Washington County, OH — In honor of National Nonprofit Day, Marietta Community Foundation announced that one nonprofit would receive a surprise $500 grant — and the community would be selecting the recipient within 24 hours.
Community members were able to vote for their favorite cause among nearly 60 local nonprofit organizations. All nonprofits with funds at Marietta Community Foundation were eligible to be chosen to receive the $500 grant.
The showing of support was substantial. 340 qualified votes were cast within the 24 hour period, and the top 4 organizations were within 5 votes of each other most of the time.
“As soon as people started sharing the link, the votes just poured in,” said Courtney Wentz, Communications and Marketing Director. “It was incredible to see hundreds of community members lend their support so quickly. It inspired us to do even more by awarding a second $500 grant to the runner-up.”
The second $500 grant was split evenly when the runner-up spot resulted in a tie. Eve, Inc. and the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley received the same number of votes, and will now receive $250 each.
“Eve is thankful for Marietta Community Foundation and the entire community for always stepping up and supporting Eve,” said Jessica Dearth, Shelter Director of Eve. “We are so proud to be a part of this community and also with the United Way.”
“We just want to thank the community and Marietta Community Foundation for allowing us this opportunity,” said Karissa Reynolds, Director of Humane Society of the Ohio Valley. “Our community is wonderful and has many great supporters. We are very honored to have tied with Eve as the runner-up, and we’re just very, very thankful.”
Newport Community Food Pantry secured the greatest number of votes, and was deemed the recipient of the $500 grant.
“We’d like to thank everyone that voted for us and thank Marietta Community Foundation for all the work that they do for all the nonprofits, large and small,” said Jennifer Farnsworth, Director of Newport Community Food Pantry. “It really matters to all of us.”