Nominations being accepted for Friend of Philanthropy Award by WCCF

WOOSTER -- The Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF) has opened up the nomination process for the Friend of Philanthropy Award. The award honors those who make a difference in the community through their philanthropic activities, which can include financial contributions, volunteering or giving time, resources and skills that impact Wayne County.

Since 1978, the Wayne County Community Foundation has been working to strengthen the community. Since inception, the WCCF has awarded over $63.5 million in grants and scholarships back into the community.

To be eligible for the award, nominees must be an individual or couple who demonstrates a continuing history of volunteer work and/or contributions that advance the quality of life or grow community philanthropy in Wayne County. The recipient of the award will be honored at the WCCF Annual Dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at the Arden Shisler Conference Center. A $1,000 grant will be made on their behalf to the charity of the recipient's choice.

"In establishing the Friend of Philanthropy Award, the WCCF wanted to recognize the difference that individuals can make through personal commitment and leadership, taking into account the impact such individuals have on our community, and the role that their creativity and advocacy can play in a project's success" said Lacie Neal, program manager. "Each of our recipients exemplify the very best of all these qualities, and have repeatedly shared them with the members of this community."

Previous recipients of the Friend of Philanthropy Award include Stan and Flo Gault, the J.M. Smucker family, the Donald and Alice Noble family and Greg and Kathy Long.

Last year's award recipient was Greg and Kathy Long. Greg attributes his wife's parents, Ralph and Grace Jones, for mentoring him and leading by example.

"It was a great honor to have received The Friend of Philanthropy Award and being able to give Kathy's parents, Ralph and Grace Jones, recognition for showing us the way," said Greg.

Anyone residing or working in Wayne County may recommend deserving nominees. Nominations are due to the WCCF office by noon on July 1. Guidelines and nomination forms are available online at Friend of Philanthropy Award or by calling the WCCF office at 330-262-3877.

Reporter Dan Starcher can be reached at [email protected]. He is @danstarcher on Twitter.