M.C.C.F. hosts annual Groundhog Day event
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum County Community Foundation Groundhog Day Celebration took place on January 26, 2017 at the Ohio University Zanesville and Zane State College Campus Center.
The Muskingum County Community Foundation hosts a silent auction, live auction, and the golden ticket prize to raise money. C.E.O. Brian Wagner said the donations provided, go back into the community through the Spring Grant Competition.
“That’s the opportunity for local non-profits, organizations, and groups that have some projects going on to apply for funds to help support the projects that they’re going to be doing,” Wagner said. “So the whole idea is improving the quality of life in Muskingum County. We’re looking long-term, we’re looking short-term, and these funds that are raised through our auction efforts will go towards those short-term projects.”
M.C.C.F. also uses the celebration to bring awareness and honor to two philanthropists who show leadership in the community. The Brian T. Wagner Community Leadership Award was presented to Ryan Moyer, while the Dick Johnson Civic Leadership Award was presented to Thomas Lyall.
“That’s really an opportunity for us to recognize [Tom Lyall] for all the great works that he has done through out his career and I’m sure will continue to do,” Wagner said. “When it comes to [Ryan Moyer], that’s an opportunity with the civic leadership to recognize a young person that’s already doing great works within Muskingum County and already giving other time and talent.”
According to Wagner historically the Groundhog Day Celebrations has raised between $30,000 and $40,000 to support the Spring Grant Competition.
“Annually the [Muskingum County Community Foundation gives close to $1 million back out into the community through grants, scholarships, and other projects that we work with,” Wagner said. “Again the Spring Grant Competition is an opportunity for anybody to come and apply to receive dollars for a project they might be working on.”
Information on the Spring Grant Competition and how to apply will be released within the coming months on the M.C.C.F. website.
