Younger Family: Philanthropists of the Year
One family's dedication to our community shines.
The Community Foundation is pleased to announce former board member, committee member and friend Chuck Younger and his family were awarded the Philanthropist of the Year award by the Northwest Ohio Chapter of Fundraising Professional on November 10.
The Younger Family has provided deep and wide support to The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation and our community. Chuck was a founding member of the Board of Trustees from 1992-2013, chaired the board from 2004-2007 and serves on the Finance & Investment Committee. Mariann was a member of Handbags that Help and a champion of opportunities for children and youth.
Their initial gift of $50 has grown to 11 charitable funds: eight scholarship, three donor advised and two designated funds to benefit a local food pantry and the Mazza Museum at the University of Findlay. Through their funds, the Youngers have provided significant support to the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, Findlay City Schools, Boy Scouts, Children’s Mentoring Connections, Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, Hancock Historical Museum, Hancock County Veterans Memorial Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, WBGU-TV, Toledo Orchestra Association, and many other local and regional organizations.
Since 2007, their scholarship funds have awarded 201 scholarships to 104 students totaling $246,625. The scholarships and gifts to these organizations have created a family legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes. They have become behind-the-scenes partners of nearly every nonprofit in Hancock County and beyond. The breadth of their impact inspires our community.
The Youngers have been strong advocates for the Foundation. Chuck is always willing to introduce Foundation staff to people he believes would have an affinity for the Foundation. He also provides financial support for Foundation efforts to develop strong relationships with local professional advisors.
The late Mariann participated in numerous Foundation events, including Generations of Giving and Women in Philanthropy, aimed at cultivating future donors. Somewhat reluctantly she agreed to share the story of why she gives. She helped found Handbags That Help, a local women’s giving circle that encourages philanthropy for women. Chuck and Mariann were passionate about nurturing future philanthropists in their children and grandchildren. Four of their scholarships honor each of their sons. In return, their sons established a scholarship to honor them and a separate donor advised fund. They also made a practice of taking grandchildren to their namesake gallery in the Mazza Museum and allowing them to choose a favorite work of art. They then sponsored those pieces in the grandchildren’s names, 41 in all. They were faithful supporters of the Mazza art auctions, which support the Museum’s endowment. They loved to share their art and their passion for giving with family and friends.
The Youngers built their family on service. Not just to one organization, but many. Chuck was a University of Findlay Trustee from 2000-2012, then became a Trustee Emeritus and was awarded an honorary doctorate of communications management. He is a long-time volunteer announcer for the Findlay High School soccer teams.
Mariann’s involvement with the UF’s Mazza Museum was extensive. She was in the first class of docents, was on the founding board of directors where she served 21 years, was heavily involved with programming, attended 22 of the 23 study tours, read to children during Funday Sundays, helped establish endowments and even chauffeured authors from the airport. Museum Director Ben Sapp said, “I cannot think of Mazza without thinking of Mariann.” She was awarded an honorary doctorate of fine arts degree in 2008.
Mariann helped found CASA/GAL of Hancock County, was president of WBGU-TV, volunteered for the Hancock County League of Women Voters, CHOPIN Hall and Christian Clearing House. She was an active member of Findlay First Presbyterian Church where she was beloved for calling everyone in the congregation on their birthdays. The Youngers are members of legacy societies of the Foundation, Blanchard Valley Health Foundation and University of Findlay.
