Wayne County Community Foundation 2023-2024 Annual Report

2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT

Celebrating Milestones and Embracing Innovation: A Year of Impact and Progress Dear Friends, As we reflect on this past fiscal year, we are inspired by the strides we’ve made together. Your unwavering support has allowed us to achieve significant milestones and pave the way for future growth.

Honoring Our Friends of Philanthropy This year, we have the privilege of celebrating Ron and Prue Holtman with the Ruth M. Tieche Friend of Philanthropy Award. Their remarkable contributions truly embody the spirit of our mission. The Holtman’s generosity and commitment have played a crucial role in enhancing our community’s well-being. We are deeply grateful for their enduring support and positive impact.

Celebrating a Decade of The Women’s Fund We are excited to mark the 10th anniversary of The Women’s Fund, a decade dedicated to empowering women and girls in our community. Launched to support leadership, education, and economic opportunities, The Women’s Fund has driven meaningful change. Over the past ten years, it has funded essential programs, helping countless women achieve self-sufficiency. For more about The Women’s Fund, please see page 6.

Advancing with New Technology This year, we embraced a major technological upgrade with a new software system.

This advanced platform is transforming our approach to fund management and grant administration, enhancing our efficiency and responsiveness. We’ve also strengthened our cybersecurity measures to protect the data entrusted to us. Your trust is paramount, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of data integrity and confidentiality.

Celebrating Scholarship Achievements We are thrilled to report a record number of scholarships awarded this year. Thanks to over 160 scholarship funds established by generous donors, we distributed more than $940,000 to Wayne County students. Your dedication to supporting education is fostering academic excellence and creating opportunities for students of all ages.

Looking ahead, we are energized by the possibilities that lie before us. Our focus remains on innovation, impact, and community engagement. With your continued support, we are confident in our ability to realize our vision and make an even greater difference in Wayne County.

Thank you for being a vital part of our journey. Together, we are building a brighter future for our community.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Mark A. Auble President, Board of Trustees

Melanie Reusser Garcia Executive Director

TA B L E O F CO N T E N TS By the Numbers

2

Friend of Philanthropy Award

4

Affiliate Funds

6

The Women’s Fund GIVE 365 Wayne County Community Youth Foundation Your Giving Options

10

New Funds at WCCF

12

Community Grants in Action

14

Highlights

16

Enhancing Accessibility Natural Spaces Provide Lasting Benefits to the Community The Counseling Center of Wayne & Holmes Counties Rittman, Save the 1891 B & O Train Station Dr. Michael S. Knapic Vern and Mary Ann King Scholarship Funds

22

Leave a Legacy

24

Financial Stewardship

26

WCCF Leadership

27

In an effort to conserve costs and the environment, several lists from this year’s annual report are available online at www.wccfoh.org and are noted throughout the report with a QR Code. If you prefer a printed copy of any of these lists, call us at 330.262.3877 and we will gladly mail it to you.

1

By the Numbers FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024

GIVE You give to a new or existing fund and receive a tax deduction when it makes sense for you.

$136,879,144 in Total Assets as of June 30, 2024 13%

GROW We grow your charitable assets through effective investment management strategies.

21%

17%

Charitable Funds

by Type

14%

12%

23%

n Community Funds

GRANT Together, we grant money to area nonprofits to improve the quality of life in our community.

2

n Field of Interest Funds n Designated Funds n Donor or Corporate Advised Funds n Scholarship Funds n Agency Funds

579 Charitable

$8.2 Million in Contributions Received

Funds

5

$8.9 Million in Grants and Scholarships Awarded

Active Capital Campaigns

in Fiscal Year 2023-2024

Grants Awarded by Area Conservation & Environment Education Churches Scholarship Civic & Community Health & Wellness Arts & Culture

$93,978

VISION To effectively leverage Wayne County’s philanthropic resources to improve the quality of life in our community.

MISSION To provide philanthropic leadership to our community.

GOALS To encourage individuals, organizations, and businesses to share part of their resources for the good of our community.

$501,738 $698,182 $866,956 $1,039,376 $ 1,398,368 $1,821,574

Human Services

$115+ Million

$2,465,114

Awarded in Grants and Scholarships Since Inception

To assist community charitable organizations in the creation and management of endowments.

To provide oversight of investment and disbursement of funds devoted to charitable purposes.

3

RUTH M. TIECHE FRIEND OF PHILANTHROPY AWARD

Ron & Prue Holtman It is difficult to quantify the full extent of Ron and Prue Holtman’s philanthropy – their commitment to and passion for our community has been unwavering for over fifty years.

Some things are readily known, such as their steadfast and generous support of Wayne Center for the Arts.

But, as many will tell you, much more has been done behind the scenes without recognition or publicity.

Not only are Ron and Prue personally generous with their resources, they also take a hands-on approach – volunteering their time and expertise to causes they care about. Their selfless commitment to charitable giving and community development has had a countywide impact for over five decades.

Upon arriving in Wooster, the couple almost immediately got involved in community endeavors.

Ron joined the Board of what is now Wayne Center for the Arts (WCA). This would be the first of three separate terms on the WCA Board, including serving as Board Chair, and guiding the institution through a number of difficult transitions and evolutions.

In addition to his service to WCA, Ron has volunteered on numerous nonprofit boards throughout Wayne County: The Village Network, United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties, Goodwill Industries, OneEighty, and the Killbuck District of Scouting America to name a few.

He currently serves as a trustee for Killbuck Watershed Land Trust, Ohio Light Opera, and has recently joined the board of The Lyric Theater.

Last but not least, he served as a Trustee for Wayne County Community Foundation for 23 years – as President of the Board from 1993 to 2005 and as Investment Committee Chair for the following 8 years.

Under his leadership, the Foundation grew from $3 million in assets to over $51 million in assets. He was named Trustee Emeritus in 2013.

4

Previous Award Recipients Stanley C. & Flo K. Gault, 2013 The J.M. Smucker Family, 2014 The Donald & Alice Noble Family, 2015 Greg & Kathy Long, 2016 Barry Romich, 2017 Stephen & Cheryl Shapiro, 2018 While Ron’s background as an attorney puts him more in the public eye, Prue prefers to work behind the scenes. She devotes her energy to American Association of University Women, the Flo K. Gault Scholarship Committee, and was a founding member of The Women’s Fund at Wayne County Community Foundation.

Michael & Stephanie Reardon, 2019

The Holtmans do not seek out the spotlight. They do not require accolades. They quietly, and consistently, provide support for our community. Ron and Prue set the bar for volunteer service in Wayne County. Their example of commitment to community has inspired others to assume leadership roles and to participate in a variety of projects that have improved the quality of life for all of us.

The Friend of Philanthropy Award was created to honor those who make a difference in our communities with their philanthropic activities – the giving of treasure, time, and talent – for the betterment of the Wayne County area. It is presented at Wayne County Community Foundation’s Annual Dinner. For more details on the award and nomination process, please visit us online at www.wccfoh.org or call 330.262.3877.

Richard & Judy Seaman, 2022 John C. Johnston III, 2023 *No recipients in 2020 or 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic

RUTH M. TIECHE The Friend of Philanthropy Award is named in honor of Ruth M. Tieche. Ruth worked at Freedlander’s Department Store for nearly 60 years, retiring in 1975 as personnel director.

She passed away in March 1989, at the age of 90, leaving no survivors. Through a bequest, Ruth left $384,000 to the Foundation as an unrestricted gift.

