Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20Children have a ball getting healthy at Nehemiah Partners. This after school and summer camp program’s big idea was to team up with the Erie County Health Department for Get Moving and Healthy Eating programs. It included growing food and playing games, lots of games. Their success attracted more and more kids whose numbers quickly exceeded Nehemiah’s ability to supply them all with what they needed to play baseball, basket- ball, volley ball, kick ball, broomball, soccer, floor hockey, even golf. The Community Foundation pitched in with a grant to purchase a lot more athletic equipment so all these kids could Get Moving and have fun getting fit. A program to give RISE to entrepreneurs. What if the proverbial light bulb goes off? You have a big idea for a new business, but are not exactly sure what do to next. Well if you are someone like Stuart Wells of Parallax Lighting, you turn to the Erie County Economic Development Corpora- tions’ RISE program: Regional Incubator for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. Networking, idea sharing, expert speakers and collaboration opportunities on the BGSU Firelands Campus. It is designed to grow the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Community Foundation thought it was a big idea to provide multi-year funding, so people with bright ideas like Stuart Wells can access these resources, free. 11 How to stage an epic comeback story. It was a big idea when the Foundation stepped up with support for the renovation and reopening of the Sandusky State Theatre. As the State broadens and extends entertainment offered up to the community, the Foundation is right there with a multi-year grant. (The Foundation also underwrites artistic expenses for a major tenant, the Firelands Symphony Orchestra.) This is a critical investment in a community stage and a focal point for a revitalized downtown. 12 28 71 47 Where food is the social media. The very fabric of our community is strengthened with nutritious meals and sparkling entertainment. The Erie County Senior Center received grants to facilitate both. Not only do they serve over 400 meals a day, they serve up an equal number of smiles. Meals are shared in-person or received in-home via Meals-On-Wheels volun- teers. Our grants helped replace failing convection ovens and food warmers with ovens, and then presented a robust schedule of musical guests to diners throughout the year.