Wrestling till 1977.
Scheduled for demolition in 2009, the gymnasium was saved from the wrecking ball thanks to the efforts of the Friends of Cabby O’Neill.
The Wildcats have returned to O’Neill gym for various activities. Following the unexpected collapse of the Jasper High School gym on St. Charles Street in 2011, it became the temporary home for Varsity and JV Boys and Girls Basketball, Volleyball and Wrestling for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons
Today, the Cabby O’Neill gym is more than just a visible symbol of the nostalgia, belief in tradition, and pride that kept it alive. It remains an active facility utilized year-round by the Greater Jasper School Corporation and community groups, including the Tri-County YMCA for summer programming.
The gymnasium remains in impeccable condition with modern amenities to serve the community.
The iconic and historic gym will remain a vital part of the Jasper downtown community with the initial step taken to establish this endowment. As public donations help the fund grow and expand its asset base, dedicated grants from the endowment will ensure decades of continued enhancements and community use of the gymnasium.
Anyone interested in donating to the Endowment to benefit the Cabby O’Neill gym, or to honor Mr. Vogler and all the dedicated volunteers, may do so by contributing to the fund at the Dubois County Community Foundation.
Donations are accepted online or by mailing to the Community Foundation,
c/o The Bernie Vogler Fund for the Cabby O’Neill Gymnasium Endowment,
600 McCrillus St, PO Box 269,
Jasper, IN 47547-0269.