Ruth’s generosity brought the total assets under the care of the Foundation to more than $1 million – a major milestone for the young organization. With careful stewardship, her initial gift has continued to grow while also awarding funds back into the community through the Foundation’s competitive grant cycle. Unrestricted gifts, like the one provided by Ruth, allow the Foundation to meet the ever-changing needs of our community for years to come.

5

AFFILIATE FUNDS

Changing lives – one woman at a time Women helping women: it is the hallmark of The Women’s Fund (TWF). For 10 years, this affiliate fund of the Foundation has been demonstrating the power of collective giving. A partnership of donors, grantees, and volunteers, TWF works to improve the lives of women of all ages by supporting programs that empower change and self-sufficiency.

In November 2013, a group of 20 women came together with one goal in mind – to make a difference in the lives of women in Wayne County. The Fund began with $387,000 provided by its founding members and a matching grant from the J.M. Smucker Company. Today, the permanent endowment is valued at over $1 million, creating a permanent stream of income to enhance the lives of women in Wayne County, Ohio.

Focusing on three key areas – education, economic empowerment, and health and wellness – the Fund makes grants to organizations that give women more opportunities to succeed. Since its inception, TWF has awarded 20 grants totaling $204,050 to programs supporting women and children.

Empowering women in Wayne County Through effective grantmaking, The Women’s Fund has the potential to transform the lives of women for the better – improving their life circumstances and making a positive, lasting impact on their families and communities. This year, the Advisory Committee awarded a total of $38,600 in grants to nonprofit organizations serving women and children in Wayne County.

The Caring Closet of Wooster was awarded a $7,500 grant for their “Fill the Closet” program, aimed at supporting women and children transitioning from domestic abuse situations or recovering from drug abuse by providing essential items such as undergarments and shoes. The grant specifically funded direct services.

Mt. Eaton Care Center received a $1,100 grant to initiate a Breastfeeding Support Group to help increase knowledge about breastfeeding and provide ongoing support for mothers and their infants.

OneEighty, Inc. received $25,000 for Julia’s Place, their domestic violence crisis shelter.

United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties, Inc. received a $5,000 grant for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program provides free books each month to children throughout Wayne County from birth to five years of age to improve early childhood literacy and encourage family reading time.

The Caring Closet of Wooster is the compassionate hub at the intersection of fashion and support for those in need in our community. They recently moved their boutique from Wooster to the former Buchanan Place, in front of The Barn Restaurant in Smithville. Open to anyone, proceeds from The Caring Closet Boutique fund the charitable work of the organization – providing clothing and personal items to individuals served by partner agencies, such as Julia’s Place, the domestic abuse shelter at OneEighty, or Christian Children’s Home of Ohio.

Mother’s Day Initiative The Mother’s Day Initiative invites everyone to celebrate the women who have made a lasting difference in their lives, while also fostering positive transformation in the lives of women and girls throughout Wayne County. This year, 244 women were honored or remembered on Mother’s Day, adding $22,275 to The Women’s Fund permanent endowment. Donations to The Women’s Fund will continue to generate funds for granting to nonprofit organizations serving Wayne County women – for generations to come.

THE WOMEN’S FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE Pat Bare Maribeth Burns Marian Cropp Chris Davis Kristin Endsley Madeline Fuller Cheryl Goff Diane Gordon Prue Holtman Elizabeth Hooker Carrie Horst Sandra Hull Glenda Lehman Ervin Kathy Long Carrie McCoy Gayle Noble Sara Patton Rachel Relle Jenni Reusser Peggy Schmitz Judy Seaman Cheryl Shapiro Jody Starcher Deanna Troutman Yvonne Williams

For a list of women honored and memorialized through this initiative, scan the QR code or visit us online at www.wccfoh.org.

7

AFFILIATE FUNDS

2023-2024 GIVE 365 MEMBERS

Philanthropy on a dollar-a-day GIVE 365 unites emerging philanthropists in Wayne County, Ohio, empowering them to pool their resources for a shared cause. By contributing just $1 a day, or $365 annually, members amplify their philanthropic contributions while gaining insight into our community’s challenges and opportunities. This initiative also provides the nonprofit organizations addressing these issues with a platform to showcase their effectiveness and potential to GIVE 365 members.

This year’s grantmaking focus for the Wayne County Community Foundation’s GIVE 365 program was “Supporting Wayne County’s Most Vulnerable Citizens.” After reviewing grant applications, the group voted to award a total of $20,500 to four nonprofit organizations: OHuddle received $6,000 to upgrade safety software used for coordination of services for at-risk youth throughout their 18 locations.

Trinity United Church of Christ was awarded $9,500 towards the purchase of an electric convection oven, utilized for their Breakfast Program – which serves 12,000 free meals each year.

Volunteers serve a free breakfast to community members in need at Trinity United Church of Christ.

VANTAGE Aging received $3,500 for their Meals-on-Wheels program, which provides fresh, nutritious meals to nearly 600 Wayne County clients each year.

Wayne County Volunteer Guardianship Association was awarded $1,500.

This grant will enable them to recruit and train additional volunteers, allowing them to serve more of our elderly citizens, as well as those with developmental disabilities.

HOW DO I BECOME A PART OF GIVE 365?

It’s simple!

Contact the Foundation at 330.262.3877 or visit us online at www.wccfoh.org to complete the membership card.

8

Patty Alioto Betty Aylsworth Charles & Sarah Baker Wayne & Pat Bare Terry & Mary Ann Bauman Dave & Melnee Benfield Jeff & Cindy Biggs Robert & Joyce Blanchard* Brian & Amy Bogner Mike & Kelli Bogner Brian & Olivia Boyer Scott & Susan Boyes Adam & Vikki Briggs* Marty & Denise Broda Laurie Buehler* Maribeth Burns Sara Cassady & James Cassady Ryan & Emily Chenevey Wanda Christopher - Finn Marian Cropp Paul & Ruth Crowley D+S Distribution, Inc. James & Christine Davis* Jim & Donna Dale Davis* Mark & Patty Del Propost Bobbi Douglas Joanne Downs Edward & Mary Eberhart* Glenda Lehman Ervin* John & Lee Ann Eyre Annette Fejes Karen Boyer Ferrara Richard & Susan Figge James Fox & Stephanie Strand Rod & Ammey Frank John & Helen Fravel Barb Friedhoff Dave Gallapoo Stefan & Melanie Garcia Jim & Lana Gesler Dick & Patty Glessner Andrew & Kara Good Eileen Good Mark & Carrie Gordon Mark & Diane Gordon Bob & Peggy Gralinski Russ & Katherine Grant Tom & Catherine Graves Joel Gray Pearl Grosjean MacKenzie Haiss Mary Beth Henthorne Connie Hodgdon Kurt & Gina Holmes Elizabeth Hooker Joel & Carrie Horst Linda Houston Jonathan & Jennifer Kessel Jean Knorr Joe & Elizabeth Knutson Brett & Renee Lanz Rebecca Lauffenburger

