Doing Good GALA 2026
What a fabulous evening in support of the Foundation
It was a beautiful summer evening for the 2026 Doing Good GALA! Attendees enjoyed music on the patio before a delicious dinner was served. After dinner, Kendra Berlin, a founding member of the local Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapter, shared a few stories of the work they do to provide beds for children without a bed and how important the support from OCCF has been for several years. Then the Live Auction began with bidders raising their paddles to bid on some spectacular items. Several silent auction baskets also went to the highest bidder.
The GALA is the signature event to raise funds for the Foundation each year. One hundred percent of GALA proceeds benefit OCCF, so the important work of the Foundation will continue to support Ottawa County organizations and students.
In the News
Community Foundation Welcomes Three New Trustees
OCCF Establishes Lake Erie Islands Conservancy Fund
March 18, 2026 - The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Board of Trustees: James Krieger, Brian Koenig, and Duane Kokinda. Each brings strong community ties, professional experience, and a shared commitment to supporting the people and organizations that make Ottawa Co
March 18, 2026 - The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Board of Trustees: James Krieger, Brian Koenig, and Duane Kokinda. Each brings strong community ties, professional experience, and a shared commitment to supporting the people and organizations that make Ottawa County a great place to live.
“We are excited to welcome Jim, Brian, and Duane to the Board of Trustees,” said Shea McGrew, Executive Director of OCCF. “Each of them brings unique experience and a genuine desire to give back to the community. Their perspectives and leadership will help us continue strengthening Ottawa County through philanthropy and community partnerships.”
James Krieger
James “Jim” Krieger lives in eastern Benton Township near the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and has called Ottawa County home for most of his life. Mr. Krieger brings extensive experience in finance and public accounting and looks forward to helping ensure the Foundation’s funds are carefully stewarded while continuing to grow opportunities for community impact. He has also been active in a number of community organizations, including serving with the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and supporting local education initiatives.
“I think of all the people from this county who guided me as I grew up and the wisdom they shared with me,” Mr. Krieger said. “Now it is my turn to do the same and repay those who helped along the way.”
Brian Koenig
Brian Koenig of Elmore has been connected to OCCF for many years, first establishing the Pamela Graver-Koenig Memorial Scholarship in memory of his late wife, Pam. The scholarship supports Woodmore High School seniors involved in soccer, track, or cross country who plan to pursue careers working with children.
Mr. Koenig previously served on the OCCF Board of Trustees. A retired professional with Crown Battery, Erie Steel and BAP Manufacturing, he has also been involved with several area organizations including Fremont Rotary and the Sandusky County YMCA and brings experience working with community foundations across the region.
“I’ve been fortunate in life because of the help and support of others,” said Koenig. “Serving and giving back is one way I can repay those who helped me along the way.”
Duane Kokinda
Duane Kokinda was born and raised in Port Clinton and returned to the area in 2018 after a 40-year career in the energy industry. He and his wife now live on Catawba Island.
Mr. Kokinda and his family have been active supporters of OCCF and established the Joseph and Eleanor Kokinda Family Fund in honor of his parents. The fund supports nonprofit organizations serving the Port Clinton community. During his professional career, Mr. Kokinda managed a diverse portfolio of business operations and joint ventures, experience he now brings to the OCCF board.
“For me, charitable giving is a way to pay it forward to the community where I was raised,” Mr. Kokinda said. “It is also about remembering our parents and the values they passed down to our family.”
OCCF Establishes Lake Erie Islands Conservancy Fund
OCCF Establishes Lake Erie Islands Conservancy Fund
March 5, 2026 - The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) is pleased to announce the establishment of a new $25,000 fund by the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy (LEIC).
The fund, invested to provide for growth over time, will support LEIC’s evolving needs — whether for operations, capital improvements, land preservation, matching grant op
March 5, 2026 - The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) is pleased to announce the establishment of a new $25,000 fund by the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy (LEIC).
The fund, invested to provide for growth over time, will support LEIC’s evolving needs — whether for operations, capital improvements, land preservation, matching grant opportunities, or other priorities that advance its mission.
