Ohio State Marion Director of Development & Community Relations, Cathy Gerber accepts United Way of North Central Ohio’s Impact Award from United Way Chief Development Officer, Angie Voll. (Not pictured is Marion Microfarm Coordinator Grace Hand).
The Ohio State University at Marion was recently presented one of six 2024 United Way of North Central Ohio’s Impact Awards for their work in support of the Marion Microfarm Project.
According to United Way of North Central Ohio Marketing & Communications Director, Laura Weir, Impact Awards are given annually to recognize some of United Way of North Central Ohio's exceptional donors, supporters, and community partners.
“Ohio State Marion received one of the six 2024 Impact Awards presented in Marion County in recognition of their ongoing support of United Way's collective community impact efforts and to emphasize the invaluable role of the university in leading the Marion Microfarm Project,” said Weir.
The Microfarm Project's partnership between local educators, funders, and facilitators precisely illustrates the impact that collective collaboration is bringing to our region.
The award was presented to Ohio State Marion Director of Development and Community Relations, Cathy Gerber and Coordinator of the Marion Microfarm, Grace Hand by Chief Development Officer, Angie Voll on campus in early May 2024.
“Receiving this award for our collaborative community efforts is greatly appreciated. “Having community partners who are great team players can make what seems impossible possible. We look forward to continuing our support and partnership as we work together to make our community stronger,” said Gerber.
“We appreciate the United Way of North Central Ohio and their support that has allowed the project to continue agricultural education throughout the Marion community and in our schools,” said Hand.
Hand added, “They have consistently provided assistance and encouragement for our events, projects, and new ideas. Thank you, Amber, and everyone at the United Way of North Central Ohio for your help and support!”
The Microfarm Project officially launched in Marion in 2022. The project makes the business of sustainable urban farming accessible, equitable, and profitable by leveraging the knowledge and science of the land grant university to grow cooperative businesses, make microfarming profitable, train new microfarmers, address racial and social justice by creating access to microfarming opportunity, study the impacts of microfarming on the surrounding community and ecosystems, expand agricultural education, and connect students to knowledge, research, and service opportunities in and around microfarming.