Joe & Sue Min Lee* Mimi Lewellen Matt Long* Pat & Suzi Lorson Jim & Georgene Lytle Mike & Connie Mann Chris Matthew Lynette Mattson Karrie McAllister Ryan McAllister Beverly McCoy Julie Mennes* Clyde & Kathy Miller Constance Miller Lynn Moomaw* Becky Moore Lacie Neal & Robert Ortoft Pat & Patty Neyhart Sandy Nichols Steve Nichols Dave & Sharron Nielsen* Brigid O’Connor Sara Patton* April Pesicek Ferenc & Candy Relle Dennis & Lisa Reusser* Paul & Jenni Reusser Sam Reusser Jim Richard Marcia Richard Shelly Rider Bob & Karen Rodda Jack & Nicholette Rogers Bill & Robbie Ross Mary Schantz Dave & Sandy Schmidt Troy & Alison Schmidt Betty Schuler David Shallenberger Gregory Shaya Josephine Shaya William & Carolyn Sheron Daphne Silchuk-Ashcraft Lee Simpson Melody Lawrence Snure Carol Stewart Mary Alice Streeter* Tim & LuAnn Suppes Judy Talcott Kevin Trent & Marcia Lehman Trent* Bala Venkataraman* Alice Waltman J. Matthew Wickham Jill Wickham Yvonne Williams Jerry & Tiffany Witmer Frank & Amberly Wolf Deb Zeiters & Richard Maxwell One member has opted to remain anonymous. *Indicates Life Membership

AFFILIATE FUNDS

Philanthropists in the making Wayne County Community Youth Foundation (WCCYF) provides a unique opportunity for high school students throughout Wayne County to learn about the importance of philanthropy. This year 35 students representing eight area high schools gained valuable leadership experience, while learning more about local charitable giving and how investments grow charitable funds.

2023-2024 WAYNE COUNTY YOUTH FOUNDATION MEMBERS Joshua Bode, Wooster Aidan Burke, Wooster Alex Cross, Dalton Kayla Cutter, Northwestern Aleah Daugherty, Orrville Julia Drake, Central Christian Cade Everhart, Norwayne Rhys Florence-Smith, Wooster Mara French, Wooster Jamon Godek, Wooster Jon Graham, Norwayne Alayna Gubics, Norwayne Austin Hamelink, Norwayne Liam Harwood, Wooster Samuel Kahrig II, Norwayne

Members of the WCCYF vote on grant recipients after reviewing applications.

Megan Kleinhenz, Wooster Cole Kuzma, Wooster

The program highlights the essentials of community-based philanthropy, including fundraising and grantmaking activities that provide funding for projects benefiting Wayne County youth. Members of the Youth Foundation also work on teambuilding, developing leadership and communication skills, and participate in community service projects to improve the quality of life in Wayne County.

Isaac Lauffenburger, Waynedale

This year, after reviewing grant applications, WCCYF student advisors voted to award $5,500 in grants to four organizations serving youth in Wayne County.

Parker Metsker, Norwayne

Healthcare 2000 DBA The Viola Startzman Clinic received a $2,000 grant to upgrade dental equipment to better serve patients, especially children.

Kyle Olszewski, Norwayne

IncludeAbility received a $600 grant to purchase two portable ramps for their lending library – a program that provides individuals with adaptive equipment for short periods of time.

Rittman Middle School received a $1,300 grant to aid in creating an inclusive classroom environment, such as flexible seating, sensory tools, and resources for students with special needs to be able to actively engage in the learning process.

Wayne Center for the Arts received a $1,600 grant to expand music program offerings and access to music for youth throughout the community.

In addition, student advisors participated in an activity called the Giving Jar, where they had the opportunity to donate money to the jar. At the end of the Giving Jar project, the group had raised $200, which local philanthropist Barry Romich matched, for a total of $400. They voted to donate the money raised to Wooster Youth Baseball.

Allure McCollum, Orrville McKensie McCoy, Northwestern Aaron Meech, Smithville Hayden Meese, Wooster Oliver Miller, Wooster Sierra Rice, Orrville/WCSCC Cooper Ringle, Norwayne Emma Sayre, Smithville Mya Simmavanh, Orrville Payton Stasko, Waynedale Olivia Stoudmire, Norwayne Audrey Swigart, Wooster Aiiiya Tuggle, Orrville Ella Wallace, Orrville Megan Wyneski, Wooster

9

Giving Your Way Flexible options to fit your needs For individuals, families, or organizations that want a strategic and simple approach to their long-term philanthropic giving, a charitable fund at Wayne County Community Foundation is a smart choice. These funds offer flexibility for donors, allowing them to choose their level of involvement.

With a variety of fund types, Wayne County Community Foundation has a solution to fulfill nearly every donor’s charitable wishes. We suggest getting started by meeting with our staff to discuss the fund options that best fit your goals.

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL? Invest in the future of Wayne County.

Giving to a Community Fund provides the most flexibility to respond to the changing needs in our community, now and forever.

Strengthen a particular community or specific area of interest.

A Field of Interest Fund directs grants for a specific purpose—such as supporting disadvantaged children, literacy, the performing arts, or your hometown.

Support a specific charitable organization.

By establishing a Designated Fund, you can provide annual grants in perpetuity for one or more organizations of your choice.

Enable students to realize their educational dreams.

A Scholarship Fund enables you to support our local students with scholarships to pursue postsecondary education.

Actively participate as a grantmaker.

With a Donor or Corporate Advised Fund, you can actively participate by recommending grants to the causes you care about most.

Build an endowment for your nonprofit.

Charitable organizations can establish Agency Funds to benefit their mission now and in the future.

10

GETTING STARTED IS EASY The choice is yours! Establish a fund today so you can witness its impact during your lifetime, or give through a bequest or other planned gift.

We are able to accept a variety of gifts – cash, stocks and bonds, life insurance, IRA distributions, or even gifts by bequest – to create a named fund that fits your needs. Most funds may be opened with a minimum gift of $10,000; to open a new scholarship fund, the minimum is $20,000. Each of our fund types may begin as an Acorn Fund, allowing for it to be funded on an installment basis over 5 years.

Our professional staff is ready to meet with you to talk about your goals, and create a plan that matches your charitable interests and financial situation. Whatever your philanthropic objectives, we have the flexibility and tools to help you reach them. To learn more about establishing your fund at Wayne County Community Foundation, please call 330.262.3877 or email contact@wccfoh.org.

Community Funds Addressing needs today and tomorrow Since our founding in 1978, visionary donors have been making gifts and creating funds to address the community’s most pressing needs. Community Funds are unrestricted – meaning that Wayne County Community Foundation has the flexibility to address ever-changing community issues, including future needs that may not be evident yet.

The Foundation’s Trustees evaluate all aspects of community well-being such as arts and culture, education, environment, health and wellness, human services, and more. Unrestricted gifts empower us to strategically distribute grants, when and where the need and opportunity are greatest.

If you want to help Wayne County and its residents thrive while maximizing the impact of your charitable contributions, a Community Fund is the ideal choice.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A COMMUNITY FUND? Establishing an unrestricted fund is the ultimate way to support the community you love.

•

Your money stays in your community and is used to make grants, when and where they are needed most.

•

You may initate your fund with a gift today, or through a bequest.

•

You, or others, can add to the fund you have established at any time, receiving tax benefits with each new gift.

•

It is a long-term fund created for long-term impact.

•

It is flexible to address current and future needs and opportunities.

Power of Endowment Supporting your community for generations to come We understand the power of permanence. We believe it is the key to ensuring that our community’s future will be even brighter than its past. When you create a charitable fund through the Foundation, you can benefit the community forever with a permanent endowment.

Fund Balance

Grants to Community

The graphic below shows that your endowment gift will grow over time, while still providing grants to the causes you care about most.

