Heather Allender presenting Marilyn Mills with the award for Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year (Individual/Family), in honor of her and her late husband, Dr. James Mills.
Washington County, OH — On Tuesday, November 16, valued supporters of Marietta Community Foundation witnessed the presentation of three awards to a local family, business and nonprofit during the Foundation’s Annual Event.
The first award was for the 2021 Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year, which recognizes the exceptional contributions of an individual or family. It was presented to Marilyn Mills, in honor of her and her late husband, Dr. James Mills.
Both originally from Cadiz, Ohio, this family came to Marietta in the late 50s to start a dental practice; one that ran for 50 years. As the family expressed, “You couldn’t find a better place than Marietta to raise a family.” Avid supporters of our community, the family’s positive influence could be experienced through not only their dental practice, but also through the several service and civic organizations to which they were members. The Mills Family recognized the need to endow Marietta Community Foundation’s future, and as a result, was one of the very first charter members of the Friends of the Foundation fund. The Mills’ generosity has created a legacy that will never be forgotten, and will impact this area for generations to come.
“I felt very proud of the award for Jim and myself,” said Mills. “I particularly liked the speaker and being recognized among such motivating people.”
The next award recognized the philanthropic impact of a local business in our community. The recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Business Philanthropist of the Year was Hall Financial Advisors.
Heather Allender presenting Chris Hall with the award for Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year (Business), in honor of Hall Financial Advisors.
In 2019, this business fully committed to their generosity and created the Hall Financial Advisors Giving Foundation, designed to support the Mid-Ohio Valley. When the Coronavirus pandemic took over our world, Marietta Community Foundation launched a “$60K for 6” fundraising campaign, aimed at supporting the six school districts of Washington County. Hall Financial Advisors was the first to step up as a corporate partner of the campaign, which helped to ensure its success.
“We’re not finished. We have a whole list of things that we’re going to do this time of year,” said Chris Hall, Founding Partner & CEO of Hall Financial Advisors. He also remarked that their Foundation is soliciting feedback from the Hall Financial staff to identify and assist with projects that they’re personally passionate about.
The final award went to an outstanding nonprofit serving Washington County. The recipient of this award is highly active in the community, promoting healthy youth development by offering alternatives to drug and alcohol use. While they may be most widely known for their family swim nights during the summer, the recipient partnered with other great organizations and enabled families in Newport, Marietta and Belpre to obtain fresh produce through mini farmer’s markets and discover that healthy food choices can be delicious.
The 2021 Outstanding Nonprofit of the Year was presented to Cathy Harper on behalf of The Right Path for Washington County.
Heather Allender presenting Cathy Harper with the award for Outstanding Nonprofit of the Year, in honor of The Right Path for Washington County.
“I just really appreciate the support of the Community Foundation and from all of the donor funds; it has been fantastic over the years,” said Harper. “We couldn’t do it without our many partners.”
Heather Allender, President and CEO of Marietta Community Foundation, said that there is a lot to celebrate this year.
“In their own unique ways, each of these award winners have selflessly dedicated a portion of their time, talent and treasure to improve our community. As a result, we’re honored to recognize and celebrate each of their contributions.”
Last year’s awards were presented virtually to Joseph & Luada Wesel, WMOA Radio, and Washington County Foster Families Foundation.
Marietta Community Foundation supports philanthropy and efforts to improve natural, human and civic resources in Washington County through grants and initiatives. Founded in 1974, Marietta Community Foundation has grown to approximately $42.6 million in assets, oversees more than 300 funds and has distributed more than $22 million to charities while meeting rigorous national standards for operational quality, donor service, and accountability in the community foundation sector.