“We’re excited to offer a new way for donors to support our Conservancy’s efforts to preserve island lands for the future,” said Lisa Brohl, Chair of the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy Board of Directors. “This partnership with the Ottawa County Community Foundation helps strengthen the organization for the long term. Our work is both immediate and ongoing, and this fund gives us the flexibility to address today’s needs while planning for what comes next.”
Kelly Faris, Secretary & Treasurer of LEIC’s Board of Directors, echoed those sentiments and added, “I was pleased that the Board of Directors of the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy approved an investment with the Ottawa County Community Foundation. That commitment supports both the mission of the Conservancy — encouraging conservation and protection of natural and agricultural lands in the Lake Erie Islands — and the work of the Foundation.”
Founded in 2000, LEIC has helped protect more than 160 acres across South Bass and Middle Bass Islands, including the gravel beaches and reefs of Scheeff East Point Preserve, the spring wildflowers of the Jane Coates Wildflower Trail, the rocky cliffs of Massie Cliffside Preserve, and the wet woodlands of the Middle Bass Forested Wetland Preserve.
These efforts are carried out in close partnership with the Put-in-Bay Township Park District, the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society, and the Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center, reflecting a shared commitment to conserving the islands’ landscapes, history, and environment. LEIC is also engaged in projects such as pollinator habitat restoration and invasive plant removal to help ensure these spaces remain healthy and accessible.
OCCF and LEIC share a longstanding partnership. Over the years, the organization has received community grant support from OCCF, most recently to help restore historic agricultural buildings and install signage to enhance public understanding of the islands’ landscapes.
By establishing the fund at OCCF, LEIC creates a dedicated charitable vehicle that supporters can contribute to now and in the future.
“We are proud to continue our relationship with the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy in this new way,” said Shea McGrew, executive director of OCCF. “The Ottawa County Community Foundation exists to help organizations, individuals, and families create lasting impact. This fund provides a permanent home for charitable support of LEIC that will strengthen conservation efforts on the islands for years to come.”
To learn more about LEIC visit www.lakeerieislandsconservancy.org.
Community Foundation Accepting Grant Applications
January 6, 2026 The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) is currently accepting grant applications for the 2026-27 grant cycle. OCCF grants support special projects in the fields of education, health and social services, economic development, natural resources, and the arts.
“Today’s struggles in our communities are greater than ev
January 6, 2026 The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) is currently accepting grant applications for the 2026-27 grant cycle. OCCF grants support special projects in the fields of education, health and social services, economic development, natural resources, and the arts.
“Today’s struggles in our communities are greater than ever,” says OCCF Grants Chair Mary Coffee. “OCCF looks forward to partnering with our county nonprofit agencies in 2026 to help those in need.”
Last year, the Foundation awarded 44 grants totaling more than $108,000 to local nonprofit organizations. According to Coffee, $90,000 of that total was awarded to 34 nonprofits as part of the annual community grants cycle. Additional grants throughout the year supported efforts such as skilled trades training for high school students, science field trips to Stone Lab for each school district in Ottawa County, dyslexia training for schoolteachers, the Top Ten Scholarship Banquet, and Rapid Response needs to nonprofits experiencing special hardships or increased demand for services.
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations located in or serving Ottawa County are invited to submit a request for grant funding. OCCF Community Grant applications will be accepted until Sunday, March 1, 2026, 11:59 pm, via an online application portal. For a link to the portal, visit the OCCF website at www.ottawaccf.org/grants. Note: OCCF utilizes the Greater Toledo Community Foundation's (GTCF) grant portal to accept its community grant applications. Applicants will see GTCF information to begin the process and must click on the Ottawa County Community Foundation description to access the logon page. First-time applicants must create an account to begin; previous grant applicants should log in to their existing account to start a new application.
OCCF has supported community efforts since 2003, with the goal of “Doing Good. Forever.” For questions regarding a grant submission, contact Grants Chair Mary Coffee, coffee.occf@gmail.com, 419-341-7400.
