On Saturday, September 22nd, at The Shelby Foundation’s annual fundraiser, big money was made and big money was donated.

This year’s fundraiser was extremely special because the Foundation made a substantial contribution to our local fire department’s new station.

“When we award grants it is with impact in mind; so, by donating to the fire department for interior furnishings for the new station, the Foundation’s board felt we could really make a difference,” said Board Chair Cody Albert.

During the fundraiser, Grant Milliron was honored with the Visionary Award, which honors a local citizen for selfless giving and addressing a community need.

This is the second year for the award, which was created in memory of Ralph Phillips, one of Shelby’s greatest philanthropists.  Last year’s recipient was George Williams who was instrumental in the success of many community nonprofit organizations.

This year’s recipient was an obvious choice because of the major improvements to the City of Shelby spearheaded by Mr. Milliron. He has generously donated to the community a new fire station and played a significant role with building the new high school.

Foundation Director Carrie Kemerer said to a crowd of 300 people on Saturday, “Mr. Milliron, you are an inspiration to everyone in this room, the community, and especially The Shelby Foundation. You are such an inspiration to the Foundation that we wish to follow in your footsteps.” Ms. Kemerer proceeded to present a check in the amount of $50,000 to the Shelby Fire Department.

“This is why the Foundation exists and this is what donors’ support allows us to do,” said Kemerer.

The Shelby Foundation is a nonprofit organization with the goal of improving the Shelby community and surrounding areas. Every facet of this community from the schools, day cares, to community organizations, parks and our local government improvements have been positively impacted through financial support provided by the Foundation. In the last decade, The Shelby Foundation has awarded over $1,000,000 to nearly sixty area nonprofit organizations that serve Shelby and its residents.