Community Roundup: 'The Pitch' winner named, Doing Good Gala benefits foundation

'The Pitch' winner selected

FREMONT - On Aug. 5, the Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC), along with the City of Fremont and the Small Business Development Center, held The Pitch: Accelerating Entrepreneurship competition at Moonshine Nightclub in Downtown Fremont.

The three finalists who presented on Aug. 5 were Affinity Event Rentals LLC, Cashai Beauty Esthetic Studio and Outpour Coffee. The judges selected Affinity Event Rentals LLC as the winner of The Pitch.

The competition featured the three finalists who presented their pitch to a panel of five judges, all community leaders. The goal of The Pitch competition is to support local small businesses within their first three years of business to open a new storefront or expand services.

“I want to express my sincerest gratitude for the opportunity to participate in The Pitch Competition,” said Brandy Kreider, owner of Affinity Event Rentals. “I was very excited to enter the competition, as I felt that Affinity Rentals had a great chance of winning, given the lack of businesses like ours in the community.”

Affinity Event Rentals, LLC is an event rental business providing multiple services such as arch rental, decor rental, officiating services, bartending services and a mobile bar service. Its mission is to provide a service-based business whose primary goal is to exceed customer’s expectations.

When asked how she felt when Affinity Rentals was announced as the winner, Brandy said, “I was thrilled when our name was announced as the winner! This competition has been a great experience for our business, and the prizes will be a huge help in our continued growth. I would like to thank Miranda Hoffman from Terra State for her incredible support. She has been a huge blessing to our business, even before we entered The Pitch. I would also like to thank the SCEDC for holding this competition, Market Purposefully for her help and expertise, and my team and family members for their ongoing support.”

As the winner of the Pitch contest, Affinity Event Rentals will receive a lease up to one year or valued up to $10,000 within Fremont and additional prizes valued at $17,000.

Cashai Beauty was named the People’s Choice Award winner, as it earned the most votes from the public. As finalist in the Pitch, Cashai Beauty and Outpour Coffee were awarded $1,000 each and were also able to keep their earnings from the public votes.

“We are so happy with the turnout at The Pitch competition. All three businesses are doing great things, and we are glad to be able to support them,” said Beth Hannam, executive director of the Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation. “This event would not have been possible without our committee, the judges, and our grant sponsors, the US Bank Foundation and The Walmart Foundation.”

Doing Good Gala raised more than $48,000 for community foundation

PORT CLINTON — More than 200 Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) friends and supporters attended or donated to OCCF’s first Doing Good Gala, a live auction fundraiser at Catawba Island Club on July 25. More than $48,000 was raised during the sold-out “battle of the paddles.” The proceeds will help continue OCCF’s countywide efforts to aid nonprofit organizations and local students through annual community grants and scholarships.

“This was an intentional step toward our upcoming 25th anniversary … a major milestone for OCCF in 2024,” said Executive Director Shea McGrew. "In the next 25 years, we wish to grow the legacy of OCCF Founder Joy Roth, and financial stability is the key to meeting her goals and those of our current Trustees. This fundraiser helps provide the resources for OCCF to address the pressing needs of our area … now and into the future."

Auctioneer Len Partin took bids for a dozen top-tier auction items, which generated more than half of the event proceeds. The gala also included a strolling supper, live music and a reverse raffle.

Just since January, OCCF has awarded more than $80,000 in community grants to 38 local nonprofit organizations and more than $174,000 via 143 scholarships to local high school graduates and adults seeking to further their education. The Foundation administers more than 100 donor-established funds, and, since its inception, has distributed more than $7 million in grants and scholarships.

“One hundred percent of gala proceeds benefit OCCF, so that we may continue our good work across the county,” McGrew said.

United Way elects officers, honors new and outgoing board members

FREMONT — The United Way of Sandusky County Board of Directors recently announced the election of new officers, recognized three outgoing members and voted in four new directors.

MaLinda Gibbs, senior marketing manager at AMSOIL Industrial, was named 2023-2024 board chair. Gibbs replaces Anthony Walker, assistant director at Fremont City Schools, whose term as board chair ended June 30.

Lee Vivod, community president, business banking, for Huntington National Bank, was named first vice chair. Amy Witter, financial center manager at Fifth Third Bank, was re-elected treasurer; and Bethany Brown, Sandusky County health commissioner, was elected secretary.

During the June board meeting, outgoing board trustees Nancy Lipstraw, Tiffany Tipple and Kelly Beeker were thanked for their service to United Way and the community and presented awards of appreciation.

Jill Simpson, CEO and president of United Way of Sandusky County, also reported the following incoming board members: Nanci Kosanka, executive director, Valley View Health Campus — Trilogy; Mark Prenzlin, VP risk, safety and talent, The Mosser Group; Kendall Rieman, president/CEO, Croghan Colonial Bank; and Mary Sanchez, human resources director, ProMedica Memorial Hospital.

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This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Community Roundup: Winner of 'The Pitch,' Doing Good Gala and more