FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES MAJOR GIFT TO PROVIDE FACILITY DOGS IN LOCAL SCHOOLS

FAIRFIELD, OH - Animals are proven comforters. They are utilized in nursing homes, on college campuses during exam week and as emotional support to those in need. Now Fairfield school children are going to benefit from the comfort of Facility Dogs thanks to the support of the Fairfield Community Foundation’s (FCF) Community Grant Fund.

The $50,000 grant is the first given since the Foundation affiliated with the Hamilton Community Foundation, and illustrates the power of a community grant fund, a fund that the Foundation is focused on building over the next few years.

“We want to be able to fund even more projects like this,” says Justin Krueger, FCF Board Chair.  “Every dollar gifted to the fund leaves a lasting impact here locally without fees.”

“This particular project serves both the city and township through the schools and is a wonderful opportunity for us to give to a really good initiative,” says Krueger. “We want the Fairfield community to know that we are their partner in philanthropy.”

Fairfield City Schools currently have one Facility Dog, Warren, at Fairfield South Elementary. His presence is cited as a major contributor to a remarkable 50% reduction in behavioral issues at the school, illustrating the significant impact of these four-legged companions. Each facility dog costs approximately $10,000 for initial placement, covering the training of the animal and specialized handler training for school staff.

Andrea Goins, a Guidance Counselor at Fairfield South Elementary and handler to Warren, shared, "Warren's unwavering affirmation and acceptance have significantly improved the mood and behavior of our students, promoting a conducive learning environment."

At the June 8th Groovin’ on the Green concert the Fairfield Community Foundation presented the Fairfield City Schools with the $50,000 grant check. 

The Fairfield Community Foundation, recently affiliated with the Hamilton Community Foundation, remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting community growth and welfare through grants and targeted initiatives.

Donations to the Fairfield Community Grant Fund can be made here. 

Established in 1999, the Fairfield Community Foundation was created by a group of dedicated Fairfield residents who wanted to support the Fairfield and Fairfield Township communities. In July 2022 FCF became an affiliate organization of the Hamilton Community Foundation. With assets of $5 million, FCF is growing in scope, reach and impact.

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Facility Dog Program Growing Thanks to Fur Fund

The Fur Fund at the Fairfield Community Foundation was established by the 2023 Leadership Fairfield Class to support the Facility Dog program in the Fairfield City School District. There are currently two dogs placed in schools, Warren at South Elementary and Gamma who is interning at Central with the hope of becoming permanent. Support of the Fur Fund ensures the long term care of the animals as well as the ability to purchase more dogs for schools.

Learn More:

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Joe Nuxhall Memorial Scholarship Assists 25 Butler County students with Education Fund

FAIRFIELD, OH –  The Fairfield Community Foundation and the Joe Nuxhall Foundation are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Joe Nuxhall Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is available to student athletes from all 14 Butler County High Schools. Two students from each high school are eligible.

2023 Recipients of the Joe Nuxhall Memorial Scholarship:

“These kids represent all the things that Dad valued and we are honored to support their dreams for a college education,” says Kim Nuxhall, President and Board Chairman of The Nuxhall Foundation. “These are the types of students Dad would have loved – motivated, team-oriented and character-driven.”

The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Scholarship fund is managed by the Fairfield Community Foundation through its affiliation with the Hamilton Community Foundation.

“It’s our privilege to facilitate the Joe Nuxhall Scholarship through the Fairfield Community Foundation,” says John Guidugli, President and CEO of the Hamilton Community Foundation and affiliates. “This scholarship, and what it means to Butler County students, is inspiring and fits naturally into our scholarship program. We look forward to a long partnership with The Nuxhall Foundation and applaud their commitment to rewarding student athletes who demonstrate great character.”

In order to be considered for the Scholarship, student athletes from across Butler County High Schools must complete an online scholarship application that includes an essay on character. Recipients are chosen through an exhaustive vetting and evaluation process facilitated by the Community Foundation.

Now in its 38^th year, the Joe Nuxhall Memorial Scholarship was created in 1985 by the Ole Lefthander himself. Since its inception the Scholarship has given more than $900,000 to college bond student athletes in Joe’s home community. 

“Dad knew how truly fortunate he was with all that was bestowed upon him, but in the back of his mind he always would have liked to have had a college education,” says Nuxhall.