New Aviation Scholarship Honors Legacy of Tuskegee Airman & Educator Dr. Harold H. Browns
November 21, 2025 - The Ottawa County Community Foundation and Liberty Aviation Museum are pleased to announce the creation of the Harold H. Brown Aviation Scholarship, honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of Lt. Col. (Ret.) Dr. Harold H. Brown, a Tuskegee Airman, educator, author, and longtime Port Clinton resident.
The endowed scho
November 21, 2025 - The Ottawa County Community Foundation and Liberty Aviation Museum are pleased to announce the creation of the Harold H. Brown Aviation Scholarship, honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of Lt. Col. (Ret.) Dr. Harold H. Brown, a Tuskegee Airman, educator, author, and longtime Port Clinton resident.
The endowed scholarship will award two $750 scholarships each year to individuals pursuing studies in aviation or aviation-related fields. Eligible applicants may be graduating high school seniors or adults seeking to further their education in areas of aviation such as piloting, aircraft maintenance, or aeronautical engineering, just to name a few.
Dr. Brown served in the U.S. Air Force for 23 years, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Following his distinguished military career, he earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees from The Ohio State University and went on to have a career in higher education to help the next generations, retiring in 1986 while serving as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Columbus State Community College. Earlier this year, Dr. Brown was posthumously inducted into The Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifelong commitment to education and public service.
“Harold dedicated his life to service, education, and opportunity,” said Marsha Bordner, Dr. Brown’s widow and an educator herself, having retired as president of Terra State Community College in 2012. “He believed deeply in giving people a chance to pursue their dreams, especially through education. This scholarship combines his two passions - aviation and education - and carries his mission forward.”
Funding for the scholarship was made possible through remaining contributions from the community fundraising campaign that supported the commissioning of Dr. Brown’s bronze statue at the Liberty Aviation Museum, located on the grounds of the Erie-Ottawa County International Airport. The sculpture, located at the entrance of the museum, stands as a lasting tribute to Dr. Brown’s courage and leadership. The newly created scholarship will ensure his impact continues through future generations.
“When the statue was completed, we still had funds remaining,” Ms. Bordner explained. “Because Harold was an educator, we knew the best way to honor him was to invest in future generations, those who want to learn, to fly, and to carry his spirit of perseverance into their own lives.”
Bob Fujita, Director of Operations at Liberty Aviation Museum echoed Ms. Bordner and shared, “Dr. Brown was a great friend to the museum and an inspiration to everyone he met. We are honored to perpetuate his legacy through this scholarship.”
Dr. Brown, who passed away in 2023, made Port Clinton his home and final resting place—choosing to be buried here rather than at Arlington National Cemetery.
For those who knew him, Dr. Brown’s enthusiasm for mentoring young people and his ability to inspire others were unmatched. He often spoke to students about breaking barriers, pursuing education, and finding strength through perseverance.
“Harold would have a sly grin on his face if he knew about this scholarship,” Ms. Bordner added. “He’d be proud to know that it’s helping others follow their dreams, just as he did.”
The endowed fund, established at the Ottawa County Community Foundation, will generate earnings for scholarship awards for years to come. Future contributions from donors will help expand the fund and the number of awards available.
“Northwest Ohio is becoming a magnet for aviation education,” said Shea McGrew, OCCF Executive Director. “It’s fitting that this scholarship, honoring a true hometown hero, will help address the growing demand for trained aviation professionals right here in Ottawa County.”
Applications for the first Harold H. Brown Aviation Scholarships will open in late 2025, with awards announced in early 2026. More information about eligibility and how to apply will be available at ottawaccf.org.
Ottawa County Community Foundation Awards $90,000 in Community Grants
June 19, 2025 The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) awarded $90,000 in community grants and special awards at its annual Awards Presentation on June 19. Thirty-three local nonprofit organizations received funding in addition to the presentation of the third annual Joy Roth Little Tiger Award.
