Volunteer teRi DeRose (left) and OCCF Administrative Assistant Brenda Mazur greet auction attendees during the “Doing Good GALA” live auction fundraiser at Catawba Island Club.

More than 200 Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) friends and supporters attended or donated to OCCF’s first Doing Good Gala, a live auction fundraiser held at Catawba Island Club on the Catawba Peninsula on Tuesday, July 25. More than $48,000 was raised during the sold out “Battle of the Paddles.”

Proceeds will help continue OCCF’s countywide efforts to aid nonprofit organizations and local students through annual community grants and scholarships.

“This was an intentional step toward our upcoming 25th anniversary … a major milestone for OCCF in 2024,” said Executive Director Shea McGrew. “In the next 25 years, we wish to grow the legacy of OCCF Founder Joy Roth, and financial stability is the key to meeting her goals and those of our current Trustees.

Kathy Barbee (front), founder of Christy’s Corner Café in Elmore, and her husband Dan at the auction fundraiser with long-time OCCF supporter Jeff Roth (rear).

Executive Director Shea McGrew provides a message of hope for OCCF’s next quarter century.

“This fundraiser helps provide the resources for OCCF to address the pressing needs of our area … now and into the future.”

Auctioneer Len Partin took generous bids for a dozen top-tier auction items which generated more than half of the event proceeds. The Gala also included a strolling supper, live music and a reverse raffle.

Just since January 2023, OCCF has awarded more than $80,000 in community grants to 38 local nonprofit organizations and more than $174,000 via 143 scholarships to local high school graduates and adults seeking to further their education. The Foundation administers more than 100 donor-established funds, and, since its inception, has distributed more than $7 million in grants and scholarships.

“One hundred percent of gala proceeds benefit OCCF, so that we may continue our good work across the county,” concluded McGrew. “Thank you to our attendees and the local businesses and individuals who sponsored the event and donated auction items. It is your generosity that made this such a success!

The Gala illustrated how so many are willing to come together for the betterment of the people of Ottawa County. We are incredibly grateful.”

Established in 1999, OCCF provides grants to area nonprofits supporting the fields of education, health and social services, economic development, natural resources and the arts. Visit www.ottawaccf.org, email ottawaccf@gmail.com or call 419-635-7750, for more details about OCCF’s mission of “Doing Good. Forever.”