Golf event helps raise $100,000 for Michelina’s Scholarship

Michelina’s, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of frozen entrees, announced a new scholarship fund with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio during a golf outing and barbecue Friday, September 14, at Franklin Valley golf course in Jackson, Ohio.

The event was held as a fundraiser for the scholarships, which will be awarded to children and grandchildren of Michelina’s employees. More than 120 participants attended. The company has a large facility in Jackson that currently employs 1,300 people. Construction of an expansion is underway that will add 130 new jobs to the Jackson facility in the near future.

The scholarship fund was established in honor of Michelina’s founder Jeno Paulucci, whose entrepreneurial success is rooted in education and community involvement. Jeno started Michelina’s in 1991 and has grown the company to be an international leader in frozen food manufacturing.
 
“I think Jeno’s legacy is in this scholarship fund,” said Senator George Voinovich, who was in attendance at the afternoon celebration. “The program exemplifies his commitment to education. People need education to maximize their God-given talents.”

To date, more than $100,000 has been raised for the scholarship fund. The first distributions are expected to be made spring 2008.

“Jeno Paulucci has been investing in this community for more than five decades.  This scholarship fund is our way to invest in our sons and daughters and grandchildren for many decades to come,” said Joel Conner, Michelina’s CEO.

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is 501 (c)3 and a regional community foundation serving the 29 counties of Appalachian Ohio. The Foundation attracts contributions for programs and endowment, makes grants for charitable and civic purposes and supports local efforts for positive change.