"For 25 years, the Ottawa County Comm
June 19, 2025 The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) awarded $90,000 in community grants and special awards at its annual Awards Presentation on June 19. Thirty-three local nonprofit organizations received funding in addition to the presentation of the third annual Joy Roth Little Tiger Award.
"For 25 years, the Ottawa County Community Foundation has worked to enhance the quality of life for our citizens. By awarding grants to deserving organizations and initiatives, OCCF addresses critical needs and seeks solutions to the challenges in our community,” said OCCF Executive Director Shea McGrew. “Our thanks to the nonprofit leaders whose dedication to Ottawa County is remarkable."
The grants awarded by the Ottawa County Community Foundation are more than just financial contributions; they are stories of transformation. These stories, shared by the nonprofit organizations that received a grant, illustrate how OCCF’s investments create ripples of positive change, one project at a time. The 2025 grant recipients include:
Cancer Services: Provide financial support to assist cancer patients and families
Courageous Community Services: Provide camp experience for youth with developmental disabilities
Cultivate the Clover of Ottawa County: Send 4-H members to camp/help with counselor training
Engaging Opportunities Foundation: Engage community and individuals with disabilities
Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center: Provide services to domestic violence victims
Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County: Assist elderly and disabled residents with home repairs
Kelleys Island Local School: Provide environmental education programs
Firelands Symphony Orchestra: Provide free summer outdoor concert
Genoa Area Community Food Pantry: Purchase a refrigerator for food pantry
Lake Erie Islands Conservancy: Preserve historic agricultural buildings and provide signage
Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center: Create display of migratory bird pathways, sounds, etc.
Light House Sober Living: Provide sober and healthy activities for individuals in recovery
Luther Home of Mercy: Provide activities and events for residents
Lindsey Volunteer Fire Dept, Inc: Purchase a drone to enhance emergency response capabilities
Musical Arts Series-Port Clinton: Provide musical concerts for seniors
Oak Harbor Alliance Chapel Food Pantry: Construct a commercial kitchen to prepare community meals
Family Advocacy Center of Ottawa County: Upgrade website for community outreach
Ottawa County Historical Society: Repair and refurbish Wolcott Keepers House
Ottawa County Holiday Bureau: Provide vouchers for food and household items for those in need
Ottawa County Museum: Create historical driving tour of Ottawa Co. and timeline exhibit
Ottawa County Sheriff's Office: Improve communications for divers in an emergency response
Ottawa County Task Force on Aging: Purchase senior safety kits to ensure safe & independent living
PIB Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau: Remake the member portal of the website
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry: Purchase food and food certificates for clients in need
Sleep in Heavenly Peace: Build and deliver beds to children ages 3-17 who have none
The Parkvue Community on Catawba Island: Install security camera system to enhance safety
The Perry Group: Provide printing for event flyers and marketing materials
The Salvation Army: Send underserved youth to a weeklong summer camp
Toledo Opera: Provide Opera on Wheels for K-8 - The Bear Who Couldn't Fish
United Way of Ottawa County: Support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library for children birth to 5
Schedel Arboretum and Gardens: Support science camp and art camp
Business Advisory Council: Recognize efforts to establish Skilled Trades Academy and State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) program
Skilled Trades Academy: grant to Skilled Trades Academy
Funding for the Community Grants program is made possible by the earnings from several unrestricted Community Funds and Donor Advised Funds held by OCCF, as well as numerous private donations.
The Foundation also presented its 2025 Joy Roth Little Tiger Award to the Ottawa County Business Advisory Council (BAC). Joy Roth, founder and long-time President of OCCF, passed away in July 2020, and the OCCF Board, with the support of Joy’s husband Jeff Roth, sought to establish this special recognition to honor her legacy. Joy, an Auburn University Tigers football fan, was known by family and friends as a “little tiger” herself.
The award, created to recognize similar champions who go above and beyond to give back to the community, was presented to the Business Advisory Council (BAC). Accepting the award were Katherine Adams, Director of Workforce Innovation at the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation, and Clay Finken, Chair of the Business Advisory Council.
