Washington County, OH — In a celebration of community commitment and generosity, Marietta Community Foundation is pleased to unveil the recipients of their Annual Awards. These accolades honor individuals and organizations whose outstanding contributions have made a lasting impact on Washington County, reflecting the true spirit of philanthropy and service to the community.
Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year (Family): Dr. Gregory and Di Ann Krivchenia
Within just one year, 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.”
Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year (Business): DeepRock Disposal Solutions, LLC
During the summer of 2022, the need for food pantries was growing rapidly and DeepRock Disposal Solutions stepped forward without hesitation. 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 willingly 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 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.”
Outstanding Nonprofit of the Year: Washington County Career Center
The Washington County Career Center distinguishes itself through a steadfast commitment to addressing regional needs with innovative programs. Recently, they introduced a no-cost Direct Support Professional (DSP) program for those interested in working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, their dedication to practical training is evident in a three-year project creating an outdoor facility mimicking a chemical plant's working environment. One of their most notable initiatives is an EMT program tailored for postsecondary students, recognizing the vital role of emergency services volunteers in Washington County. These efforts only begin to highlight their dynamic role in preparing high school and postsecondary students for crucial community roles.
“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.”