Gifts totaling more than $2.5 million have been earmarked for construction at Marietta College, it was announced today by Carol Wharff, Marietta Community Foundation's executive director.

The gifts will support construction of the Ban Johnson Field House addition, and come from two Jane McCoy Peterson Advised Funds, established at the Foundation in 1998. Charles W. McCoy, the funds' advisor, is a 1942 MC graduate and brother of the late Mrs. Peterson. McCoy has reserved $500,000 as a challenge grant to be turned over when the College raises a matching amount locally.


Mrs. Peterson, a native Mariettan, was deeply committed to the community and had discussed her plans with the Foundation early in 1998, plans which also included a major gift to Glenwood Retirement Community.

"Our brother-in-law, the late William E. Mildren, made a challenge grant to get Marietta Community Foundation reactivated. We wanted to support him in his efforts and, in turn, support the Foundation, an important asset to the community," McCoy said.

Restricted Funds, particularly those received from estate planning, play a large role at Marietta Community Foundation, which charges no fees for its fund management. MCF is special among Ohio Community Foundations in offering its services free of charge.

"This was a decision made by the Board of Governors when the Foundation was reactivated and has been carried on by the current Board," Wharff said.

"We believe this to be our gift to the community, and we're proud to offer it, because it benefits local organizations, and the donors who believe in,"  Wharff said.

"The three Donor Advised Peterson Funds, for example, have not been charged any administrative fees and their growth has been significant benefiting, in this case, Marietta College," Wharff said.