Chillicothe Bicentennial Scholars Fund Awards Scholarships

The Chillicothe Bicentennial Scholars Fund was established by the Chillicothe Bicentennial Commission to leave a lasting legacy of its successful and memorable celebration of Chillicothe's remarkable two hundred year history. Annually college scholarships are awarded to qualified seniors graduating from Chillicothe High School.

2004 Winners

Leslie Burdett - Leslie graduated first in her class of 267 with a 4.326 GPA. She will attend Ohio Northern University working toward a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Daniela Arreola Segrove - Daniela graduated 25th in her class with a 3.80 GPA. She will attend Barnard College in New York City working toward a degree in International Law.

Daughters Honor their Parents with New Scholarship Fund

In lasting memory of their parents, the daughters of Roger and Emily Benner have established the Roger and Emily Benner Scholarship Fund for Paint Valley Graduates. The fund provides annual scholarships, to qualified graduates of Paint Valley High School in Bainbridge. The first $1,500 scholarship recipient will be announced soon.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Establish Endowment

Investing in their own future, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southern Ohio has established an endowment fund in the Foundation that will provide an annual grant to the organization. You can support the "Bigs" future by contributing directly to the fund.

Paints Support Children's Charities

Special Stars and Stripes jerseys worn by the Chillicothe Paints in games played on July 2 and 3 were auctioned off raising $2,200 to support local children's charities in Ross County. Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Carver Community Center and Ross County Children's Services will benefit from the auction.

New Community Foundation Trustees Named

Four new trustees were named at the Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation's annual meeting in June. New trustees are:

Jim Doersam - A long time businessman and community leader in Ross County, Mr. Doersam's community involvement includes work on Chillicothe's and Ohio's Bicentennial Celebrations, The Chillicothe Improvement Corporation, a Ross County Park Commissioner, and Gus Macker.

Ellis Frazier, M.D. - Dr. Frazier is the Medical Director for the Ross County Health District providing primary health care for low income residents. He is the current president of the AIDS Task Force promoting HIV and AIDS awareness in Ross and surrounding counties throughout South Central Ohio. The organization provides education, counseling, and financial support to HIV and AIDS sufferers and to their families.

Bill Herrnstein - A long time businessman and community leader in Ross County, Mr. Herrnstein is a past Chairman of the Board of the Chillicothe-Ross Chamber of Commerce.

Sherri Rutherford, esq. - Ms. Rutherford is a Ross County attorney specializing in Elder Law.

The four retiring founding trustees Joel Gerber, Tim Nusbaum, DDS, Judge Gerald Radcliffe and Carl Daughters were named Trustee Emeritus and commended for their vision, leadership and service to our community in the establishment of the foundation.

Executive Director Shares the Community Foundation Story

In a series of community presentations at local community organizations, Executive Director Scott Graham, shares the story of the Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation. The brief presentation explains what a Community Foundation is, what it does and how individuals, organizations and businesses can make a difference in our community through the foundation. Seen here speaking to the Chamber of Commerce Networking Luncheon last month, Graham shared with businesses how they could be involved in local philanthropy and leave a legacy in our community that lasts forever. Your organization can hear the story too; Call the foundation's office at 774-GIFT and learn more about the foundation in your home, at your organization's monthly meeting or in your business.

Attend a Public Presentation in August

Join us in one of a series of one-hour meetings next month for you to hear the Foundation's story and ask questions of Scott Graham, Executive Director, and some of the Foundation's trustees. These are complimentary meetings including any food and beverages, however reservations are required to hold your place. You can register here or by calling the foundation at 774-GIFT. Informational meetings will be held:

Make your reservation now!

How to Create Your Own Fund and Leave a Legacy

A charitable endowment provides support now and for the future by giving
through the Community Foundation to the community. The first step in gift planning is to select the type of fund that best meets your needs in order for you to receive the greatest income and tax benefits and create the maximum impact of your gift.  You may establish a fund with a one-time gift or multiple gifts, or even a deferred gift that creates a fund later.  Many people like the idea of a fund that forever carries the name of their family or of a loved one.

You can create and name each of the funds below at the Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation:

Unrestricted Fund -These funds strengthen nonprofit organizations, and can address unforeseen needs, emergencies and new challenges.

Field of Interest Fund - This fund can reflect your own general interests and concerns and supports organizations that benefit, for example, Chillicothe's civic activities, the arts, economic development, youth, the environment, human services or other important goals.

Donor-Advised Fund - Donors who wish to be actively involved prefer this fund because it allows you to contribute assets to your fund at any time and then recommend grants to support charitable groups of your choice.  They are a flexible, personalized way to support nonprofit groups in Ross County, elsewhere in the U.S., or anywhere in the world.

Scholarship Funds - This fund can support a wide variety of educational needs and honor a family member, educational leader or friend.

Support the Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation

Please consider a tax deductible gift to support the good work of the Foundation. Your one-time or ongoing gift to the foundation makes our work of building an endowment for our community possible. Your gift may be mailed to:

Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation

 45 E Main Street

Chillicothe, OH 45601

(740) 774-GIFT (4438)

Thank you for making a gift today!