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Over 200 Gathered to celebrate the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio’s 2012 Child of Appalachia Honoree Bill Morgan

 

This Year’s Child of Appalachia Story Now Lives Online

 

Nelsonville, OH – The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio recognized Bill Morgan of Perry County as the 2012 Child of Appalachia honoree, during a celebration at The Columbus Athenaeum on October 25. The Foundation’s I’m a Child of Appalachia award annually honors an outstanding citizen of Appalachian Ohio, for the difference he or she has made in the lives of others.

 

 “Appalachian Ohio is fortunate to claim Bill Morgan as one of its own,” said Cara Dingus Brook, FAO’s president and CEO. “Bill has been a dedicated champion for our region, and he has created so much access to opportunity here.”

 

While in the past, the Foundation has shared awardees’ stories through print and news media, this year the Foundation has gone digital. A special commemorative video, showcasing the award can be seen on FAO’s website.

 

The video, previewed at the October 25 celebration, was sponsored by the Association of Ohio Commodores, who were joined by many other sponsors in supporting the celebration including the Ohio Grape Industries’ Committee, the Wholesale Beer and Wine Association of Ohio, Origo Branding Company, and Walmart. Table sponsors for the evening came from such diverse organizations and individuals as AEP Ohio; AT&T; Bricker & Eckler; Dominick and Cara Brook; Capitol Consulting Group: Belinda and Dan Jones; Bill and Donna Dingus; ELEVATE thinking; the Jewell Evans Family; Richard Hillis; Huntington National Bank; John Gerlach & Company LLP; Kegler, Brown, Hillis & Ritter; Steve and Susan Landerman; Fred and Mary Mills; Ohio Bankers League; Ohio Coal Association; Ohio Retail Merchants; Ohio-West Virginia State YMCA; Pioneer Pipe; Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP; and WesBanco Bank, Inc.

 

Over 200 friends of Appalachian Ohio joined for the awards celebration, which in the past has recognized citizens such as Ora E. Anderson, Mike Brooks, Bob Evans, Senator John and Mrs. Annie Glenn, Leona Hughes, Ambassador John and Mrs. Mary Lee Ong, David Scholl, Governor Ted and Mrs. Frances Strickland, Wayne White, David Wilhelm, and Nancy Zimpher.

 

“I have always had a passion for the region where I grew up and a strong belief in giving back, which I share with the Foundation,” said Bill Morgan. “What a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio as a Child of Appalachia, alongside the honorees of years past.”

 

Morgan started his career as a deputy sheriff in Perry County, where he also served as the Mayor of Shawnee. From there he went on to spend 25 years working with the Ohio Bankers Association, where he was a strong champion for the region’s and state’s competiveness. Morgan has also provided leadership to numerous agricultural advancement initiatives, educational and economic development networks, and is currently the longest serving member of the Ohio Ballot Board.

 

“Bill never seeks credit for anything, but his fingerprints are on so many good things. He has made a true difference,” said Marianne Campbell, a founding Board member of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio who served as Master of Ceremonies in presenting the award to Morgan.

 

About the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio
with the mission of enriching the region’s current and future quality of life. A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Foundation attracts contributions for programs and endowment, makes grants for charitable and civic purposes, and supports local efforts for positive change. For more information about FAO, visit
www.fao.local.

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