MARION, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Marion Community Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary with a Silver Celebration, marking a quarter-century of supporting the Marion community through charitable endowments. The Foundation, which has awarded nearly $25 million in grants and scholarships, commemorated the occasion with an event filled with memories, appreciation, and generosity.
The celebration was attended by all three presidents of the Foundation – Debby Shade, Brad Bebout, and Dean Jacob – who shared their memories and visions for the future. Entertainment was provided by Broadway star Ryan Ratliff, a LaRue native. The event was sponsored by several local businesses and individuals, including Dr. James & Ellen Bazzoli, Clearstead Advisors, First Citizens National Bank, Mathews Ford, Sims Brothers Recycling, and Verne Hart Insurance Agency & Grange Insurance.
The highlight of the evening was a unique game of musical chairs, where guests passed around a souvenir pen. When the music stopped, the guest holding the pen “won” a sum of money to be donated to a local charity of their choice. A total of $25,000 was awarded in this manner, with amounts ranging from $250 to $10,000.
The top awardee was Spencer Mathews, general manager of Mathews Auto Group, who matched his winnings of $10,000 with a personal donation to create a new charitable endowment at the Foundation. The Karen L. Baney Community Fund, named in memory of Brittany Mathews’ mother, is the latest addition to the Foundation’s 450 endowed funds.
Other grantmakers and their recommended awards include:
Jack & Marilyn Andrews to the Jack & Marilyn Andrews Family Fund at Marion Community Foundation
Jerry & Barb Baker to the Marion Palace Theatre
Carol Bebout to the Marion City Schools for Harding Student Rewards
Dan & Marianne Burkhart to the Marion CAN DO! Fund at Marion Community Foundation
Gary & Amy Cooperider to Turning Point
Anne Davy to Luke 3:11 Ministries’ peanut butter jelly truck
Dan Dickman to the Cliff Edwards Fund at Marion Community Foundation, supporting healthcare
Devin & Crystal Durain to For the Children’s Royal Family Kids Camp
Eric & Mary Freshour to create a new endowment fund to benefit teachers at Pleasant Local Schools
Andy Harper to Marion Technical College Foundation
George & Janet Kruder to Harding Music Parents to support the school’s show choir
Lew & Susan Lause to the Marion Family YMCA
Cindy Libster to the Legal Aid Society of Columbus’ Marion branch office
Alice Linn to the Peace & Freedom Committee
Dixie Lyon to Eye-to-Eye Low Vision Education
Larry & Elaine Merchant to the Elaine & Larry Merchant Fund at Marion Community Foundation to help support the baseball field restoration at Lincoln Park
Rex & Carolyn Parrott for Marion Technical College Foundation scholarships
Brad & Kathy Ridge to Marion Technical College Foundation
Jane & Roger Ruth to Steve Ruth Memorial Scholarship Fund at Marion Community Foundation
Guy Schlicting to Marion Music Club Endowment Fund at Marion Community Foundation
Kevin & Ruth Smith to the Elgin Alumni Association Scholarship Fund at Marion Community Foundation
Willie & Lora Troutman to the Willie Beaver Troutman Football Scholarship Fund at Marion Community Foundation
Mary Ellen Withrow to the Marion Women’s Club Home
Fred & Suzie Zeigler to Marion Technical College School of Nursing
The Marion Community Foundation, created in 1998, now awards approximately $2.5 million annually for community interests. For more information on how to create an endowment fund legacy, or to apply for a grant or scholarship, visit marioncommunityfoundation.org.