In addition to the Joe Nuxhall Memorial Scholarship, the Nuxhall family recently created the Teddy Kremer Scholarship in honor of the beloved Cincinnati Reds batboy. The Scholarship was created for students studying Special Education. The 2023 recipient is Janelle Sheeketski from Fairfield High School. Janelle will attend Cincinnati State in the fall.

Established in 1999, the Fairfield Community Foundation was created by a group of dedicated Fairfield residents who wanted to support the Fairfield and Fairfield Township communities. In July 2022 FCF became an affiliate organization of the Hamilton Community Foundation. With assets of $5 million, FCF is growing in scope, reach and impact.

FAIRFIELD TWP VETERANS MEMORIAL RECEIVES LARGEST CORPORATE GIFT

Fairfield Twp – December 15, 2022 --  Veterans from Fairfield Township or currently living in Fairfield Township are a little bit closer to seeing a monument to their honor in their community. The Fairfield Township Veteran’s Memorial project recently received a $10,000 gift from AurGroup Credit Union, their largest corporate donation to date.

“We are so grateful to AurGroup Credit Union for this incredibly generous donation toward our Veterans Memorial project,” says Dr. Fred Valerius, spokesperson for the Memorial Committee. “The Veterans Memorial is a labor of love, honor, and respect for the local men and women who have served our country, and we are a step closer to our goal with this gift.”

According to Valerius, the Fairfield Township Veteran’s Memorial is for the men and women whose service and sacrifice have kept us safe and free and will be a perpetual monument to the soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen of Fairfield Township.

“We are proud to be part of the community and this special project,” commented Angela Lambert, Chief Development Officer for AurGroup Financial Credit Union. “This memorial is a respectful tribute to our local veterans and a physical reminder to others of the sacrifice so many gave for our freedom.”

The Memorial will be in Heroes Park, the southeast quadrant of the Morris and Milliken Roads intersection. The project committee, which includes veterans who served in Vietnam, developed the vision for the conceptual design of the Memorial, which features a circle of granite monuments honoring the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard that form a circle around a flagpole heralding the United States flag.

“It’s been gratifying working with Fred on this project,” says Katie Braswell, Vice President of the Fairfield Community Foundation. “It’s clear this means so much to him and the rest of the committee. We will all celebrate when the Memorial is fully funded.”

The Fairfield Township Veterans Memorial fund is managed by the Fairfield Community Foundation and donations are accepted by either online donation or by sending your check to the Fairfield Community Foundation at 5350 Pleasant Avenue, Fairfield Ohio 45014.

FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, HAMILTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FORM PARTNERSHIP

FAIRFIELD, OHIO – July 8, 2022 -- The board of trustees of the Fairfield Community Foundation announce the affiliation with the Hamilton Community Foundation effective July 1, 2022.  This affiliation will enhance charitable services to the Fairfield community by way of additional resources and support from the Hamilton Community Foundation.

“We came to recognize the potential benefits that affiliation with the right partner could bring to the Foundation, most significantly being, increased resources and a reduction in fees for our donors. Additionally, the affiliation afforded the Fairfield Community Foundation the support of a high-functioning and experienced administrative staff that would enable our board to spend less time on day-to-day operations of the Foundation and more time identifying and focusing on the needs of the greater Fairfield community. After careful consideration, we felt the Hamilton Community Foundation’s expertise and credibility was the best fit for us,” said Doug Robertson, Chair, Fairfield Community Foundation.

As an affiliate, the Fairfield Community Foundation will benefit from the administrative support, guidance, and philanthropic expertise of the Hamilton Community Foundation. The Fairfield Community Foundation board will continue to advise and oversee the grants awarded to the greater Fairfield community.

“This new partnership allows the Fairfield Community Foundation to continue to meet the charitable and philanthropic needs of their community without worrying about many of the administrative functions,” said John Guidugli, President and CEO, Hamilton Community Foundation.

Founded in 1951, The Hamilton Community Foundation (HCF) has the largest collective impact on the quality of life in Hamilton, Ohio. By professionally managing more than 900 individual, family, and corporate funds, as well as nonprofit agency endowments, the Foundation awards more than $5 million in grants and scholarships annually.

HCF works to address new and emerging issues of community concern, while remaining focused on health and social issues, education and community revitalization. As the largest community foundation in Butler County, HCF is a public charity with $140 million in assets.