Katherine described the successes the BAC has made through the Skilled Trades Academy since its inception in 2019 and the addition of the State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) program in 2024. “We can’t do this without each other; we can’t do this without our community,” emphasized Ms. Adams. “We wouldn’t be here today without the support we have received from OCCF since 2019.” For information, visit https://ocic.biz/ocbac/
Foundation Holds Countywide Personal Care Product Drive
October 25, 2024 Taking a personal, grassroots approach to providing neighborly support for those in need, the Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) will hold a “Bubble Up” personal care product drive during the entire month of November. The Foundation seeks donations of new full-size and travel-size shampoo, conditioner, bodywash,
October 25, 2024 Taking a personal, grassroots approach to providing neighborly support for those in need, the Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) will hold a “Bubble Up” personal care product drive during the entire month of November. The Foundation seeks donations of new full-size and travel-size shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, bar soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, dish soap, laundry detergent, laundry softener, cleaning supplies and sanitizer wipes.
“In OCCF’s anniversary year, it was very important for us to do something tangible … something very personal and hands-on … to impact people across the breadth of Ottawa County,” said Trustee and Bubble Up Coordinator Brenda Haas. “When someone struggles to put food on the table, sometimes the necessities — soap, deodorant, toothpaste — go by the wayside. Our 2024 ‘Bubble Up’ drive is a simple way to help.”
Many nonprofits that have participated in the OCCF community grants program will serve as donation distributors. Personal care donations will be filtered to a variety of community groups including area food pantries, counseling centers, churches, the Family Advocacy Center, etc., for need-based distribution. Two years ago, OCCF held a similar countywide coat drive — “Bundle Up” — which provided thousands of cold weather gear items for Ottawa County students and families.
“Bubble Up” donations may be dropped off at any Ottawa County library, including all Ida Rupp Public Library locations (Port Clinton, Marblehead, and Put-in-Bay), Harris-Elmore Public Library locations (Elmore and Genoa) and the Oak Harbor Public Library, during normal business hours.
Personal care items and/or monetary donations may also be dropped off directly to the OCCF office, 306 Madison Street, Port Clinton, any Wednesday in November, noon – 3 pm. Visitors will receive a 25th anniversary gift of appreciation (while supplies last) and may ask questions of OCCF Trustees, take a tour of the “Little Blue House” and enjoy light refreshments.
“We anticipate a tremendous response to ‘Bubble Up,’ because Ottawa County residents and businesses are remarkably generous to their neighbors,” concluded OCCF Executive Director Shea McGrew. “Thank you, in advance, for helping OCCF touch the lives of the people of Ottawa County.”
Community Grants Support Nonprofit Agencies
Community Grants Support Nonprofit Agencies
Community Grants Support Nonprofit Agencies
January 23, 2024 The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) is now accepting grant applications for 2024-25. OCCF grants support special projects in the fields of education, health and social services, economic development, natural resources and the arts.
“Today’s struggles in our communities are greater than ever,” says OCCF Grants C
January 23, 2024 The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) is now accepting grant applications for 2024-25. OCCF grants support special projects in the fields of education, health and social services, economic development, natural resources and the arts.
“Today’s struggles in our communities are greater than ever,” says OCCF Grants Chair Mary Coffee. “OCCF looks forward to partnering with our county nonprofit agencies, in 2024, to help those in need.”
Last year, the Foundation awarded more than $103,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations. According to Coffee, $82,000 of that total was awarded to 47 nonprofits as part of the annual community grants cycle and $21,000 supported additional special needs, dyslexia training for school teachers, a science field trip to Stone Lab and The Top Ten Banquet.
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations located in or serving Ottawa County are invited to submit a request for grant funding. OCCF Community Grant applications will be accepted until Friday, March 1, 2024, 11:59 pm, via an online application portal. For a link to the portal, visit the OCCF website at www.ottawaccf.org/grants. Note: OCCF utilizes the Greater Toledo Community Foundation's (GTCF) grant portal to accept its community grant applications. Applicants will see GTCF information to begin the process and must click on the Ottawa County Community Foundation description to access the logon page. First-time applicants must create an account to begin, and previous grant applicants may log into their existing account to begin a new application.
