MCF Recognizes Community Philanthropists

Judy Heinrich, Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year, and Heather Allender

Judy Heinrich, Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year, and Heather Allender

Marietta, OH – This past Tuesday, Marietta Community Foundation, surrounded by donors and friends, celebrated another year of accomplishments at their annual event.

A part of the evening’s program included announcing the award winners for Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year, for both an individual/family and a business, and the Innovation in Grant-Making Award.

Carl and Judy Heinrich, Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year (Individual)

Carl and Judy Heinrich, Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year (Individual)

The first award, Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year (individual/family), went to Carl and Judy Heinrich. The Heinrich’s created a family charitable fund in 2015 and has since donated to several organizations across Washington County. Most recently, they funded a state-of-the-art drilling simulator for Marietta College’s Petroleum Engineering Program.

The business recognized as this year’s Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year was Artex Oil Company. There to accept the award was Vice President of Artex Oil, Gene Huck.

Gene Huck, Vice President of Artex Oil Company, Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year (Business) , and Heather Allender

Gene Huck, Vice President of Artex Oil Company, Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year (Business) , and Heather Allender


“Artex has donated time, expertise, and funds to various organizations throughout Washington County and the surrounding area,” said Heather Allender, President & CEO of the Foundation, during her award announcement. “From education initiatives, athletic programs, first responders, and local art projects, Artex is a proven philanthropic leader.”

The nonprofit project, MC2 took home the Innovation in Grant-Making Award. There to receive the award was Dr. Tasha Werry, Executive Director of Building Bridges to Careers, and Dr. Dave Jeffery professor at Marietta College.

Dr. David Jeffery & Dr. Tasha Werry, Innovation in Grant-Making, and Heather Allender

Dr. David Jeffery & Dr. Tasha Werry, Innovation in Grant-Making, and Heather Allender

MC2 began in 2009 when Dr. Werry was teaching elementary school students about Paleontology. After coming into contact with Dr. Jeffery, who teaches Paleontology and had access to the actual fossils her students were learning about, the two began to work together and bring young students into the higher education sphere.

The program partners elementary science teachers with Marietta College’s professors to create lessons and experiments for students across four local elementary schools.

Marietta Community Foundation works to improve Washington County through grants and initiatives. If you are interested in learning more about their efforts, please contact Heather Allender at 740-373-3286 or heather@mcfohio.org.