Impacting lives for 30 years

SANDUSKY — Nearly 300 members, donors and partners of the Erie County Community Foundation recently gathered at the Sandusky Yacht Club to celebrate the organization's 30th anniversary. The theme of their celebration, titled "Magical impact: 30 years of transforming lives together," honored the many positive impacts the foundation has made in improving the quality of life for those in Erie County. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed live music by Chad Hoffman along with magic performances and cocktails by magician Michael Mage. Described as a "big reveal" moment, stories of transformation and testimonials took place during the celebration, which helped to highlight the foundation's profound impact it has had on many people since its founding in 1995. Since its founding, the foundation has grown from assets totaling $1.8 million to more than $44.5 million in 2024. During this time, the foundation has distributed more than $24.4 million to area nonprofits and students for local projects, programs, scholarships, services and initiatives to improve the quality of life in Erie County. Past and present board members along with emeritus members and event sponsors were recognized for their dedication and contributions in helping the foundation grow. Four new organizations — the Berlin Heights Historical Society, the Erie County Economic Development Corp., Erie County CASA and Harbourtown Fine Arts Center — were announced and welcomed into the foundation family by president and CEO Beth Maiden. The foundation's earliest partners — including the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, the Firelands Symphony Orchestra, BGSU Firelands, the Edison Birthplace Association and the Youth Advisory Council — were recognized as well, receiving checks that totaled $30,000. "For 30 years, our donors, partners and community have been the magicians, turning visions into reality and creating brighter futures for Erie County," Maiden said. The evening concluded with a toast led by John Bacon, the foundation's founding and emeritus director and past chairman, celebrating the organization's enduring commitment to community philanthropy. This "celebration honored not only our history but the boundless possibilities that lie ahead," Maiden said. "The community foundation remains dedicated to ensuring that the power of giving continues to create miracles for generations to come."