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MCF celebrates philanthropy, announces award recipients

In a celebration of community commitment and generosity, Marietta Community Foundation is pleased to unveil the recipients of their Annual Awards. The Foundation has been presenting these awards since 2017 and these accolades honor individuals and organizations whose outstanding contributions have made a lasting impact on Washington County.

"These awards are for those who go above and beyond in our community and their actions from the last year," Communications and Marketing Director Courtney Wentz said. "We get many donations, but then there are significant donations like those in the millions that are really special and go to special causes like the one from the Krivchenias."

The Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year (Family) Award went to Dr. Gregory and Di Ann Krivchenia.

The Krivchenias generously donated over $1.6 million to establish and expand The Splash Fund. The Splash Fund, standing for "Swim and Play: Leisure Activities, Sports, and Health," is a visionary initiative that seeks to reinforce the Mid-Ohio Valley as a vibrant hub for aquatic sports, events, and economic prosperity. The fund will play a pivotal role in the construction and long-term operation of an eight-lane, 50-meter by 25-yard swimming pool with a dive tank.

Dr. Krivchenia's vision extends beyond the pool, as he believes it will not only serve as a place for leisure and sports but also contribute significantly to the economic vitality of our community.

"As you are all aware of, there's a lot of water around here," Dr. Krivchenia said with a laugh. "Not knowing how to swim will get you in big trouble, so our dream is to get the facility built as soon as possible. This is something that needs to happen, and we're going to make it happen."

The Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year (Business) Award went to DeepRock Disposal Solutions, LLC.

During the summer of 2022, the need for food pantries was growing rapidly and DeepRock Disposal Solutions stepped forward. The company addressed a critical shortage at Washington State Community College, where the food pantry was serving five times the usual number of students, and Marietta College, who also needed assistance stocking its shelves. A combined total of $4,000 was requested by the colleges to provide food to their students through the summer. This request was fulfilled by DeepRock Disposal Solutions, ensuring that students could focus on their studies without the added burden of hunger.

"I want to thank Marietta Community Foundation for giving us the opportunity," said Brian Chavez, owner of DeepRock Disposal Solutions. "You can give money to any organization, but you're not always sure where that money is going. With the Marietta Community Foundation, you know exactly where it's going. You can see it; it's your friends, it's your neighbors. We love this community, and we're happy to support it."

The Outstanding Nonprofit of the Year Award went to Washington County Career Center.

"The Washington County Career Center is constantly adapting to the community's needs and their recognition isn't just for this past year, but for many years," Wentz said. "With the recent EMT and fire service staffing shortages, they brought their new program and specifically adapted to those needs to help our local first responders."

The Washington County Career Center recently introduced a no-cost Direct Support Professional (DSP) program for those interested in working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a three-year project creating an outdoor facility mimicking a chemical plant's working environment is also available. There is also an EMT program tailored for postsecondary students, recognizing the vital role of emergency services volunteers in Washington County.

"I want to thank everyone in the community and at the Foundation for their support," said Evan Schaad, Director of Adult Technical Training. "We've been able to develop new programming as well as expand and revise some of our traditional training so we can meet the changing needs of the workforce. We have a great community, and a great support system. It's truly an honor to accept this award."

"On the high school side, we have 15 different programs," said Mike Elliott, Secondary Director and Anti-Harassment Compliance Officer. "We prepare students for if they want to go across America or just across the state, but we know that the majority of Washington County Career Center students will stay locally in the Mid-Ohio Valley. So, we work to prepare them for a career here locally."

Heather Allender, President & CEO of Marietta Community Foundation, hopes these outstanding examples will inspire community members to take action themselves.

"These stories are a testament to the power of vision, generosity, and action," said Allender. "They remind us that each of us has the potential to create ripples of positive change within our community. Whether it's identifying a pressing need and taking swift action like the Washington County Career Center, responding generously and swiftly to a community crisis like DeepRock Disposal Solutions, or setting the stage for positive change like the Krivchenias, each one of us has the power to make a meaningful impact. We can all make a difference."

Marietta Community Foundation has distributed more than $27 Million to charities since its creation in 1974 and currently manages over 350 funds while meeting rigorous national standards in the community foundation sector.