30 Years of Empowering Students Fall 2024
Letter from the Foundation President & CEO
Dear Friend of the Foundation,
As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of our scholarship program at The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude. For three decades, we have dedicated ourselves to empowering the young minds of Hancock County by providing them with the financial resources to pursue their educational aspirations.
Over the years, we have witnessed countless success stories of students who have transformed their lives through the power of education. Our scholarship recipients have become doctors, teachers, engineers, learned a new trade, entrepreneurs, and so much more. They are driven, dedicated and talented, and we are honored to play a part in their journey.
This milestone anniversary is not just a celebration of our past achievements but also a testament to the unwavering support of our community. Through the generosity of individuals like yourself, we have been able to make a lasting impact on the lives of so many deserving students.
As we look to the future, we are excited to continue this work to foster educational opportunities for generations to come. We invite you to join us in our mission by giving to one of the 150+ existing scholarships or establishing your own scholarship. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a meaningful difference in the lives of local students, enabling them to reach their full potential and contribute to the betterment of our community.
Thank you for being a part of our story and the story of so many local students. Together, let us continue to empower the dreams of our youth and build a brighter future for our Hancock County.
Sincerely,
BRIAN P. TREECE, ED.D. PRESIDENT & CEO
Congratulations to our 2024 Scholarship Recipients! $451,475 in new and renewal scholarships have been awarded to students in 2024. A special thank you to our scholarship donors and volunteer evaluators for making this possible.
2024 Scholarships by the Numbers
227 volunteer evaluators
220 student recipients
283 scholarship awards READ OUR FULL SCHOLARSHIP INSERT, CONGRATULATING OUR 2024 RECIPIENTS.
Average of $2,052 per student
Empowering Dreams
30 Years of the Foundation’s Scholarship Program
In 1994, Emil and Linda Ziegler were looking for a way to establish their family legacy. Linda was ill and insisted that any gifts made in her memory support an area she was passionate about—education. Linda was a retired teacher and regular volunteer at the schools and in Sunday school at church. “Send me no flowers. Let’s create a scholarship to help educate a child,” said Linda.
The Linda B. Ziegler Scholarship was the first scholarship established at The Community Foundation in 1994. It supports a graduating senior from Findlay High School who has demonstrated character and a desire to work hard, has a minimum 3.5 GPA and merits assistance based on their academic accomplishments.
In 1995, the inaugural awards were presented to Ryan Babb, Chelsey Cindric and Julie Kidwell. Since then, more than $34,000 has been awarded to 27 students. Not only has the Linda B. Ziegler Scholarship changed the lives of those 27 students, but it set the precedent for empowering the dreams of students in Hancock County.
After receiving the scholarship, Chelsey Cindric Link went on to receive her doctor of pharmacy from Butler University and has worked for more than 20 years in the pharmacy field in clinics, retail and serving low-income areas. She is currently a pharmacist at the University of Wyoming Student Pharmacy and especially enjoys working with students to pay it forward.
“Scholarships gave me the ability to attend my top choice of school,” said Chelsey. “Had it not been for the scholarship from The Community Foundation, I might not have ended up majoring in pharmacy.”
Chelsey’s story is one of many for the Ziegler scholarship and one of thousands inspired by it. Since the Ziegler scholarship was established, an additional 157 scholarship funds have joined it. The 27 Ziegler recipients have multiplied to 2,550 recipients of all Foundation scholarships. And the $34,000 awarded by the Ziegler fund is part of a total $6.6 million awarded by all the Foundation scholarships since 1994.
Chelsey Cindric Link
2018 scholarship recipients
Linda Ziegler
One of the next scholarships established was the Dr. Thomas Richard and Wendene Wilson Shoupe Post Grad Scholarship in 1995. Dr. Shoupe was a long-time physician in the Findlay community who valued education and life-long learning. The scholarship supports students who wish to pursue graduate or professional studies to develop their capabilities. The Shoupe scholarship has supported 27 students with a total of $99,380 since its first award in 1996.
Ethan LaFontaine received the Shoupe scholarship twice during his time in his doctor of physical therapy program at the University of Findlay. He works for the largest neurosurgery practice in the United States specializing in spinal care and post-operative rehabilitation.
“Reflecting on how much receiving a scholarship has blessed me, it has stirred my heart to invest in other people,” said Ethan. “In the future, I would like to partner with an organization like The Community Foundation to bless others in the same way I have been blessed.”
In the meantime, Ethan is dedicated to investing his time in others through a Charlotte area house church movement and the Perspective Project, which brings people together with different backgrounds, cultures and ages to find unity. Recently, he’s also been working in western North Carolina on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
“It is a very rewarding feeling to be able to walk with someone and partner with them in achieving their higher purpose in life,” said Ethan. “I am so thankful to have been a recipient of multiple scholarships through The Community Foundation and am consistently motivated to pour into others knowing how much has been poured into me.”
