Dominion East Ohio has awarded $110,000 in grants to 12 community organizations in Northeast Ohio in its 18th annual Community Impact Awards competition, co-sponsored with Inside Business Magazine.
A panel of community judges chose the winners from among 90 entries. The awards recognize cities or organizations that have made an impact in the community. The Dominion Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dominion Resources Inc., Dominion East Ohio’s parent company, funds the grants.
In the Akron-Canton region, winners were:
• The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition received $10,000 as winner of the inaugural special Environmental Award. Founded in 1989, the coalition has worked to preserve, develop and interpret recreational resources, while revitalizing the once-neglected Ohio & Erie Canal. The coalition has developed 86 miles of the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, with the remaining 15 miles in the planning and development process.
• The Akron Marathon Charitable Foundation received $10,000 in recognition of attracting 15,000 participants from 43 states in 2012 to its various events, including its signature 26.2-mile race, half marathon, five-member team relay and Kids Fun Race. A pre-race Health Fitness Expo attracted 20,000 attendees. The 3,000 volunteers contributed 10,000 hours of service to conduct the event, which attracted 120,000 spectators.
• Arts in Stark received $10,000 for its SmArts Program, which integrates arts and academics as a way of improving participating students’ test scores.