Year 1

Year 10

Year 25

Year 50

$10,000

$10,712

$11,877

$14,106

$0

$4,944

$13,029

$28,502

Assumes an initial gift of $10,000, 6.5% ROI, 1% administrative fee, and 4.5% grant payout each year. This example is not a guarantee of return on investment.

11

New Funds Each charitable fund created through Wayne County Community Foundation is unique and begins with a passionate donor with a personal story. This fiscal year, 30 new funds were established.

COMMUNITY FUNDS

Vern and Mary Ann King Fund for Dalton Local Schools

Ronald L. and Mary E. Bricker Community Fund

Vern and Mary Ann King Fund for NAMI-Wayne Holmes County – MOCA House Program

FIELD OF INTEREST FUNDS Creston Historical Society Fund Richard D. Gates Memorial Fund Stop Human Trafficking and Sex Abuse Fund DONOR OR CORPORATE ADVISED FUNDS Agriculture and Food Development Fund Scott and Amy Allen Charitable Fund Bob and Kathy Gorman Family Fund Gross Family Fund Henshaw Family Fund Mendiola Family Fund Merle and Diane Stutzman Fund Walkerly Family Charitable Fund * One Corporate Advised Fund wishes to remain anonymous

DESIGNATED FUNDS The Counseling Center’s Mental Health Residential Center Fund

Deborah J. Rauschenberg Designated Fund Rittman, Save the 1891 B & O Train Station Fund AGENCY FUNDS Apostolic Christian Village Endowment Fund Habitat for Humanity in Wayne County, Ohio Fund Killbuck Wetlands Preserves Fund * One Agency Fund wishes to remain anonymous

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS Duane (Dewy) E. Buss Memorial Scholarship Fund Nancy Ditmer Music Education Scholarship Fund Vern and Mary Ann King Scholarship Fund Vern “Sky King” King Scholarship Fund Dr. Michael S. Knapic Memorial Scholarship Fund Kevin J. McAllister Memorial Scholarship Fund Orrville High School Class of 1974 Friendship Award Fund Leighann Dunn Sturgin Scholarship Fund

For over 40 years the Apostolic Christian Village has provided a haven to many. The care of their residents is priority number one. They offer a wide range of senior care and services, including: Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation, Assisted Living, and Independent Living Apartments.

With the establishment of the Apostolic Christian Village Endowment Fund, the organization can continue to grow and conserve their resources – allowing them to provide compassionate care and support to residents for years to come.

12

Donor Advised Funds offer an easy and flexible way for individuals and families to actively engage in philanthropy. The Scott and Amy Allen Charitable Fund allows the Allens to support the causes they care most about, while streamlining their giving and maximizing impact.

Kevin McAllister was known for his kind and generous spirit. Always ready to jump in to lend a hand, with a smile on his face, Kevin devoted himself to his community through countless acts of service.

He was a member of the Wayne County Bar Association, Wooster Noon Lions (Past President), and several local boards, including Habitat for Humanity of Wayne County (Past President), United Way of Wayne & Holmes Counties and the Viola Startzman Clinic.

A graduate of Orrville High School, The College of Wooster, and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Kevin went on to work as the Vice President, Director of Wealth Management for The Commercial and Savings Bank for 16 years.

Community Funds put the full power of the Foundation to work for you! Created by generous, civic-minded individuals like Ronald and Mary Bricker, they are a primary source of grants to address the emerging needs in the community. During their lifetime, the Brickers enjoyed giving through their Donor Advised Fund, supporting causes across Wayne County. After they passed away, their fund was converted to the permanently endowed Ronald L. and Mary E. Bricker Community Fund, enabling the Foundation’s Board of Trustees to fuel big ideas, strengthen vulnerable populations, and improve the entire community for generations to come.

Upon his passing in 2023, Kevin’s family established the Kevin J. McAllister Memorial Scholarship to provide scholarships for graduating seniors of Orrville High School who demonstrate that same dedication to their community through acts of volunteerism, strong moral character, and qualities of a “good friend.”

For a full list of funds, scan the QR code or visit us online at www.wccfoh.org.

13

Community Grants in Action $932,783.34 awarded to 46 area nonprofit organizations through the Foundation’s Competitive Community Grants and Wayne County Emergency Response Fund.

Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio to purchase necessary operational equipment for their new space in Wooster, including a 12-step forward incline rolling ladder and a commercial ice machine.

Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to support the 2024 Wayne County Direct Distribution Program to provide food to people in need through the Wooster Hope Center.

American National Red Cross to assist with Direct Client Financial Assistance for Wayne County residents affected by a home fire or other disaster to enable them to meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing.

Boys and Girls Club of Wooster Inc. to purchase food from local food markets and vendors for Project CHOP (Childhood Hunger Outreach Program) to tackle childhood hunger by providing nourishing after-school meals and imparting essential knowledge about healthy eating habits.

Buckeye Authors’ Book Fair Committee, Inc. to facilitate a week-long enrichment camp customized for students in grades 3rd through 8th, to address the pressing need for enhanced literacy skills and a deeper appreciation for books.

Christian Children’s Home of Ohio to renovate the outdated kitchen in the girls’ cottage to better serve their young residents (ages 6-11 years), by upgrading cabinets, countertops, sink, and garbage disposal.

City of Rittman to replace the old city sign with a new, modern sign located at the entrance to their city.

The College of Wooster to help cover the cost for AMRE research projects that benefit local nonprofits.

The Counseling Center of Wayne and Holmes Counties for architectural fees to design a Mental Health Residential Treatment facility in Wooster.

Dalton Community Historical Society to restore the Eagle Hotel & Tavern building, one of the oldest standing buildings in Dalton, to a more original appearance and assist with other needed repairs.

FoodSphere to support the building of three administrative office spaces in the building at 146 W. South Street in Wooster as part of the FoodSphere and Local Roots capital campaign.

Forget-Me-Not Baskets Inc. to produce educational videos that would allow them to assist with training hospital staff, provide testimonials, and allow them to expand their reach.

Girls on the Run East Central Ohio to provide financial assistance for girls ages 8-14 to participate in youth development programming in Norwayne, Triway, Wooster City, Chippewa, Rittman and Northwestern school districts.

Dalton Local School District to purchase and install bi-directional amplifiers and distributed antenna systems in Dalton High School and Dalton Middle/Elementary Schools to boost wireless signals and enable better communication within the buildings and with first-responders outside of the buildings when needed.

Habitat for Humanity in Wayne County, Inc. to help build five homes while also providing matching funds for other grants.

Doylestown Community Food Cupboard to add one commercial cooler and renovate the garage and the present space of the pantry to increase the items available to give to families.

Innovated Opportunity to purchase digital tablets for class instruction.

Downtown Arts Theater Inc. to support the cost of a full fire protection system as part of their Lyric Theater renovation and reopening project.

Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to pay for processing of deer into ground venison, which is donated to numerous food banks and ministries throughout Wayne County.

IncludeAbility to purchase eight evacuation wheelchairs for the stairwells within Orrville, Rittman, and Waynedale School Districts as part of their Emergency Preparedness project.

Interlink Ministries Inc. to purchase equipment and food for Food Fellowship Ministry, which serves a monthly food-box to needy families in Wayne County.

Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio to impact more than 1,900 students in Wayne County with vital financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship programming.

LIFE A Dementia Friendly Foundation to provide a second Memory Café location in Wayne County.