Top Major Categories 2024
“It is a very rewarding feeling to be able to walk with someone and partner with them in achieving their higher purpose in life."
- Ethan LaFontaine, two-time recipient of the Dr. Thomas Richard and Wendene Wilson Shoupe Post Grad Scholarship (2019, 2020).
Totals For Local Schools 2024
• Arcadia – 11 scholarships totaling $13,200
• Arlington – 20 scholarships totaling $24,900
• Bluffton – 3 scholarships totaling $6,150
• Carey – 2 scholarships totaling $2,250
• Cory-Rawson – 6 scholarships totaling $6,450
• Findlay – 84 scholarships totaling $116,350
• Liberty-Benton – 19 scholarships totaling $34,175
• McComb – 13 scholarships totaling $23,150
• Ottawa-Glandorf – 2 scholarships totaling $2,050
• Ottoville – 2 scholarships totaling $1,000
• Riverdale – 1 scholarship totaling $950
• Van Buren – 11 scholarships totaling $13,675
• Vanlue – 3 scholarships totaling $5,450
The Arlington School Foundation was established in 2006 to support the educational excellence of the Arlington Local School District. One of the first funds the group created was the Arlington Local School District General Scholarship, which Ryan Graydon was the first recipient of in 2007.
“The Arlington School Foundation Scholarship made earning a college degree possible for me,” said Ryan. “Attending college is expensive and earning an advanced degree was necessary for me to have the skills to perform the work I do today. These scholarships made my college experience more affordable.”
After graduating from Arlington, Ryan went on to Taylor University and then the University of South Florida. During his time in school, he also worked, studied and volunteered abroad in more than 25 countries. He now works for the US Environmental Protection Agency in the drinking water program where he works with states and water systems to implement the Safe Drinking Water Act to protect public health.
“My college experience allowed me to study and volunteer abroad, which formed my career objective of international development through universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation,” said Ryan. “Meeting people around the world, learning from their experiences, and working together toward this life-giving Sustainable Development Goal is deeply meaningful to me.”
Since 2007, Arlington School Foundation has grown to 12 scholarships and awarded more than $150,000 to graduating seniors.
For 30 years, The Community Foundation has invested in students, and in our community’s future.
No matter the type of scholarship, the criteria or the dollar amount, your gifts to the Foundation have changed these students' lives. Together, our dollars make college accessible and pave the way for opportunity for each recipient.
Your gift, no matter the size, will have a lasting impact on a student's life. It opens doors for students like Ryan, reduces financial burdens for students like Ethan, and inspires them to reach their full potential like Chelsey. By supporting our scholarship program, you're not just investing in education; you’re making a lasting impact on our community. Please consider one of the many scholarships at the Foundation for your generous yearend giving. Together, we can continue to transform lives through the power of education.
More information about how you can support students in Hancock County is available here:
“Meeting people around the world, learning from their experiences, and working together toward this life-giving Sustainable Development Goal is deeply meaningful to me.” - Ryan Graydon,
first recipient of an Arlington School Foundation scholarship (2007).
Nonprofit Spotlight
FINDLAY FAMILY YMCA
Your support of their work is appreciated!
Findlay YMCA is committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. One of the focuses of their work is encouraging the potential of children and teens. The Foundation regularly supports YMCA projects, including a $250,000 grant for the new Early Learning Center, $3,000 for free Riverside Pool admission as part of Fun for All, Organizational Strengthening activities, and more. Consider the following funds on community-foundation.com to help advance their mission to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
• Tell Thompson YMCA Fund
• Grant and Emily Young Fund
Guidance for Year-End Giving
SIMPLIFY YOUR YEAR-END GIVING
Any gift can be used to create an endowment fund at the Foundation or add to an existing fund. Contact our office to learn more. If handled by the US Postal Service, mailed gifts must be postmarked on or before December 31, 2024. If sent by other handlers, gifts must be received by 4 p.m. on December 31, 2024.
SUPPORTING YOUR GIVING
The Community Foundation staff is available to help you achieve your charitable goals and take advantage of any applicable tax deductions by the end of 2024. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• December 23 – normal hours
• December 24 – normal hours
• December 25 – closed
• December 26 - normal hours
• December 27 – normal hours
• December 30 – normal hours
• December 31 – normal hours, final day to deliver gifts in person!
• January 2 – normal hours
SPECIAL SECURITIES*
Contact Richard Brown, CFO, for assistance with private, tendered, or restricted stock.
WIRE TRANSFER*
Contact Tasha Dimling, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, to wire funds from your financial institution.
