Ohio County Raises $1.3M for 32 Charities in One Day

Shelby County, Ohio, just proved that small communities can make a massive difference when they come together.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County distributed $1,309,548 to 32 local charities during their annual Match Day event Wednesday. That's more than $143,000 higher than last year's total, and it means every participating nonprofit walked away fully funded.

Here's how it worked: Seven generous donors pooled $160,000 to offer each charity up to $5,000 in matching funds. The charities then rallied their communities to donate, and the Foundation matched every dollar up to the cap.

The result? All 32 organizations hit their goals and received the full $5,000 match.

Agape Distribution Food Pantry led the pack with $85,125 total, enough to purchase 450,000 pounds of food for families in need. Manager Cody Gish could barely contain his excitement when the numbers were announced at Sidney High School.

Rustic Hope brought in $79,375, while Wilma Valentine Childcare raised $80,444. Smaller charities like Grace Lutheran Church ($10,595) and Jackson Center Athletic Boosters ($13,614) also reached their targets, proving that community support came through for organizations of all sizes.

The Ripple Effect

This isn't just about one big check. It's about 32 different missions getting the resources they need to serve Shelby County residents for months to come.

Food pantries, animal rescues, literacy programs, senior centers, youth mentorship, affordable housing, and health services all received crucial funding in one coordinated push. Match Day creates a rising tide that lifts every boat.

The event has grown significantly since launching in 2017, when the Foundation first started offering matching funds to local nonprofits with organization funds held within the Foundation. Donor Relations Director Jordan Knepper called this year's results "grateful and inspiring."

Executive Director Marian Spicer emphasized that every donated dollar, including the matching funds, goes directly to the participating charities with no administrative fees deducted. These aren't just one-time gifts either. The organization funds serve as reserves for future needs and growing programs.

The Foundation is moving Match Day 2026 to March 4, shifting the annual event to earlier in the year due to significant growth in participation.

Seven donors made it all possible: Dave Ross (a multi-year supporter), Evelyn Bensman, Ed Borchers, John and Julia Frantz, Dave and Ann Monnier, and Ken and Brenda Schlater collectively believed that investing $160,000 would inspire their neighbors to give even more.

They were right, and 32 charities are now better equipped to serve their community because of it.