The Doylestown Community Food Cupboard provides groceries regularly to families, operating on a “choice pantry” model where individuals can select items they intend to consume. Other initiatives of the pantry include giving monthly food boxes to senior citizens and weekly backpacks of food to both public and parochial school children in Doylestown who face food insecurity when not at school.

14

LIFE: A Dementia Friendly Foundation operates two “Memory Cafés” in Wayne County, providing comforting and safe gathering places for those with memory loss and their caregivers. They offer stimulating programs, such as art, music and pet therapies, exercise, caregiver peer support and lunch – all free of charge to the participants and caregivers.

Main Street Wooster, Inc. to hire a local artist to design a decorative utility box wrap to beautify the corner of Market and South Streets, as part of their initiative to add public art to the 15 utility boxes in downtown Wooster.

Tri-County Educational Service Center (ESC) to create a new Children’s Chorus program, in partnership with Wayne Center for the Arts, open to all students in grades 4 through 7th in greater Wayne County.

National Inventors Hall of Fame, Inc. to support Camp Invention registration costs for underserved Wayne County children during the Summer 2024 program.

United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties, Inc. to help cover the cost of the books sent to children enrolled in the Wayne County Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

OHuddle Incorporated to launch a pilot program to expand services to elementary students through GrOHuddle, a partnership with the University of Akron matching junior and senior high school students with elementary mentees.

VANTAGE Aging to replace essential kitchen and delivery equipment so that Meals on Wheels of Northeast Ohio can continue to provide nutritious meals to Wayne County senior citizens.

OneEighty, Inc. to provide one-time payments to help homeless individuals establish housing and those facing eviction to prevent homelessness.

Orrville City Schools to purchase supplies over 3 years for each building’s Comfy Clothes Closet as well as a new large capacity washer and dryer for Orrville Middle School.

P. Graham Dunn Park Inc. to purchase and plant 40 trees in Dalton’s Silver Linden Park to replace lost trees, add to the beauty of the park and improve health of the environment and our community.

Pathway Caring for Children to partner with Kids & Giggles Daycare and Preschool in Wooster to provide therapeutic treatment to children aged 2-5 who are enrolled in their childcare center and are at elevated risk for mental health challenges, such as sensory issues, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and emotional and behavioral issues.

Rails to Trails of Wayne County to offset construction cost increases for “Closing the Gap” between Allen Avenue, in Orrville, and Forrer Road on the Heartland Trail.

RePlay for Kids to establish an adapted toy lending program for children with disabilities, in partnership with the Wayne County Public Library.

Smithville Community Historical Society for remediation and restoration of their Sheller Log House.

The Village Network to provide pottery wheels for their art therapy program for youth in their outpatient programs and those living on their residential campus in Wooster.

Wayne County Historical Society to help restore failing masonry, repoint bricks and repair damaged stonework of the nearly 200 year old Beall-Stibbs House.

Wayne County Housing Inc. for improvements to Secrest Village Apartments in Wooster, to include paving, replacing concrete, repairing drainage, and replacing four cottage roofs.

Wayne County Schools Career CenterAspire to update and replenish their supply of laptops for in-class student use.

West View Healthy Living to improve the lighting in the Carrington Memory Care Unit at West View Healthy Living. A 24-hour lighting scheme would provide high circadian stimulation during the day and low circadian stimulation during the night; good visual conditions during waking hours; and nightlights that are safe and minimize sleep disruption.

The Wilderness Center Inc. for their “Nature Heals” program to provide immersive field trip experiences to clients of OneEighty over the course of a year.

Wooster City School District to provide Pioneer Valley In Tandem literacy intervention resources to be used with K-4 students, and for a Student Recognition Digital Display to be installed at Wooster High School to recognize past and present athletic, art, and academic student accomplishments.

Wooster-Wayne Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution to install new Veterans Association headstones on Patriots’ graves in Wayne County without headstones and restore Patriots’ headstones in need of repair.

Zion Lutheran Church to install double doors on their outbuilding to enable AAUW and Kiwanis to use pallet jacks (instead of manual labor) to move books to and from the site of their annual used book sale.

Wayne Growth Partnership to help support business and workforce development and address barriers to growth. Current focus areas are childcare, workforce housing, and workforce development.

Girls on the Run offers programs designed to inspire girls of all abilities to recognize and embrace their inner strength and make meaningful connections with others.

Trained coaches use physical activity and dynamic discussions to build social, emotional and physical skills while encouraging healthy habits for life.

15

GRANTEE HIGHLIGHT

Enhancing Accessibility Promoting inclusivity in our community Improving accessibility in our community means that every person, regardless of ability, has an equitable chance to fully participate and actively contribute to society. This fosters a culture rooted in respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels valued.

This year, the Foundation awarded over $33,000 through our Community Grants Program to three local nonprofit organizations working to eliminate obstacles so that all people can access opportunities, services, information, physical locations, and technologies.

Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio (ASPO) works to remove barriers to ensure that individuals with physical disabilities have a chance to play and utilize sports to elevate ability and empower futures. People with physical disabilities share the same passion for sports as the nondisabled population. The only difference is how they play the sport. Through minor adaptations and specialized equipment, individuals who are often sidelined can enjoy all the benefits that sports offer. For over 15 years, Adaptive Sports Ohio has been committed to turning these opportunities into reality. To support these efforts, ASPO received a grant from the Raymond and Pauline Croskey Memorial Fund to purchase necessary operational equipment for their new facility in Wooster, including a 12-step forward incline rolling ladder and a commercial ice machine.

Founded in 2021, IncludeAbility embarked on a mission to empower individuals with physical disabilities, foster a sense of belonging within their communities, and promote inclusion in every facet of life. They are dedicated to creating an accessible world, by identifying disparities between the health and well-being of individuals living with a disability and their nondisabled peers - and working to rectify them. Imagine being a student who uses a wheelchair when the fire alarm sounds at school. How do you evacuate when you can’t use the elevator? That is one such barrier IncludeAbility is helping area schools overcome. With grants from the Lloyd W. James Memorial Fund and the Carl E. Congdon, Jr. and Susanna Congdon McIntyre Memorial Fund, the organization was able to purchase eight evacuation wheelchairs for the stairwells within Orrville, Rittman, and Waynedale School Districts as part of their Emergency Preparedness project.

RePlay for Kids works to increase the availability of toys and assistive devices for children with disabilities. Volunteers for the organization repair, adapt, and distribute toys and assistive devices free of charge. In doing so, the organization strives to raise awareness and expand the range and number of toys and devices available to the children who require them. A grant from the Lloyd W. James Memorial Fund was awarded to establish an adapted toy lending program for children with disabilities, in partnership with the Wayne County Public Library.

Everyone can play a role in supporting more inclusive environments to help individuals with disabilities, or at risk for disabilities, be active participants in their communities.

Working together, let’s build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

16

GRANTEE HIGHLIGHT

Natural Spaces Provide Lasting Benefits to the Community When was the last time you immersed yourself in nature? If it’s been a while, consider giving it a try.

Research indicates that spending time in natural environments offers substantial health benefits. Whether it’s a leisurely walk in a park or a day-long hike in the wilderness, being outdoors can noticeably improve your mental and physical well-being.

Community parks and playgrounds offer numerous advantages to a community. They promote health and wellness, encourage physical activity, foster social interactions, preserve natural habitats for native plants and wildlife, help maintain cleaner air, enhance property values, and provide safe gathering spots for everyone.

Fortunately, Wayne County provides ample opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to experience the outdoors and enjoy nature!

