The Columbus Exchange Club saw the culmination of a year”s worth of fundraising Thursday as it passed out more than $8,000 in grants to local non-profit organizations.
“This is what it”s all about, giving back to the community,” said Club President Justin Casano.
The 11 agencies were chosen by an Exchange Club selection committee to receive the grants based on how closely the mission of each agency matched the Exchange Club”s core values. All of the agencies benefit children. Most received $1,000 grants.
“Thank you for helping the children, their families and your community,” said Steve Moody, director of the Columbus Boys and Girls Club in accepting a grant. The Boys and Girls Club serves 150 local youth by providing a safe, positive environment.
Brenda Pritchett, of the Columbus chapter of First Book, explained how every $10 donated to First Book is used to purchase five books for a child to begin building his or her own library. Gloria Brown, with Safe Haven, said her organization needed the money “terribly bad” to help provide women and children who are the victims of domestic violence with housing and necessities.
While accepting the a grant on behalf of Father”s Child Ministry, Edward Yeates thanked all the receiving agencies along with the Exchange Club.
“We”re all in this thing together,” he said.
Agencies receiving grants Thursday from the Columbus Exchange Club included:
- Boy Scouts Troop 1, Pack 1
- Boy Scout Council
- Columbus Boys and Girls Club
- Father”s Child Ministry
- First Book Columbus
- Girl Scouts
- HEARTS After School Tutoring
- Safe Haven
- Columbus Girls choir
- Camp Rising Sun
- Columbus YMCA
Jason Browne was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 42 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 42 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