OCCF is celebrating its 25th year of supporting community efforts with the aim of “Doing Good. Forever.” For questions regarding a grants submission, contact Grants Chair Mary Coffee, coffee.occf@gmail.com, 419-341-7400. Questions about establishing a fund may be directed to 419-635-7750 or ottawaccf@gmail.com.
Foundation Touches Lives for 25 Years
Community Grants Support Nonprofit Agencies
Community Grants Support Nonprofit Agencies
January 5, 2024 Started in 1999, Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) enters 2024 celebrating new beginnings and its Silver Anniversary. The brainchild of founder Joy Roth, OCCF was formed to impact and support the community. Twenty-five years later, OCCF appears to have made good on Joy’s mission and promise to touch the lives of t
January 5, 2024 Started in 1999, Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) enters 2024 celebrating new beginnings and its Silver Anniversary. The brainchild of founder Joy Roth, OCCF was formed to impact and support the community. Twenty-five years later, OCCF appears to have made good on Joy’s mission and promise to touch the lives of the people of Ottawa County.
“There is much to celebrate and be thankful for,” says OCCF Executive Director Shea McGrew. “We celebrate Joy’s vision and the generosity of donors whose gifts have enabled OCCF to distribute approximately $10 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and student scholarships. And we thank our supporters for their generous contributions to those remarkable numbers.”
Marcia Jess — a trustee since 2006, current board secretary and co-chair of the 25th Anniversary Committee — indicates the Foundation was started in April 1999 when charter members Roth, Bob Armbruster, Ellen Bergman, Tom Salamone, Derrill Hablitzel and Bart Anderson signed the Articles of Incorporation. OCCF awarded its first community grant in 2003, in the amount of $1,341.70, to the City of Port Clinton for a mural in Friendship Park.
“Flash forward … just in 2023, we gave out 47 community grants totaling more than $103,000,” says Jess. “It is incredible how far we have come. Twenty-five years ago, we could never have imagined how many lives we would change for the better. Today, we are humbled by the immense difference we’ve made.”
Throughout its first quarter century, OCCF provided 519 community grants, totaling more than $1.1 million, to 164 different nonprofits. OCCF donor funds managed through its umbrella organization, the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, gave more than $7.3 million to donor-specified causes. Additionally, OCCF’s scholarship program, which began in 2001, also provided 1,589 scholarships at more than $1.7 million. The Foundation currently holds 107 permanent funds and nearly $11 million in assets.
McGrew indicates OCCF seeks to “further expand its ability to serve the needs of Ottawa County residents.” Since his appointment as OCCF’s first staff member, soon after Roth’s passing in 2020, McGrew has sought the guidance of the community to shape the Foundation’s future goals and solidify its financial future. OCCF recently formed its Advisory Council, receiving valuable input from respected community leaders Alison Lanza Falls, Crown Battery’s Hal and Diane Hawk and Catawba Island Club’s Jim Stouffer. The Council provides forward-thinking ideas to assist OCCF in supporting the county. Additionally, OCCF implemented its Business Partners Giving Society, an annual membership group of generous business owners interested in helping their neighbors.
“With such friends of the Foundation, we can expand our impact and continue to embrace the OCCF goal of ‘Doing Good. Forever’,” says McGrew. A primary goal in 2024 is to think ahead, financially, so that OCCF may continue to sustain itself operationally and as a community provider.
Providing philanthropic services to individuals, families, businesses and other nonprofit organizations, OCCF strives to help donors make gifts to meet vital community needs focusing on the fields of education, health and social services, economic development, natural resources and the arts. OCCF’s donors come from a wide spectrum of the community — farmers, teachers, business owners and people from all walks of life.
“We look forward to the next 25 years, confident that the legacy of visions and innovation we’ve pioneered over the past quarter century will only continue to grow,” concludes Jess. “Our community deserves it. Our community can count on it.”