This year, WCCF Board of Trustees invested $25,000 in three area nonprofits focused on improving access to and the beauty of our natural spaces.

Established in 2022, P. Graham Dunn Park, Inc. oversees the Silver Linden Park and Playground in Dalton, Ohio. The park sits on 4.3 acres and is home to over 40 species of trees, two playgrounds, four pavilions with benches, and a quarter-mile walking path that leads to a neighboring pond area. The land and initial funding for the park were generously donated by Peter Graham Dunn and his wife, LeAnna Dunn. Unfortunately, the sub-zero weather over the winter resulted in the loss of over 40 trees throughout the park. The organization was awarded a grant of $10,000 from the Robert L. and Kathleen M. Polsky Foundation Community Fund to assist in the purchasing of mature trees from local greenhouses, ensuring verdant views and shady resting spots for generations to come.

Across the nation, Rails-to-Trails organizations are dedicated to repurposing old railroad lines into vibrant paths for all to enjoy. These trails offer opportunities for walking, cycling, and, in some cases, horseback riding.

Locally, Rails-to-Trails of Wayne County is doing its part to add value to the lives of residents – as having access to trails has proven benefits such as increasing mobility, improving overall health, spurring economic development and job creation, protecting the environment, and creating powerful connections within and between communities.

Their current venture, the 10-mile-long Heartland Trail between Orrville and Marshallville, will connect to other recreational trails in Ohio, ultimately allowing bicyclists to ride from the Ohio River in Cincinnati to Lake Erie in Cleveland. A $10,000 grant from the Carl E. Congdon, Jr. and Susanna Congdon McIntyre Memorial Fund was awarded to aid in completing the trail.

The Wilderness Center (TWC) understands the transformative power of nature. For over half a century, it has have served as a hub for learning and exploring the natural world. Spanning more than 3,300 acres across seven counties in Northeast Ohio, TWC features diverse landscapes including agricultural land, forests, meadows, wetlands, and prairies. Visitors can enjoy over 10 miles of hiking trails, an astronomy education facility, a native plant nursery, and a natural playscape – all accessible to the public at no cost.

TWC’s latest initiative, “Nature Heals,” is designed to benefit residential clients of OneEighty, Inc. With a $5,000 grant from the Ruth M. Tieche Community Fund, OneEighty clients will participate in monthly field trips to TWC aimed at connecting them with nature and engaging in group projects that support their journey towards a more sustainable recovery.

Parks serve as havens of beauty, relaxation, and recreation for individuals, families, and friends to gather, which promotes social connections and positive physical and mental health. Wayne County is fortunate to host a wealth of such parks – which one will you explore next?

17

GRANTEE/FUND HIGHLIGHT

The Counseling Center of Wayne & Holmes Counties For over 70 years, The Counseling Center of Wayne and Holmes Counties (TCC) has been providing comprehensive mental and behavioral healthcare in Wayne County. It is one of the longest continually functioning mental health programs in Ohio. From prevention, education, and treatment of mild mental health issues to supporting those with severe and persistent mental health challenges, TCC provides a full range of services to individuals and families at any stage of life.

18

hospitalization, interactions with law enforcement, incarceration, and homelessness.

Once built, the new facility will allow residents to receive intensive treatment for up to 90 days.

Currently, typical stays in out-of-county psychiatric hospitals are a mere 5-14 days, which rarely give patients enough time to make progress before being discharged back into society, often leading to the “revolving door” scenario.

While TCC provides services at their office and residential facilities, they also prioritize meeting people in their communities, by providing support at schools, homes, and through telehealth. Their goal is to make sure quality mental healthcare is available in our community. Robust, accessible mental healthcare leads to strong families, valued employees, and an improved quality of life for everyone.

TCC owns a vacant 3.5 acre lot adjacent to their main building on Benden Drive in Wooster. With their psychiatric staff and pharmacy on the same campus, it is the perfect location to build their new Mental Health Residential Treatment Center. The facility has an added benefit of enabling clients to be near their family and support systems, eliminating the additional stress and expense of families having to travel to visit their loved ones at an out-of-county facility.

Balancing community needs with the resources available for treatment is a priority for the staff and Board of TCC. However, they are missing one vital piece of the continuum of care – a local residential treatment facility for adults experiencing mental health challenges. Fortunately, TCC recently received significant – but not complete – funding from the State of Ohio to construct a 24-hour supervised Mental Health Residential Treatment Center in Wooster. With 16 beds, counseling offices, medical exam rooms, and group treatment and programming space, the new facility will allow TCC to provide intensive inpatient treatment, counseling and care management for adult males and females in a safe and secure environment.

By expanding the mental health treatment’s continuum of care, TCC hopes to “close the revolving door” of

The capital project is being primarily funded by a grant from the State of Ohio American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a program focused on addressing gaps in the current mental healthcare system. However, the ARPA grant of $3 million requires a 10 percent match from the community. To aid in their efforts to raise the $300,000 required, the organization established The Counseling Center’s Mental Health Residential Center Fund at the Foundation. Additionally, during the Spring Competitive Grant Cycle, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees awarded TCC a $50,000 grant, which will count towards the 10 percent match, from the Beaverson Foundation Community Fund for the architect to design the facility, create construction drawings, and provide expertise throughout the construction process.

FUND HIGHLIGHT

Rittman, Save the 1891 B & O Train Station Railways were instrumental in building the country, connecting towns and cities, and changing the landscape of America forever.

The first railroad in the U.S. was built in 1827 by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B & O Railroad), sparking a railroad frenzy that would last for the next 50 years.

The Industrial Revolution, with factories springing up and manufacturing booming, created a need for raw materials to be transported over large distances.

Businesses grew up around newly built train stations and commerce flourished. The invention and evolution of the steam engine also allowed passengers to travel from point A to point B faster than ever – providing an exciting and efficient way to see the country.

In 1891, the B & O Railroad opened a freight and passenger station in Rittman, Ohio, bringing with it industry and visitors from across the country.

Businesses in Rittman would sometimes stay open late to accommodate passengers arriving at night. This was the genesis of the annual Rittman Sleepwalker Festival, a celebration of a time when there was such high traffic through the city that merchants extended business hours and often ended up wearing pajamas or nightclothes at work.

During the station’s heyday, both the funeral train for President Warren G. Harding and the campaign train for William Taft passed through the town. In October 1948, the Rittman Station was host to one of Harry Truman’s “whistle-stop speeches.” Truman traveled over 31,000 miles and made 352 speeches from the rear platform of a private railcar. It is commonly believed that Truman’s tours by train, which brought him face-to-face with everyday Americans, led him to win the Presidential election.

demolish the unique station – but a group of citizens have come together to preserve this bit of history.

The group worked with Rittman Mayor Bill Robertson to negotiate with CSX to save this rare piece of local railroad history. In 2022, the company agreed to allow preservation efforts to move forward and provided two options – leave it where it stands and do a cosmetic restoration or move the station away from the railroad property which would allow for the building to be open to the public. The small group of volunteers chose the latter – which will enable the building to be used as a community space.

When CSX maintenance workers opened the station and maintenance shed for the volunteer group to view, they were pleased to find well-preserved and maintained interiors for both buildings. After several years of research and planning, the group has established the Rittman, Save the 1891 B & O Train Station Fund at the Foundation to raise funds for the preservation project. The initial goal of $100,000 will enable them to move the structure to a new location on the Rails to Trails County Line Bike Trail, pour a basement foundation, and complete exterior and interior restoration of the Station.

