MCCF 23rd Annual Groundhog Day celebration

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – It was an evening of food, fellowship, and fun.

The Muskingum County Community Foundation held their 23rd Annual Groundhog Day celebration. The Foundation’s CEO Brian Wagner said the celebration and auction are designed for the community to be able to have a good time in the middle of Winter, but also serves a bigger purpose.

“Plus there’s a purpose behind it,” said Wagner. “We use the dollars that we raise from the auction and the sponsorships and everything to help fund our Spring grant competition.”

Wagner said during the evening they will also recognize the recipients of the Dick Johnson Civic Leadership Award and the Brian T. Wagner Community Leadership Award. Wagner said the Dick Johnson Civic Leadership award is given to someone who has demonstrated community and business leadership along with generosity. This year’s recipient was Tom Sieber, who said he was honored to be chosen.

“It’s a little humbling and surreal a little bit,” said Sieber. “It’s not something you start out seeking in your life. It’s nice to be recognized for the things you have done, and I’ve done those with a glad heart.”

Wagner said the Brian T. Wagner Community Leadership Award is to recognize a younger person who has been making a difference in the community. Stacey Russell was the recipient honored this year and she said she has worked with United Way and Operation Feed in the past but is most proud of her work with the Muskingum County 4-H.

“The biggest project that I work on really is with Muskingum County 4-H and over the last 5 years I’ve been involved with a group of individuals that have raised over $64,000 for Muskingum County 4-H,” said Russell. “So that’s the project I’m most proud of.”

The evening also featured silent and live auctions as well as food and socializing.