David Akers, Program & Development Officer (304) 428-4438 (O)
Ritchie County Community Foundation (304) 483-6036 (M)

"We Serve" is the motto of Lions Club International. For many years now, members of the Harrisville Lions Club have faithfully served Ritchie County’s citizens. On Tuesday, February 3, Patty Nutter, first vice-president of the club announced a new special project as part of their service.

"As Lions, we believe in supporting Ritchie County’s future. This evening we are supporting our county’s future by creating two scholarship funds to benefit Ritchie County residents, now and forever." stated Nutter.

According to Nutter, the first scholarship is being created with the Ritchie County Community Foundation (RCCF) and the second scholarship with the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation. Nutter presented two checks in the amount of $10,000 each to representatives of RCCF and the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation at Tuesday evening’s announcement.

Dave Akers, foundation representative and program/development officer accepted the check on RCCF’s behalf and Paul D. Daugherty, executive director accepted the check on behalf of the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation.

Akers said, "Tonight’s announcement is a tribute to the generous spirit of Ritchie County’s citizens. RCCF is honored to serve as the steward of the Harrisville Lions Club Scholarship Fund."

Both scholarship funds will assist Ritchie Countians of all ages desiring to obtain education after high school. The scholarship with the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation will benefit Ritchie County students attending WVU at Parkersburg (WVUP) with a declared major in either academic or vocational studies. As for the scholarship with RCCF, it will benefit Ritchie County residents desiring to obtain a technical, trade or other vocational training at any accredited institution.

"What a great day for all Ritchie Countians wanting to further their education!" noted Daugherty. He continued, "Last year, over 170 Ritchie County residents attended WVUP. This very great generous gift of the Harrisville Lions Club to the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation will allow for future Ritchie County residents to fulfill their dream of a college education at WVUP."

Nutter concluded, "In creating two scholarships, the Harrisville Lions Club intends this investment to benefit our county’s students that attend WVU at Parkersburg or go on to a college/technical school out of the area. We look forward to our growing relationship with both foundations."

For more information about these scholarship funds, please contact the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation by calling (304) 424-8340 or the Ritchie County Community Foundation by calling (toll-free) 1-866-428-4438.