In addition to a community meeting space, the restored station will serve as the Rittman Railroad Museum – featuring exhibits on President Truman’s “whistlestop speech” and how rail traffic led to Rittman’s own industrial revolution, including the founding of Morton Salt and the former Box Board Company.

The future of the station became uncertain when B & O cut the last east and westbound passenger trains from the station in the 1970s. The railroad company then began using the Rittman station as a maintenance and storage facility.

Today, the 1891 B & O Train Station is one of Rittman’s oldest standing landmarks, but one in need of repair.

Current owner, CSX Transportation, had plans to

19

FUND HIGHLIGHT

Dr. Michael S. Knapic Family man. Leader. Friend. Athlete. Coach. Musician. Gifted and compassionate orthopaedic surgeon. No matter how you knew Michael Knapic, you were privileged to have met him.

When the Rittman native was 5 years old, Michael was asked to be the ringbearer in a wedding, alongside Debbie Chipps, the flower girl. By the age of 12, the two were “boyfriend and girlfriend”—and never looked back.

Following in the footsteps of his father, a family physician, Michael knew he wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. His time as a college athlete – the captain of the football team at The College of Wooster – influenced his decision to become an orthopaedic surgeon. After graduating from COW in 1991, Michael obtained his Doctor of Osteopathy degree from Ohio University. Michael and Debbie married in 1992.

Upon completing his residency in 2000, Michael and Debbie decided they wanted to return to Wayne County to raise their three children: Trevor, Hannah, and Garrett. Michael joined the medical staff at Wooster Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center, a practice he had become familiar with during his time at COW and stayed in contact with throughout his residency. Michael was highly active in the community, coaching youth sports teams, and serving as a member and president of the Wooster City Schools Board of Education, the team physician for Wooster High School and The College of Wooster football teams, and even the bass player for the DTz – a popular local rock band comprised of area physicians and friends.

Michael’s life changed in August 2017 when he suffered a stroke that affected his mobility, balance, and speech. Always up for a challenge, Michael worked with physical therapists and a personal trainer to regain his strength and return to his medical practice at Wooster Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center. The stroke could have easily killed him, but through sheer determination and countless hours of hard work, he regained everything but his confident public speaking voice. Already a highly respected member of the Wayne County community and beyond, people’s admiration for Knapic grew by leaps and bounds as he returned to doing almost everything as well as he did before the stroke.

Sadly, Michael died in March 2024 while on vacation in Jamaica. He passed away doing something he loved – putting for birdie on the golf course with Debbie, his wife of 32 years, by his side. His family established the Dr. Michael S. Knapic Memorial Scholarship to honor his life and legacy. The scholarship will benefit students from Rittman or Wooster High Schools who are pursuing a postsecondary education in the fields of biology or chemistry.

20

FUND HIGHLIGHT

Vern and Mary Ann King A lasting legacy for Wayne County Mary Ann King touched many lives with her compassion for others, commitment to community, and personal generosity. A graduate of Aultman Hospital School of Nursing, University of Akron, and The Ohio State University, Mary Ann devoted her entire career to psychiatric-mental health nursing either as an educator, administrator, or a clinical nurse specialist.

Born Mary Ann Schroeder, she grew up in Canal Fulton. Her career brought her to Wayne County when she accepted a position at the former Apple Creek Developmental Center (ACDC). It was there that she met a co-worker named Vern King.

Vern enlisted in the U.S. Army during his senior year of high school. Sent to serve as part of the Europe Theatre during World War II, Vern made 7 parachute jumps before becoming injured. Upon returning home, he worked for the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad before retiring from ACDC after 25 years.

The couple married in 1961, spending the next 50 years traveling the world together. After Vern’s passing in December 2014, Mary Ann met with the Foundation to ensure the causes she and Vern cared about most were supported well after their lifetimes.

Through a generous bequest to the Foundation upon Mary Ann’s passing in 2021, the couple’s legacy will live on through a multitude of funds:

Vern and Mary Ann King Fund for Dalton Local Schools which will enable students for whom cost may be prohibitive to participate in school activities.

Vern and Mary Ann King Fund for NAMI – Wayne Holmes County – MOCA House Program, a permanently endowed fund that will bestow ongoing support to the peer-based, mental health program.

Vern and Mary Ann King Scholarship Fund, which will provide annual scholarships for Dalton High School students in perpetuity.

Vern “Sky King” King Scholarship Fund, that will honor Vern’s love of flying by offering scholarships with a preference for those pursuing a private pilot’s license.

By including the Foundation in her planned giving, Mary Ann has created a legacy that will benefit generations to come. The Foundation is honored to be a part of the Kings’ story.

21

Scholarship Funds Empowering the next generation Scholarship funds play a crucial role in enabling students to follow their educational dreams. Beyond supporting high school seniors, there is an increasing need to provide financial aid for individuals seeking to either complete their college education, undergo re-training, or pursue advanced studies in specialized fields. Thanks to our generous donors, the Foundation awarded over $940,000 in scholarships to 293 individual recipients for the 2024-2025 academic year. Below are just a few of this year’s recipients:

Corbin Cunningham Chippewa High School

Ava Fivecoat Dalton High School

Alexandra Chanthaseng Orrville High School

Lillian Wakefield Northwestern High School

Shayna Lowe Smithville High School

For a full list of scholarship recipients, scan the QR code or visit us online at www.wccfoh.org.

22

Beau Polen Norwayne High School

Connor Reich Waynedale High School

NANCY DITMER MUSIC EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP FUND

$942,799 Total Scholarships Awarded for the 2024-2025 Academic Year n Chippewa High School Seniors . . . . . . . . . . . $17,400 n Dalton High School Seniors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $44,700 n Northwestern High School Seniors. . . . . . . . . $26,500 n Norwayne High School Seniors . . . . . . . . . . . $32,850 n Orrville High School Seniors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $78,300 n Rittman High School Seniors. . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,200 n Smithville High School Seniors. . . . . . . . . . . . $31,480 n Triway High School Seniors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $34,900 n Wayne County Schools Career Center Seniors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,270

n Waynedale High School Seniors. . . . . . . . . . . $11,600 n Wooster High School Seniors. . . . . . . . . . . . . $87,395 n College Students – New Awards. . . . . . . . . . . $60,700 n College Students – Renewed. . . . . . . . . . . . $216,400 n Other Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,500 n Graduate School Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $38,804 n Non-Traditional Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $198,800 Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $942,799

Nancy Ditmer arrived in Wooster in 1984 and began a thirty-five-year tenure at The College of Wooster. During her time there, she taught band, music education courses, and conducting until her retirement.

Nancy’s dedication to music education was unwavering. She devoted herself to the Ohio Music Education Association throughout her career, founded and directed the Wooster Music Camp—an enriching summer program for middle and high school students—and led workshops while serving as a guest conductor and festival adjudicator across the United States. After retiring, Nancy became an invaluable asset to local school music programs.

As a music educator, the true extent of Nancy’s impact and influence over her extensive career is difficult to comprehend. While her absence will be deeply felt, her contributions will endure through the countless lives she influenced and through the Nancy Ditmer Music Education Scholarship Fund. The fund will provide scholarships to current graduating seniors of any high school served by Tri-County Educational Service Center who plan to pursue a degree in Music Education.

