Investors step forward to save Friendly Hills Grange

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- Ohio Grange Charitable Foundation will be able to keep Friendly Hills Grange open after receiving support from the community.

As reported on WHIZ in late March, Ohio Grange Charitable Foundation has been trying to purchase the Friendly Hills Grange Camp property from the Ohio State Grange. They needed over $400,000 in donations and investments from the community to pay a balloon payment by the end of March. Charity president Patty Dyer said the foundation was able to make the payment because of two investors who wish to remain anonymous.

“That’s kind of been our goal all along is to grow the business and to get more customers. So, I think with the help of the local folks that are interested, I think we’re going to make that happen,” said Dyer.

Dyer said the camp will be able to continue its work of teaching respect and serving the community.

“We’re doing this for the kids and for the community. We hope that that’s something everyone can get behind because we think there’s a lot to offer here. We think there’s a lot of need when you look at the programs. We would rather educate the kids at a young age then have our Sheriff’s (office) and other people dealing with them later on,” said Dyer

The campground expects to be open up by mid-April. For more information about the campgrounds you can call Dyer at 740) 452-0016.