FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:
Beth Maiden, Communications Coordinator
(440) 277-0142 or 323-4445
Mobile (440) 452-1703
bmaiden@PeopleWhoCare.org

 ELYRIA, OHIO June 15, 2005 – The Community Foundation of Greater Lorain County awarded just over $3.3 million in grants and scholarships to local non-profit organizations and Lorain County students in 2004.  The information was released at the Foundation’s Annual Meeting luncheon held this afternoon where the organization also kicked off its 25th Anniversary Celebration. 

“What began as a $500,000 challenge grant from the Nordson Foundation in 1980 has grown to an organization who is a leader in its field with over $70 million in assets today,” said Brian Frederick, Foundation President and CEO.  “In 25 years, the Community Foundation has granted over $38 million dollars, supported over 2,000 students with scholarships, and helped lead in the creation of organizations like Leadership Lorain County and Second Harvest Foodbank.”

The Annual Meeting, held at the Spitzer Conference Center, served to recognize Foundation donors for establishing the over 380 permanent endowments that make up The Community Foundation.  Over 3,000 individuals and organizations make donations to funds at The Community Foundation annually.  “You don’t have to be wealthy to be a philanthropist,” said Jim Park, Board Chairman.  “Anyone can contribute any amount to a fund at The Community Foundation to support community projects like Big Brothers/Big Sisters, your local Main Street program, or many other nonprofit agencies that enrich those who live in Lorain County.”

In addition to the Foundation’s regular grants, its Board of Directors approved 25 $1,000 Silver Lining Grants for unique projects by local nonprofit organizations.  These grants were presented at today’s meeting, and the list of grantees and their projects includes:

Arts & Culture
Cleveland Opera
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Firelands Association for the Visual Arts
A Walker Display

Firelands Symphony Orchestra
Outreach to rural schools in Lorain County

Great Lakes Theater Festival
Tickets for students and their families to "As You Like It"

Lorain County Historical Society
Elyria Riverwalk Historic Exhibit: Phase One

Ohio Dance Theatre
Performance for hospitalized children in long term care

TrueNorth Cultural Arts
Student Artist Mentorship

Young Audiences of Greater Cleveland
School performance in Midview Schools

Civic Affairs
Lorain County Urban League
Asthma Intervention Program

Rochester Volunteer Fire Department
Emergency equipment

Education
Lorain Public Library
The Parent Connection

National Conference for Community and Justice
It's Your Move

Health
American Red Cross, Lorain County Chapter
AED Trainers

Children's Developmental Center
Update Classroom Sound System

Elyria City Health Department
Nutritional counseling

Lorain County Health & Dentistry
Dental care for indigent patients

Social Services
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County, Inc.
Baseball tickets and supplies for summer match event

Community Impact Organization
Refrigerator for emergency food pantry

El Centro de Servicios Sociales, Inc.
Staff development

Lorain County Family YMCA
Journey of Joy

Neighborhood House Association of Lorain County
Summer Camp

North Ridgeville Community Care
Emergency Food Pantry

Save Our Children, Inc.
Drinking Fountain for Children

Youth Challenge
Lorain County Mini-Camp

YWCA of Elyria
Summer activities and play equipment for youth

Jeptha Carrell was recognized as the recipient of the 2005 Jim Doughman Community Service Award presented at the Annual Meeting.  Jep was nominated by Pat Murphy of O.H.I.O. and Donna Williams of the Lorain County Labor Agency for his extensive community service work including Kendal at Oberlin, O.H.I.O., the Access Program, and The Community Foundation.  Mrs. Jane Doughman presented the award.

The Foundation will also sponsor a free concert by The Firelands Symphony Orchestra on July 4 at 7:30 PM at the Black River Landing in Lorain in conjunction with the Lorain Port Authority before the fireworks.  “This is our thank you to the community for supporting this Foundation for 25 years,” said Frederick.

For more information on making a gift or applying for a grant or scholarship, please visit the Foundation’s website at www.PeopleWhoCare.org.
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