23

Leave a Legacy The gift of a lifetime More than great wealth, philanthropy requires a generosity of spirit and the desire to improve the quality of life for others. By carefully planning your estate, you can create benefits for yourself, your family and your community. With thoughtful preparation now, you can be assured your legacy gifts will be directed to the causes you care about most.

HOW CAN I LEAVE A LEGACY? Leave a Bequest – Include the Foundation in your will as the beneficiary of assets you wish to donate. Committing a portion of your bequest this way removes the assets from your taxable estate. These gifts can be cash, stocks, bonds, or tangible property.

Retirement Funds and IRAs – Name the Foundation as the beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or 403(b) to avoid income and estate taxes upon your death.

Continue to withdraw from your plan during your lifetime, then benefit your favorite causes with the remainder of the fund.

Life Insurance – Pay an annual premium for a new or existing life insurance policy and designate the Foundation as the primary or contingent beneficiary. You can also gift a life insurance policy you own and no longer need or make the Foundation the owner of a new policy for which you pay the annual premiums.

Our staff will work closely with you and your financial advisor to help facilitate the type of gift that is right for you. Contact us to learn more about the ways we can help you have a positive impact on the community and causes you cherish.

CAN I FOCUS MY PHILANTHROPY? Absolutely yes! Because philanthropy is intensely personal, it’s important to match your desire to give with a community need that “speaks to you.”

Your planned gift with WCCF can create a field of interest fund that will allow WCCF to give grants in the areas you are most passionate about – whether it is education, nature conservation, or the arts. Or you can design a designated fund that will benefit one or several of your favorite nonprofits. If you want to make a difference in the lives of students, you can establish a scholarship fund. You can also donate unrestricted gifts, known as Community Funds, which provide the most flexibility to address emerging needs in our community – now and in the future.

24

Legacy Society The Legacy Society recognizes individuals who have made plans to leave a gift to the community in partnership with the Foundation.

We gratefully acknowledge all those who have plans to leave a legacy to the community through the Foundation. Please talk with your professional advisors and us to find out how easy it is to leave a lasting impression on what matters to you.

We appreciate the compassion, generosity and foresight of our Legacy Society members*: Larry and Cindy Acker

John W. and Cheryl M. Kirkbride

Jeff and Kathy Bielek

Linda R. Kline

Terry D. Blough

Robert B. Landis

Carol and David M. Briggs

J. Eugene and Donna Devore Lowe

James H. and Yvonne A. Brown

Steve and Chris Matthew

Susan Daly Buchwalter

Mimi Freedlander McCain

Maribeth Burns

Calvin and Beverly McCoy

Delores Durbin

Lynn R. Moomaw

Karen Boyer Ferrara

Brenda Blaney Myers

Mike and Sharon Flinner

C. Burwell Myers, Jr.

Don and Nadine Foster

Sara L. Patton

Max Friedman

Lemoine W. Peart

Stefan and Melanie Garcia

Deborah Rauschenberg

Carol Gates

Candace K. and Ferenc M. Relle, Jr.

Jean P. Gates

Thomas A. Romich

Richard D. Gates

Bill and Mabel Rottman

Paul D. Gerlaugh

Stephen L. and Cheryl F. Shapiro

Lana and Jim Gesler

Karen and Ed Sims

Richard E. and Rilla E. Herald

Richard and Marguerite M. Wagner

Elizabeth and Bob Hooker

Mark and Irene Weaver

Ron and Julie Hovanec Judy Kastelan * Five members preferred to remain anonymous

25

Financial Stewardship

GIVE

At Wayne County Community Foundation, we are dedicated to nurturing and expanding the philanthropic resources that strengthen our community. By practicing prudent and responsible financial management, we ensure that we can address immediate needs while also securing and growing our assets for the future.

Our investment strategy is designed to safeguard and enhance the value of every donor’s gift, building a solid foundation for long-term impact while meeting today’s community needs. We achieve these goals through a carefully diversified investment portfolio, managed with expertise by both our investment committee and a seasoned professional investment management firm. Your generous support helps us make a lasting difference now and for generations to come.

GROW

GRANT

2023-2024 INVESTMENT COMMITTEE Adam Briggs, Chair Marlene Barkheimer Mike Jarrett Roger Proper Brent Steiner Ron Holtman, Emeritus

Asset Growth $140,000,000

ACCOUNTING FIRM

$120,000,000

Meaden & Moore Ltd.

$100,000,000

AUDITOR

$80,000,000

Rea & Associates, Inc.

$60,000,000 $40,000,000

INVESTMENT CONSULTANTS

$20,000,000

Clearstead Advisors, LLC

$1978 1984

1994

2004

2014

2024

Asset Allocation

CUSTODIAL MANAGERS The Commercial & Savings Bank Fidelity Investments

n U.S. Large Cap Equities . . . . . 35% n U.S. Mid Cap Equities. . . . . . . . 5% n U.S. Small Cap Equities . . . . . . 5% n International Equities . . . . . . . 20%

To view our Audited Financial Statements, scan the QR code or visit us online at www.wccfoh.org.

n Alternatives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% n Fixed Income and Cash . . . . . 25%

Investment Performance as of June 30, 2024 (net of all investment and banking fees)

26

YEAR

RETURN

1

12%

5

6.7%

10

5.4%

Board of Trustees for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024

Mark A. Auble President

Brent R. Steiner Vice President

Deanna Troutman Secretary

Mary Alice Streeter Treasurer

Michael D. Agnoni Doylestown/Rittman

Marlene Barkheimer NW Quarter

Scott Boyes Wooster

Adam A. Briggs At Large - West

Maribeth Burns At Large - East

W. Michael Jarrett Orrville

Cheryl Kirkbride Orrville

Glenda Lehman Ervin SE Quarter

Dr. Larry Markley Doylestown/Rittman

Dr. Cyril Ofori Wooster

Roger D. Proper, Jr. Wooster

William J. Robertson Doylestown/Rittman

Bala Venkataraman Wooster

27

Trustees Emeriti

Ronald E. Holtman

Steve Matthew

Richard S. Wagner

Howard J. Wenger

Lacie M. Neal Program Manager

Barb Slabaugh Office and Accounting Manager

Emily Speelman Administrative Assistant

Staff

Melanie Reusser Garcia Executive Director

At Wayne County Community Foundation, we are incredibly grateful for our community. If not for each of you, we would not be able to do the work that we do each and every day.

For a list of our generous donors, scan the QR code or visit us online at www.wccfoh.org.

Annual Report design by Hugon Art & Design; printing by Wooster Color Point, Inc.

28

Giving your way.

Start a fund today and support the causes you care about most.

Since 1978, we’ve partnered with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits in Wayne County to establish charitable funds that will support their philanthropic passions today, tomorrow, and forever.

With a variety of charitable fund types, Wayne County Community Foundation has a solution to fulfill nearly every donor’s charitable wishes.

LET’S CONNECT. Contact us to learn more about the ways we can help you have a positive impact on the community and causes you care about most. contact@wccfoh.org 330.262.3877 www.wccfoh.org

We suggest getting started by meeting with our staff to discuss the fund options that best fit your charitable goals.

29

Nonprofit U.S. Postage

PAID 517 North Market Street, Wooster, OH 44691

Permit #0107 Wooster, OH

330.262.3877 | contact@wccfoh.org www.wccfoh.org

When individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits support their passions, Wayne County thrives.

Join us in making an impact!

The Wayne County Community Foundation is recognized for having organizational and financial practices that are in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.