The Marietta Community Foundation was informed today that it is a recipient a 2003 Community Impact Award for its continuing work in improving children?s nutrition.  This annual statewide competition is sponsored by Dominion East Ohio and Inside Business Magazine.  Each year only a small handful of non-profits are honored with this award.

The Marietta Community Foundation will formally receive its award at a luncheon in Cleveland on February 3, 2004 along with a contribution check to help support the future work of the Foundation.

The basis for the award begins with the Foundation?s successful efforts to re-start the school lunch program in Marietta.  That commitment continues today through its partnerships with the Ely Chapman Education Center and the Children?s Hunger Alliance which now host the largest rural summer feeding programs for low-income children in Ohio.

?This honor really belongs to our community,? says Bret Bicoy, President & CEO of the Marietta Community Foundation.  ?It is the generosity of everyday people that make the work of the Foundation possible.?

The story of the Marietta Community Foundation?s commitment to healthy children will be highlighted in a future issue of Inside Business Magazine.

?Our Foundation has a wonderful tradition of taking a pro-active role in addressing the problems facing our community,? says Bicoy.  ?Our goal is not only to provide funding to address problems, but to take a leadership role in finding solutions.?