In a lively gathering of 700 community members and business leaders, the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its 109th Annual Dinner on Monday, March 4, 2024. Among the familiar faces was Marietta Community Foundation, standing out as a platinum-level sponsor for the event.
During the networking hour, the Community Foundation’s team engaged with attendees, often receiving positive reactions to their clever Dolly Parton cutout promoting the Imagination Library program.
Courtney Wentz, Communications and Marketing Director, shared her reflections on the evening, stating, “The Chamber dinner was particularly heartwarming this year! So many people who visited our table shared personal stories about how one of our grants, scholarships, or programs has impacted them or a nonprofit that they volunteer with. These stories prove that what we're doing makes a real difference and keeps us striving to always do more to help our neighbors."
The event featured Kerry Sanders, a retired NBC correspondent, as the headlining speaker. Sanders shared anecdotes from his time on broadcast TV and emphasized the importance of local journalism.
The evening concluded with the recognition of three notable award winners. Coincidentally, but unsurprisingly, each of these awardees has a history with MCF, further showcasing their deep commitment to community well-being.
Bruce Zimmer, 2024 Washington County Council of Cooperatives Agricultural Award Winner, serves as the primary contact for Washington County 4-H, a multi-fundholding organization and grantee.
Jack Haessly, 2024 Gabe Zide Citizen of the Year, has been a loyal stakeholder for many years, engaging with MCF as a donor and fundholder, as well as a grantee via his involvement with the Friends of The Joseph Barker Jr. House.
Steve Keiser, 2024 Business Leader of the Year, has channeled generous support for local organizations through MCF in years past.
MCF congratulates these remarkable winners and expresses sincere gratitude for their contributions to the community.