By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Two organizations created to make Bowling Green a better place teamed up last month to celebrate the people who make their community stronger.
Believing in the strength of partnerships, members of the Bowling Green Community Foundation and the Bowling Green Schools Foundation gathered to learn about community and schools grant recipients, and to hear stories about how both foundations make a difference.
“This is what community looks like,” BGCF President Joe Edens said as he welcomed those gathered.
And Dustin Bauman, president of the BGSF, noted the community’s ability to ignite the potential in every student and educator.
As part of the evening, a “conversation on community investment” was held, featuring Bowling Green City Schools Superintendent Ted Haselman, Bowling Green Mayor Mike Aspacher and Greater Toledo Community Foundation CEO Kate Sommerfeld.
The keys to a healthy community include open communication and the ability to collaborate, according to Haselman. “Those are the barometer of a thriving community,” he said.
Aspacher talked about creating relationships that result in tangible outcomes. When one area of the community is in need, another steps up to support. “They just roll up their sleeves,” the mayor said.
There are challenges ahead in Bowling Green, with the school district examining the needs of the elementary schools, plus plans for improvements in the downtown and economic development, Aspacher said.
By working together, changes can go more smoothly. Haselman pointed out the city’s assistance when the school district had to come up with new drop-off and pick-up routes at the high school and middle school during construction of the new high school.
And during economic development issues, the city works as a partner with the school district on potential tax abatements, he said.
“Not every community thinks of the schools” when considering economic development, Haselman said.
Sommerfeld shared some of the challenges for foundations that rely on charitable giving. Different generations communicate in various forms, and engage differently with their communities.
Sommerfeld said she and her family chose to move to Bowling Green because of the sense of community here.
Aspacher talked about the level of civic pride and opportunities to volunteer in Bowling Green.
“BG loves its community events,” he said. “They are a great source of pride for all of us.”
Residents support local businesses, and see the downtown as a “significant community asset,” Aspacher said. And businesses, in turn, support the schools and local organizations like T-ball teams.
Also at the gathering of the foundations, the BG Schools Foundation honored Manny Patel and Dairy Queen with the Community Member of the Year Award.
Crim Elementary teacher Stacey Higgins noted Patel’s reputation for being generous for his community support and for his generous servings at Dairy Queen. As soon as Patel and his family moved to Bowling Green, he emailed the schools to see how he could support them, Higgins said.
Since then, his generosity has wowed her – with his business supplying free ice cream for students in the 1BookBG program, the Bobcat Proud program, and on his daughter’s birthday.
In accepting the award, Patel said Bowling Green was the “final destination” for his family, and he wanted to give back to the community they call home.
The BG Schools Foundation also recognized a teacher for her profound impact on colleagues and students. Melissa Hemminger introduced Kenwood kindergarten teacher Annette Teet, who is known for her “radiating positivity,” kind-hearted manner, her ability to make learning fun, and her way of capturing magic in her classroom.
Teet, who has taught at South Main Elementary, Ridge Elementary, and now Kenwood, said she sets a goal each day to inspire her students to learn.
“It’s my way of giving back to the community,” Teet said.
Also at the meeting, Higgins reported on the impact of teacher grants. The grants have become increasingly important as state funding has become more inconsistent. The grants help teachers pay for field trips, books, STEAM supplies and more.
Many teachers report they pay up to $800 a year out of their own pockets for classroom supplies, she said. And across the nation, many teachers are feeling unsupported.
“That is not true in Bowling Green,” Higgins said.
In other business, BG Community Foundation Vice President David Maurer talked about the grant program that supports community organizations. This year, the foundation was able to fund 14 applicants with more than $53,000.
The latest round of funding reflects the foundation’s continued commitment to strengthening the community through strategic investments in programs that serve residents of all ages.
“These grants reflect the full spectrum of what makes Bowling Green a community worth investing in. From youth development and the arts to public health and accessibility, the foundation is proud to stand behind organizations doing this work every day, and we’re grateful to the donors whose generosity makes it possible,” Edens said.
The 2026 grant recipients include:
- BG Christian Food Pantry
- $700 to support a chili and soup supper fundraiser benefiting the pantry and Angels in Arms
- BG Dog Park
- $7,500 to install a durable gravel walking path around the perimeter of the large dog area off Ridge Street
- BG High School Art Department
- $1,216.27 to purchase display panels and pedestals, expanding opportunities to showcase student artwork
- BG High School Drama Club
- $2,500 to pilot a sensory-friendly, immersive theater experience for very young audiences
- BG Youth Baseball
- $5,500 for youth baseball equipment upgrades
- Children’s Resource Center
- $3,009 to create a dedicated sensory room with inclusive resources for individuals with sensory needs
- Crim Inclusive Playground Project
- $1,500 to purchase accessible playground equipment for children with physical disabilities
- Downtown Foundation
- $7,500 to transition to a digital gift card system that supports local businesses and improves accessibility for consumers
- Prevent Blindness
- $3,000 to expand access to vision care services, including exams, follow-up care, and eyewear for underserved populations
- Wood County Agricultural Society
- $1,675 to develop a Farm-to-Market educational activity at the Wood County Fair
- Wood County Committee on Aging
- $3,375.73 to install an AED in the production kitchen to enhance safety measures
- Wood County Hospital
- $6,950 for NourishBG – a community nutrition initiative, whose goal is to provide education and improve nutritional health across vulnerable populations in Bowling Green
- Horizon Youth Theatre
- $7,230.73 to purchase a portable theatrical sound system for expanded student learning opportunities
- Bowling Green State University
- $1,454.30 to support In the Round, featuring Native American author Robin Wall Kimmerer
Founded in 1994, the Bowling Green Community Foundation has grown from a community vision to a philanthropic partner. Through the stewardship of charitable funds, community grantmaking, and lasting partnerships with individuals, families, and businesses, the foundation connects generosity with community need by supporting the programs, organizations, and causes that shape quality of life across Bowling Green and Wood County.
Organizations and individuals interested in supporting the foundation’s grantmaking mission or applying for future funding are encouraged to contact Christine Cook at 419-464-2452 or bgcf@bgohcf.org.
