Paulding, OH: The Paulding County Area Foundation held their annual dinner and meeting on Tuesday, April 10th at Grant’s Catering in Antwerp. Along with social time and a meal, the Foundation gave a synopsis of the 2017 year in terms of finances, funding, donations, projects, and county engagement. In its 17th year of operation, the Foundation granted back to the county over $250,290 in grants and scholarships at fiscal yearend. Five years ago, $11,400 was granted back to the county, meaning $238,890 more was granted back into the county this year compared to five years ago. The Foundation also continues its tradition of assisting with proposals and grant applications; as well as researching, identifying and developing grant opportunities for donors, nonprofits and community partners.
Attendees heard testimonies from the Bargain Bin, Paulding FFA, and Special Olympics Paulding. The Foundation donated funds to the Bargain Bin to build their new facility which as of recently is paid in full. The Foundation also donated funds to the Paulding FFA in order for them to purchase their new tower garden which allows them to grow fruit and vegetables year round that are donated to the school cafeteria for the weekly salad bar. The Foundation also assisted Special Olympics Paulding. With the funding they were granted by the Foundation, they were able to buy new uniforms for the athletes, take a family day to a Mad Ants basketball game, and overall build a winning team that went to state! “The Foundation is striving to see this county grow, improve, achieve, and prosper,” said Lisa McClure, Director of the Paulding County Area Foundation.
A financial report given by Matt Reineck of Bashore, Reineck, Stoller, and Waterman CPAs, stated the Foundation received more monetary donations in 2017, as well as donated more funds back into the county from years past. A report was given by Farm Managers Kent Eddy and Mark Adams on the acreage owned and farmed of the Marshall Memorial Supporting Foundation. Overall, last year’s crops were average compared to other years due to the weather, but it was still a profitable year. Once the new wind farm is built in Paulding County, the Foundation will have a total of seven wind turbines on their land. PILOT payments from the wind turbines make up 17% of their total land income.
Members of the Foundation elected two new Trustees, Dr. John Saxton of Oakwood, and Dick Swary of Payne, and honored 2 retiring Trustees; Duane Sinn, and Virginia Paulus for their years of service. The Foundation is growing and grateful for their founding members, donors, friends, and community that continue to fuel their successes.
