Fund at Foundation for Appalachian Ohio Awards Inaugural Grant to Support Performing Arts in Hocking County
LOGAN, OH – The curtain’s up on the Helen Grettler “Got Music” Fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), which recently awarded its inaugural grant to the Hocking County Children’s Chorus (HCCC) to support the Chorus’s April 2019 production of Annie.
The Helen Grettler “Got Music” Fund was established in 2013 with gifts from the family of Helen Grettler, who had a passion for music throughout her life. As a young child, Helen played piano but dreamed of expanding her musical horizons through the violin lessons only allowed to her brothers. Grettler was finally able to fulfill her lifelong desire to take formal violin lessons at the age of 94, inspiring many around her. When Helen moved to Hocking County to be closer to family, she quickly became part of the community, which is why the Helen Grettler “Got Music” Fund will support access to the performing arts in Logan and Hocking County.
Although Grettler recently passed away at the age of 103 in 2017, the Fund established during her lifetime will continue to spread the joy of music and arts so appreciated by Helen for years to come.
“When our family decided to celebrate my mother’s legacy, we knew we wanted to honor her lifelong passion for music, whether through the piano, pipe organ, violin, music education, or theater arts,” said Helen’s daughter, Jane Mong. “I can’t think of a better way to do that than by helping remove barriers for those in my mom’s adopted Hocking County so they can fulfill their musical and artistic ambitions today. This inaugural grant, which helps Hocking County’s youngest artists develop their talents, is a perfect way to make sure Hocking County citizens ‘got music’.”
Founded in 1979, HCCC is open to all children in 2nd through 12th grade, and strives to provide the children of Hocking County a culturally diverse musical experience, and an opportunity to explore and develop their own talents in music, performance, and theater. HCCC reaches children who are interested in and/or have talent in the arts, but may not have the personal or financial resources to experience them. The Hocking County Children’s Chorus is committed to providing quality music instruction and strives to create an environment in which children can experience the joy of singing, develop confidence and become a vital part of a musical team. Children are also introduced to the basics of acting, choreography, and theater. The HCCC further enriches the community by performing at various events throughout the year and presents an annual musical in the spring.
“Each year I look forward to seeing the growth of each child as they develop their musical and theatrical talents, all the while creating opportunities for the community to experience the arts,” said Therese Karnes, director of the Hocking County Children’s Chorus. “This grant from the Helen Grettler ‘Got Music’ Fund will help us ensure that ‘the sun’ll come out tomorrow’ and that all Hocking County children have access to the performing arts.”
By aiding the charitable mission of HCCC through a $304 grant to support its spring musical, the Helen Grettler “Got Music” Fund is taking a first step toward fulfilling its mission of honoring Grettler’s passion for music education by supporting Hocking County residents in inspiring, experiencing, or learning the performing arts, with a special priority on music. It is only the first step, however; because the Fund is an endowment, it will grow in perpetuity, allowing it to continually give more and deepen its support for the arts in Hocking County.
The Helen Grettler “Got Music” Fund is part of the new Hocking County Community Foundation’s Family of Funds. Designed for the benefit of Hocking County, its citizens, and communities, the Hocking County Community Fund is a new way for anyone with a heart for Hocking County to give back and make a difference. The Helen Grettler “Got Music” Fund is just one example of how a family can come together to give back to Hocking County while honoring a loved one.
Gifts to the Helen Grettler “Got Music” Endowment Fund are tax deductible and can be made in a number of ways, including cash, gifts in wills, and life insurance. To make a donation, please designate the Helen Grettler “Got Music” Endowment Fund and mail the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, PO Box 456, Nelsonville, OH 45764. Donations can also be made online by visiting www.AppalachianOhio.org. As the Helen Grettler “Got Music” Fund continues to grow, it will be able to make additional investments in access to the performing arts for residents of all ages in the Hocking County community.
To learn more about how you can honor the legacy of a loved one like the family of Helen Grettler to support today and tomorrow’s community members, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org or call 740.753.1111.
Hocking County Community Fund
The Hocking County Community Fund was created in 2018 to increase and advance charitable activities in the Hocking County area that will attract philanthropic resources, advise and assist donors to achieve their charitable objectives, and provide grants from the Fund to benefit Hocking County residents.
About the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Foundation creates opportunities for Appalachian Ohio’s citizens and communities by inspiring and supporting philanthropy. For more information about FAO, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org.