OCCF is celebrating its anniversary with a yearlong calendar of events and anniversary programs across the county, including its second annual Gala fundraiser planned for July 23 at CIC. For upcoming details, visit ottawaccf.org. or contact Shea McGrew, 419-635-7750, ottawaccf@gmail.com.
The 2024 Board of Trustees includes community members across the county: Deborah Harmeyer (President, Genoa), Jim Deer (Vice President, Marblehead), Marcia Jess (Secretary, Oak Harbor), Ron Overmyer (Treasurer, Oak Harbor), Arlyn Bensch (Oak Harbor), Mary Coffee (Port Clinton), Paul Druckenmiller (Port Clinton), Brenda Haas (Lakeside), Tina Hablitzel (Port Clinton), Julene Market (Put-in-Bay), Alex Morgan Johnson (Port Clinton), Michael Schenk (Port Clinton), David Slosser (Port Clinton) and Diane Zeitzheim (Port Clinton). Emeritus Members include John Bock (Elmore), Jon James (Graytown) and Blair Miller (Oak Harbor).
Bensch Family Scholarship Changes Lives
Community Grants Support Nonprofit Agencies
"Big Nut" Provides Ottawa County Scholarships
December 21, 2023 Deadlines are fast approaching for the hundreds of Ottawa County students looking forward to graduation in the spring and seeking financial aid via scholarships, so they may further pursue their academic and career goals.
“Advanced education is expensive,” says Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) Executive Directo
December 21, 2023 Deadlines are fast approaching for the hundreds of Ottawa County students looking forward to graduation in the spring and seeking financial aid via scholarships, so they may further pursue their academic and career goals.
“Advanced education is expensive,” says Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) Executive Director Shea McGrew. “A scholarship can be a life-changer. Those with limited resources may only be able to afford attending college or a trade school thanks to the generosity of donors.”
In 2023, more than $184,000 was awarded to 153 students via more than 55 individual OCCF scholarship funds set up by area organizations, families and individuals. One such fund is the Carl and Phyllis Bensch Family fund, formed in 2020 by Phyllis and the Bensch children — Alan, Arlyn and Rhonda.
“We thought an OCCF scholarship fund would honor our parents’ legacy and what they were all about,” says Arlyn Bensch. “My folks valued education… it was important to them, and they conveyed that importance to the three of us.”
Arlyn, a Trustee on the OCCF Board, indicates he and his siblings grew up watching his parents work hard at everything they did. The scholarship fund was created to help “graduates who have a love of learning” as his parents did. It provides two scholarships each year — one for a student going into a career in the science or medical fields and the other for a student going into skilled trades or agriculture.
The elder Bensches, who were married for 70 years, were both raised with farming in their blood.
Carl, a 1939 graduate of Oak Harbor High School, served as President of his senior class. A lifelong farmer on the family farm located west of Oak Harbor, he had a knack for being able to build or fix almost anything. Before his passing in 2016, he was also Board President of Woodville Mutual Insurance Company, served on the Northwest Ohio Ag Credit Board and was awarded the Ottawa County Soil & Water Conservation Operator of the Year.
Phyllis graduated as valedictorian at Webster High School (1940). Her father, also a farmer, died at the age of 39 during the depression, but Phyllis’ mother kept the farm going while raising three young children. The farm, located just outside of Pemberville, is still in the family. A homemaker, gardener and quilter, Phyllis worked at the Ottawa County office of the Agricultural and Stabilization Conservation Service and as a grain clerk at two local elevators. She passed away in 2021.
Each of the Bensch siblings attained degrees in the sciences and pursued careers in technology, finance and medical fields. Indicating there will always be a need for students pursuing such technical fields, Arlyn adds, “On the vocational side, you need the farmers, plumbers, the electricians … the people who keep us going day-to-day.”
“The Bensch Family legacy will continue to further the hopes and dreams of area students well into the future,” says McGrew. “OCCF is here to help facilitate such generosity, from one generation to the next.”
