Regional philanthropists recognized at annual event

Regional philanthropists recognized at annual event

(November 13, 2006) Athens, Ohio – Ten awardees were chosen from Appalachian Ohio as part of the Stories of Philanthropy Day celebratory luncheon on November 9 at the Athens Country Club in Athens, Ohio.

The luncheon was cooperatively hosted by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, the Muskingum County Community Foundation, the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation of Nelsonville, the Schooler Family Foundation, OSU Extension, the Athens Foundation and the Ohio Grantmakers Forum.

The event recognizes Appalachian Ohio’s traditions of giving and caring and is part of a national celebration of philanthropy during the month of November.

“Every community needs people like you,” said David Mitzel, President/CEO of the Muskingum County Community Foundation, about the honorees. “That’s how things get done.”

Because storytelling is a time-honored tradition in Appalachian Ohio, the celebration focused on the stories of these philanthropists, who were featured in the fourth edition of the “Stories of Philanthropy” commemorative booklet given to all luncheon attendees.

This year’s honorees were: J. Floyd Dixon, Jackson County; Rick Marriott, Ross County; Shirley Dunlap Bowser, Pickaway County; Pat and Carol Sauber, John Knouse, Ralph Hartman, Athens County; Lucy and George Shaw, Hocking County; Bob Bumpus, Lorle Porter, Muskingum County; Judy McMullen, Joy Flood, and Andrea Hurst, Noble County.

Keith Watson, Dixon’s grandson, accepted the honor on behalf of his grandfather.

“We still have a ways to go,” Watson said. “I’m always amazed at how far a relatively little amount of money can go in a place with needs like Jackson County.”

John Knouse, a nominee from Athens County, tied his charitable efforts to personal goals.

“It’s my goal in life to work toward creating a more sustainable world and community,” Knouse said.