The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio celebrated its fifth anniversary yesterday in Walter Hall with Gov. Bob Taft, attributing his support to its success in giving over $1 million in grants.
Taft congratulated the donations from the foundation, which improves the quality of life for residents in the 29 counties in Appalachian Ohio. The foundation has helped start new civic, charitable and economic projects and create more jobs, Taft said.
There are lots of great ideas out here in southeastern Ohio
lots of great projects and organizations that need help but often there is not enough capital around to get things started to get the ball rolling or even to match state or federal money he said.
In his introduction to the governor, Ohio University President Roderick McDavis said Taft has improved the quality of life for Ohioans through his strong promotion of such organizations. The foundation's current focus is on higher education, which furthers its theme of fostering access to opportunity, said Marianne Campbell, chairwoman of the foundation's board of trustees.
During the ceremony, Leslie Lilly, the foundation's president and CEO, presented Passion Works with a $48,000 grant check.
Passion Works is a studio where persons with mental retardation or other disabilities can create beautiful works of art and products and provide those to the community
Taft said. The projects create income and revenue for people and programs in need of support, he said, adding that the studio's name is a great metaphor for the foundation's passion for self-help and job recruitment in the area.
Williams presented Taft with a photograph signed by the foundation's board members in which the governor is presenting Passion Works President Lilly with a $1 million check donated by the state. The $1 million that Taft donated all local contributions the foundation has received over the years.
17
Archives
Maria Gallucci
20050928820midsize.jpg
Ohio Governor Bob Taft waits to speak at the fifth anniversary celebration of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio in the rotunda of Margaret Walter Hall on Tuesday evening.
