Over the next few weeks eighteen organizations throughout Nicholas County will be receiving grant award checks from the Nicholas County Community Foundation Seelinger Family Fund. The awards were announced during the annual “friendraiser” gathering hosted by NCCF on October 15th at the Summersville Arena and Conference Center.
Those who attended the dinner were treated to wonderful entertainment provided by the Richwood Lumberjack Revue Show Choir, a group of nearly 200 students from Richwood High School and Richwood Middle School, a 2014 grant recipient, the group wore their new uniforms obtained with the grant money. The large crowd enjoyed a lively, patriotic show provided by the students. Ms. Patty Bright spoke about the history of Nicholas County Community Foundation, including NCCF receiving a gift of $1.8 from the Seelinger Family Foundation in 2009 to help start the organization. Since that time the foundation has grown to 33 separate funds with over $3.2 million in assets.
Executive Director, Stacy Raffo, spoke about the numerous donors who provide essential support to many local organizations through donor designated and donor advised funds. Raffo stated, “Establishing a donor advised or designated fund during your lifetime or as a Legacy Gift through your will can help ensure the financial success and stability of organizations that you love and support. These organizations are so grateful for the support they receive from their donors through these funds and are comforted by knowing that each year they can count on those funds.” A total of $10,600 will be awarded to organizations through donor advised or donor designated funds, Summersville Regional Medical Center is supported by The Bruce & Pam Ferguson Fund and the Michael & Martha Perilli Family Fund. The Bruce & Cynthia Tallamy Fund and Bruce & Betty Sigler Family Fund supports the operations of The Bread of Life Food Pantry. Summersville Elementary School and Summersville Middle School receive support from the William & Patricia Bright Fund, The P.W. Bright Fund and The Bright Employees Fund. Steve & Marty Davis support Summersville Public Library by providing funds to purchase children’s books and the operations of NCCF through their fund, Wilderness Volunteer Fire Department receives funding from the Jamie & Steve Antoline Family Fund. Utilizing the option to assist with grant requests using their donor advised funds Steve & Joy Ferguson supported Nicholas County 4-H, Love Works Inc. was supported by the Michael & Martha Perilli Legacy Fund. Sarah Palfrey, Director of the Summersville Library said of receiving the donor designated funds, “The dollar amount of the grant isn’t the most important aspect, it makes an impact because it’s purpose is to help the collection grow over time. Leaving a legacy of children’s literature for the entire community.”
As the dinner drew to a close Ms. Cammie Chapman had the privilege of announcing the 2015 grant awards from the Seelinger Family Foundation. Chapman stated that as usual the requests far exceeded the amount that was available to award but that each year NCCF is able to provide more to the community. The 2015 recipients are:
– Nicholas County 4-H Program $2,351 ($1,757 from the Steve and Joy Ferguson Family Fund) to host multiple county project workshops.
– Brown Oaks – $9,138 to construct a gate and entrance to the property.
– Craigsville Public Library $5,000 to purchase books.
– Ivy & Stone – $10,000 for the Arts in Education program.
– Love Works Inc. – $6,118 ($1,031 from the Michael & Martha Perilli Legacy Fund) to assist low income families with toiletries and cleaning.
– Make-A-Wish – $3,900 to fulfill a wish of one Nicholas County resident.
– New Hope Community Foundation – $6,300 to install a quarter mile crushed gravel walking track and benches.
– Gauley River Elementary – $648 to build raised beds gardens for each classroom.
– High Rocks – $2,500 to assist with afterschool materials for at risk girls from Nicholas County.
– Indian Rocks Ruritan Club – $1,638 to purchase new picnic tables, a lawn mower and weed eater.
– Old Main Foundation – $10,000 to assist with exterior preservation projects.
– Panther Creek Elementary – $11,865 to purchase 15 wireless, TV’s to be used for technological instruction integration.
– Richwood Middle School – $1,500 to purchase 5 two way radios to use in emergency situations.
– Richwood High School Lumberjack Band – $15,000 to purchase 4 concert tubas, cases and provide a drum major stand.
– Richwood Kids Duathlon – $1, 525 to assist with the purchase or materials and snacks needed for a bike fitness program and race.
– Richwood Chamber Main Street project – $2500 to purchase folding chairs, tables, canopies and assist with artists for the Richwood Concert series.
– Summersville Christmas Store – $7,000 to assist low income families with the purchase of Christmas presents.
– Summersville Public Library – $5,000 to purchase books.
The Richwood High School Band was the first to receive their grant check at the October 23rd RHS football game. “We have a large band, over 130 members, our supporters work very hard to ensure that every child can participate in band regardless of financial situation.” Stated Michael Fox, Asst. Band Director. Fox continued, “Our tubas are nearly 40 years old, this grant from NCCF will allow us to purchase 4 new tubas and cases, we are delighted to be a recipient.”
For more information on NCCF or information about starting a fund please contact Stacy Raffo at 872-0202.