A very unique “Chopped Dinner Experience,” by Ed and Shirley Carlson for six couples is on the auction block at the Doing Good Gala fundraiser by the Ottawa County Community Foundation on Tuesday, July 25 at the Catawba Island Club.

The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) invites friends across the county to attend its first Doing Good Gala, a live auction fundraiser to be held at Catawba Island Club (CIC) Pavilion on Tuesday, July 25, from 6 p.m. to sunset. Proceeds of the “battle of the paddles” will help further OCCF’s countywide efforts to aid nonprofit organizations and local students through annual community grants and scholarships.

“OCCF is quickly approaching a major milestone … its 25th anniversary (2024),” said OCCF Executive Director Shea McGrew. “We wish to honor the legacy of our founder, Joy Roth, and propel OCCF into the next quarter century. With this signature event, we invite the community to help provide the resources for OCCF to address the pressing needs of our area … into the future.”

Limited Gala ($100/person) and Reverse Raffle ($50) tickets are available at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/occf/890034, or visit www.ottawaccf.org. The purchase of a Reverse Raffle ticket does not include admittance to the gala; $3,000 in prizes will be awarded. Questions may be directed to ottawaccf@gmail.com or 419-635-7750.

The gala will include a casual strolling supper, live music by Blues Deville, reverse raffle (need not be present to win) and, if Mother Nature approves, a beautiful Lake Erie sunset. Auctioneer Len Partin will auction off a dozen top-tier items, including a two-night stay for two couples at Alexander Valley Vineyards Historic Schoolhouse near Healdsburg in Sonoma, Calif.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I’ve stayed in this converted school in the middle of the vineyards. It’s like being a part of a slice of heaven,” said OCCF Trustee and Event Coordinator Michael Schenk, indicating the package also includes a private tour and tasting. “We have an opportunity to make a difference for so many who need help in our county,” added Schenk. “Join us on July 25th to break bread, catch up with friends and share the blessings of our community as OCCF continues its efforts of ‘Doing Good. Forever’.”

Also on the auction block is a weekend for six at Winery Estate Lodge in Winchester, VA, a “Chopped Dinner Experience” for six couples, three nights at “The Old Salt” Lakeside cottage (which sleeps 13), lunch at Rattlesnake Island, marina stays at Sandusky Yacht Club and Miller Marina at Put-in-Bay, a shopping party at Fabulous Female Boutique, dining cards and much more.

Established in 1999, OCCF addresses the needs of Ottawa County by providing grants to area nonprofits supporting the fields of education, health and social services, economic development, natural resources and the arts. OCCF grants have included summer camps for children, dyslexia training for teachers, temporary housing, mental health needs, early literacy programming, community CPR education and drug recovery. In 2022, OCCF awarded more than $109,000 in community grants and more than $160,000 via 117 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 work of supporting Ottawa County organizations and students,” adds McGrew. “We’d like to thank Jim Stouffer and the staff of CIC, as well as so many generous local businesses, for making this possible and helping OCCF touch the lives of the people of Ottawa County.”

The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) is a public charitable organization established in 1999 to improve the quality of life in Ottawa County. OCCF administers more than 100 donor-established funds totaling approximately $11 million in assets. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed more than $7 million in grants and scholarships. For information, contact OCCF: www.ottawaccf.org, ottawaccf@gmail.com, 419-635-7750, or visit during Wednesday office hours, noon-3 p.m., 306 Madison St., Port Clinton.