SECURITIES*
Submit a completed letter of instruction to the firm holding your stock and send a copy to Richard Brown. Allow the financial firm one week for processing.
MUTUAL FUNDS*
Submit a completed letter of instruction to the firm holding the fund shares and send a copy to Tasha Dimling.
*Under IRS rules, cash or securities must be received in The Community Foundation's account by December 31, 2024, to be credited as a 2024 charitable gift. Please get in touch with Tasha Dimling to ensure your intended gift is properly credited.
New Funds of the Foundation
The latest funds established by generous philanthropists and organizations in the community.
Arlington School Foundation - Jeff Wilson Memorial Fund for Industrial Arts and Agricultural Sciences
This fund, established in Jeff's memory, will support improving educational opportunities and experiences for students in the Arlington Local Schools industrial arts and agricultural science programs.
Cory-Rawson Green and Gold Foundation Fund
The Cory-Rawson School Foundation committee established this fund with support from the school community.
Franks Farm Educational Trust Scholarship
This scholarship was established in Merle’s memory by his grandchildren Angela Middleton and Dustin Drerup. This scholarship will be given to a graduating Ohio high school senior, with preference for Van Buren High School. The recipient must be a full-time student studying agriculture or ag-related field with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The student must also demonstrate participation in community/volunteer service.
Richard & Janice Hoffman Scholarship
This fund was established by friends and family in memory of Richard Hoffman. This scholarship will support a graduate of Findlay High School attending BGSU with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Richard and Jane McCleary Fund for Homeless and Foster Youth
This fund, established by Jane McCleary, will support homeless youth or youth transitioning out of foster care to improve their wellbeing.
Mollydog Foundation
The Mollydog Foundation was established by John Hollingsworth to support his charitable giving.
NAMI Hancock County Fund
This fund was established to support NAMI Hancock County. NAMI's mission is to promote mental health in Hancock County to build better lives through education, support, and advocacy.
Jen Rettig Pay It Forward Fund
Jen Rettig graduated from Cory-Rawson High School in 1981. She established this fund in gratitude to all her teachers. This scholarship will support a graduate of Cory-Rawson High School who is attending a technical school or two- or four-year college/university. The student must have maintained a maximum 3.5 GPA in high school or the most recent grading period.
Michael Rossi Family Foundation Fund
This fund was established by Megan Rossi to support their charitable giving.
Visit community-foundation.com to read about these funds and many others.
Bringing the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy to Findlay
In 2023, The Community Foundation partnered with the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy to bring the IUPUI Fund Raising School to Findlay Several Community Foundation staff members have traveled to Indianapolis to attend Fund Raising School classes in the past, and suggested offering them locally to nonprofit organizations who may not have the time or resources to attend out-of-state.
Since then, 110 participants from 34 organizations have attended three classes in the Fundraising Management Series. Most recently, the Foundation hosted a two-day Introduction to Digital Fundraising workshop to help participants leverage a range of digital strategies to expand their organization's fundraising abilities.
Kristen Pickens and Megan Talbert, staff of the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, attended the workshop.
“With limited digital experience, this course was the perfect opportunity for Kristen and I to learn side by side,” said Talbert. “We share an organization and mission, but professionally, we run two very different, yet complementary, departments at MCPA.
“We appreciated the opportunity to gather with other nonprofit leaders, discuss ideas and challenges, ask questions and learn from one another as we were educated on the foundations of digital fundraising by
the incomparable Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, all thanks to the generous sponsorship of The FindlayHancock County Community Foundation!”
The investment to bring this class to Findlay saved these organizations a total of $92,960, or $2,650 per participant. Additionally, it gives participants the opportunity to step outside of their offices to network and learn together. In 2025, we are offering two more IUPUI Fund Raising School classes: Developing Annual Sustainability and Email and Website Strategies. Those who complete all four Fund Raising School classes will receive a Certificate in Fundraising Management.
Megan Talbert
Kristen Pickens
September Digital Fundraising Class
Fun For All.
In January 2023, The Community Foundation launched Fun for All. The goal of this program is to provide affordable, family friendly activities in Hancock County, which we’ve repeatedly heard is a challenge. More than 20,000 people attended these events in 2023 and 2024, and we’re thrilled to continue these offerings next year.
JAN 4
Community Winter Skate at the Pavilion at Sycamore Springs Golf Course
4-8 p.m.
JAN 11
Free Ice Skating at the Cube
1-3 p.m. and 8-10 p.m.
JAN 17
Head for the Hills Live Performance at the Jenera Community Center
7:30 p.m.
Visit community-foundation.com/fun for the schedule, which we add to regularly!
Event
THE
BRIEFING REFRESHED! WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2025 • 4:30-7 P.M.
Alexandria’s • 132 E Crawford St,