Each OCCF scholarship fund agreement has its own set of unique requirements established by the fund donor’s wishes. Endowed scholarship funds require a minimum amount to establish, and annual earnings fund the scholarship. The criteria for student eligibility may include graduating from a particular high school, attending certain post-secondary institutions, pursuing a degree in a designated field of study, and/or residing in a specific geographic area. In addition to an endowed scholarship fund, interested parties may also offer scholarships on a one-time basis, or over several years, until the gift is fully utilized. To find out more about setting up a scholarship fund, visit www.ottawaccf.org or contact Shea McGrew, 419-635-7750, ottawaccf@gmail.com.
While the majority of OCCF scholarships are for graduating high school seniors, there are several scholarships available for non-traditional students, college students seeking to study abroad, and students at a specific college. The range of OCCF scholarships available may be found on the scholarship page. For specific scholarship deadlines, students are encouraged to contact their school guidance counselors.
"Big Nut" Provides Ottawa County Scholarships
"Big Nut" Provides Ottawa County Scholarships
"Big Nut" Provides Ottawa County Scholarships
September 25, 2023 Across Ottawa County, hundreds of students annually seek financial aid as they take their next steps into adulthood via higher education. Jon Peters, the “Big Nut” superfan for The Ohio State University (OSU), is partnering with Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) to address that need.
At the September OCCF Boar
September 25, 2023 Across Ottawa County, hundreds of students annually seek financial aid as they take their next steps into adulthood via higher education. Jon Peters, the “Big Nut” superfan for The Ohio State University (OSU), is partnering with Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) to address that need.
At the September OCCF Board Meeting, Peters and his wife Terese (“First Lady Nut”) presented a check for $25,000 to establish The Big Nut Scholarship - Terese Marie and Jon Paul Peters Fund, an endowed fund with the Foundation. This fund will award scholarships to students who graduate from an Ottawa County High School and attend The Ohio State University.
“We wanted to expand our scholarship program throughout Ottawa County. With this endowment fund, we can touch more students' lives and help them achieve,” says Peters, who indicates that their scholarships began in 2012. “Providing scholarships is an honor and a blessing for the First Lady and me. It's not what you take with you when you leave this world, it's what you leave behind."
Currently a Fremont resident, Peters graduated from Oak Harbor High School and has provided a scholarship for Benton-Carroll-Salem Local School District students for the last several years. Through their new fund, the Peters plan to offer scholarships to graduating seniors from all the Ottawa County high schools.
Big Nut and First Lady attend OSU’s regular season games. Peters experienced his first OSU football game in the Horseshoe with his grandfather when he was just a teenager in the 1970s. He began attending games regularly, and, in 1995, won a Best Dressed contest, which proved to be the unexpected start of his game-winning notoriety.
The Peters have used the “Big Nut” attention as a way to give back. When eventually asked to do public appearances, the compensation the “Big Nut” received went into a separate bank account and ultimately turned into a scholarship fund for high school students. In addition, the Peters started an endowment fund at OSU, further helping undergraduates.
“Advanced education is so expensive,” says OCCF Executive Director Shea McGrew. “Jon and Terese’s generosity will allow many young adults to finance their dreams. We are here to help facilitate that giving in Ottawa County.”
In 2023, more than $184,000 was awarded to 153 students via more than 55 individual OCCF scholarship funds. Each scholarship fund agreement has its own set of unique requirements established by the fund donor’s wishes.
Organizations, families and individuals may set up an OCCF scholarship fund with specific parameters to help area students pursue their academic and career goals. Endowed scholarship funds require a minimum amount to establish, and annual earnings fund the scholarship. The criteria for student eligibility may include graduating from a particular high school, attending certain post-secondary institutions, pursuing a degree in a designated field of study, and/or residing in a specific geographic area. In addition to an endowed scholarship fund, interested parties may also offer scholarships on a one-time basis, or over several years, until the gift is fully utilized.
While the majority of OCCF scholarships are for graduating high school seniors, there are several scholarships available for non-traditional students, college students seeking to study abroad, and students at a specific college. The range of OCCF scholarships available may be found on the scholarship page.
For information about setting up a scholarship fund, contact Shea McGrew, 419-635-7750, ottawaccf@gmail.com.
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