Photos Provided The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation has announced its Diamond Gems. From left, Ruth Patrick, Emily Taylor, Joe Smith, Cindy Hopkins and Mary Ruppel.

PARKERSBURG — The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation celebrated its 60 anniversary on Sept. 29.

The “Hidden Gems” in the community were recognized along with a tribute to the career of Judy Sjostedt Ritchie, executive director emerita. The event was held at the Parkersburg Art Center where there was a night of art, music and refreshments.

“The high attendance was a testament to the commitment of our community. It was also a display of deep appreciation for all that Judy has done to make Parkersburg a ‘thriving community whose residents are welcoming, engaged and resilient,'” Fred Rader, PACF’s new executive director said.

As a way of celebrating the foundation’s 60th Diamond Anniversary, residents were asked to identify Hidden Gems in the community.

Nominees included Kiki Angelos, Ashlee S. Beatty, Cat Bigley, Jane Burdette, Angie Burgy, Gwen and Rick Bush, Butcher Family Farm, Bea Corra, Jonelle Crooks-Merritt, Lisa Doyle Parsons, John Droppleman, Ed Goe, Brandon Gress, Alice Harris, Cindy Hopkins, Jane Irvine, Roger Jarvis, Larry Johnson, Barbara Joyce, Jean Lawrence, Larry Maxwell, Crystal Mersh, James “Murf” Murphy, Ruth Patrick, Tina Persinger, Janet Prislac, Amy Ramsburg, Mary Lee Ruppel, Jon Six, Joe Smith, Emily Taylor and the Taylor Family, Ralph Tisdale, Amanda Weatherwax, and Collin Yost. Each nominee received a butterfly from the Wood County Society’s Art Beat Studio and a certificate thanking them for their contributions to the community.

From the gems, former board members selected five “Diamond Anniversary Gems” to represent the foundation’s core values.

Joe Smith was chosen as a representative for the value of partnering. He works with members of Good Shepherd Church and others in the neighborhood to help those in need.

Schoolteacher Ruth Patrick signifies the value of learning. She tirelessly pursues new and innovative ways to engage her classroom.

Generosity is represented by Emily Taylor. Taylor generously gives of her time to improve the lives of those living with Parkinson’s Disease through the Rock Steady Boxing program at the YMCA and the Parkinson’s support group.

Demonstrating the value of inclusiveness is Cindy Hopkins. She is welcoming and caring as she interacts with her customers at the Blennerhassett Hotel.

Chosen to represent integrity was Mary Lee Rupell. She is a retired schoolteacher who displays personal integrity as she helps those in her neighborhood, family, and church.

Each “Diamond Anniversary Gem” was presented with a personalized crystal award with a diamond shaped base.

Ritchie also announced a challenge to raise funds for the foundation operating endowment. Her husband, Doug, friends Mary Riccobene and the Bernard McDonough Foundation and Doug and Mary Anne Ketelsen and the Mary M. Welch Advised Fund are offering to match $225,000 if a like amount is raised by June 30.

The foundation manages about $80 million in assets and annually distributes over $4 million for public benefit. Over the past 24 years alone, the foundation has distributed an $47 million in grants and scholarships across the region.

Go to www.pacfwv.com/grants/apply to learn about grant opportunities and to access the online application form. For more information, call Amy Nahley at 304-428-4438 or email info@pacfwv.com.