The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) recently held its annual organizational meeting, at which trustees elected officers and Board members for 2022. Outgoing President Jan Preston presented a gavel to Deborah Harmeyer upon her election as the new President of the Foundation.

“This will be an exciting year for the Foundation,” said Harmeyer. “We are so pleased with our new Executive Director, Shea McGrew, who was hired as the first Executive Director for the Foundation last April. He is a remarkable leader for us, as we continue to develop and promote the opportunities available through our growing Foundation.”

Other officers elected include Vice President Jim Deer, Secretary Marcia Jess and Treasurer John Madison. In addition, Arlyn Bensch, Harmeyer, Paul Druckenmiller and Ronald Overmyer were re-elected to three-year terms on the Board of Trustees. President Harmeyer welcomed new Board member Julene Market. She also begins a three-year term.

“Our assets are currently over $12 million in 98 different funds established by generous donors to support their favorite causes for years to come,” said Harmeyer, highlighting the Foundation’s growth since its founding in 1999.

In 2021, OCCF granted more than $136,000 to support 46 projects and initiatives requested by local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation’s scholarship funds also provided more than $152,000 to support 121 deserving Ottawa County students seeking higher education or continuing education.

Executive Director McGrew expressed thanks to individuals and businesses for their generous response to the year-end fundraising campaign. OCCF has been visiting with local businesses throughout the county to share the work that the Foundation is doing to support nonprofits and local students.

“We are also thrilled that we have received a gift from the Burton D. Morgan Foundation to match up to $50,000 in donations through March,” said McGrew. “The support we receive from our year-end campaign enables the Ottawa County Community Foundation to continue its quest of Doing Good. Forever.”

OCCF offers a variety of giving options for supporting the needs of the community. For more information, email ottawaccf@gmail.com, visit ottawaccf.org or call 419-635-7750.

Serving all of Ottawa County, the Ottawa County Community Foundation is a public charitable organization created in 1999 by the citizens of its community, to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in the Ottawa County area.

OCCF has distributed more than $6 million in community grants and scholarships, since its establishment. Current assets are $12 million. For more information about grants, scholarships, donating, or OCCF updates, email ottawaccf@gmail.com, visit ottawaccf.org or call 419-635-7750. The OCCF office, 306 Madison St., Port Clinton, is open from noon until 3 p.m. every Wednesday. Donations may be sent to the Ottawa County Community Foundation at P.O. Box 36, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452, or made online.