Dienstberger Foundation awards $325,000 in grants for Delphos area charities
Dec. 9—DELPHOS — The Arnold C. Dienstberger Foundation hosted a banquet at Delphos Club to award grants to two dozen local nonprofits Tuesday night.
The group gave away $325,000 in its 22nd annual charitable event. The foundation raised the money through the nonprofit's investments. This year's round of awards brings the organization's lifetime grant award amount to more than $6.5 million.
Arnold C. Dienstberger started the foundation with proceeds from selling a pair of nursing homes, the Delphos Memorial and Sarah Jane to Vancrest Health Care. Dienstberger invested the proceeds immediately and beginning in 1998 and each subsequent year, proceeds are spread between charities serving the Delphos City School District.
Foundation member Rick Miller acted as M.C. for the event and announced the distributions with President John Nomina, Vice President Bill Massa, Treasurer Doug Harter, Secretary Jerry Gilden and Trustees Nick Clark, Loni Miller and Doris Neumeier doling out checks.
Miller, who recently retired from radio broadcasting after 42 years of calling Delphos and Delphos St. John's prep sports game with 'Fun 107.1' said it's the recipients who do the work, not the foundation.
"What we are doing right now," Miller said and paused. "What you see here with the laughter and joy around the room, sitting here talking with friends and getting to pass out these grants, well that's the easy part. The charities receiving the grants are the ones who have the hard job. They have to figure out how best to distribute the money."
Woof Boom Radio and 'Fun 107.1' radio personality Bob Ulm entertained attendees with a Christmas music performance on his keyboard. Food was provided by More to Love Catering of Delphos and Santa Clause even took a break from preparing for his busy season to take photos with guests.
The foundation distributed $62,800 in its first year and has surpassed $300,000 every year since 2008. This year's $325,000 matches the Dienstberger Foundation's record set in 2018.
Organizations receiving grants in 2021 were:
Allen County D.A.R.E. — $2,500
Community Health Professionals — $6,000
Delphos Veterans Council — $2,500
Delphos Jefferson and St. John's Athletic Boosters — $2,500 each.
Delphos Canal Commission — $5,000
Delphos Area Chamber of Commerce — $2,500
Delphos Baseball and Softball Association — $2,500
Delphos City Schools —$50,000
Delphos Community Christmas Project — $15,000
Delphos Girl Scouts — $500
Delphos Habitat for Humanity — $2,000
Delphos Police Department — $5,000
Delphos Fire and Rescue — $5,000
Delphos Museum of Postal History — $5,000
Delphos Public Library — $7,500
Delphos Rotary — $12,000
Delphos Senior Citizens, Inc.— $15,000
Delphos Canal Days, Delphos Chamber of Commerce and Delphian Social Club — $41,500
Delphos St. John's Schools — $50,000
Delphos Stadium Club — $40,000/Kiwanis Club of Delphos — $40,000
St. Vincent de Paul Society — $7,500
