For the first time, the Delaware County Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in grants and scholarships in a year.
President Marlene Casini said the foundation awarded $1,301,346 total in 2015, which was distributed among 100 non-profit organizations serving the county and 131 scholarships to county high school students.
The foundation received $2.3 million in contributions in 2015, and has $11.7 million total in charitable funds. Casini said there was a time when the foundation’s board members wondered if they would ever have $1 million total.”Now we’re giving away $1 million,” she said.
Since being founded in 1995, the foundation has received $17.7 million in contributions and awarded $8.4 million in grants and scholarships.
The announcement was made Thursday at Chesrown Chevrolet, Buick, GMC during the foundation’s “Sponsor Kick-off” event for the 2016 “Evening of Generosity.” Chesrown will be the presenting sponsor for the “Evening of Generosity,” to be held at the Polaris Hilton Oct. 5.
“We’re heavily invested in Delaware,” said Chesrown co-owner Jim Gill. “We’re really proud to be involved in the community any way we can. We think that if you’re going to make a living in a community, it’s got to be good for you and the community. To see us all involved in a cause like this, it’s a great feeling.”
The “Evening of Generosity” honors an Outstanding Business, Volunteer, Youth or Youth Group, as well as an award for the “Spirit of Philanthropy.” Nomination forms are available at www.delawarecf.org and are due May 9.
“It’s nice for us to be able to recognize those people who are doing a lot for the community that go unrecognized,” said foundation board member Jane Martin.
Skip Weiler, the chairman of the foundation’s board of directors, said the other sponsors were: Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP; ; Columbus State Community College; Delaware County Bank; Delaware Golf Club; FPL Financial; Manos, Martin, Pergram LLC; Mount Carmel Health System; Ohio Health; Ohio Wesleyan University; Polaris Centers of Commerce; Rinehart, Rishel & Cuckler LTD; the Robert Weiler Co.; Trucco Construction Co.; Stratos Wealth Partners; and Weller, Steel, Miller LLC.
“These businesses and individuals create the base of support that enables us to do our charitable work in the community,” Casini said in a statement.
Sponsorships are still available.
Those who attended the event took part in a drawing where their favorite charity received a $500 grant. Common Ground Free Store Ministries, 193 E. Central Ave., was the recipient.
