On November 21, 1956, five local civic leaders seized on an idea to create a way to “continually improve life in Licking County.” Everett D. Reese brought together Harold L. Ballinger, Robert H. Flory, Francis P. Kennedy, Howard E. LeFevre (Vice Chairman), Games Slayter (Chairman) and J. Gilbert Reese, who was elected Secretary-Treasurer. After discussion, Gilbert Reese drafted and filed a declaration of trust and was asked to create “…a brochure to be given to the public explaining the uses and purposes of the foundation.” That first meeting at Park National Bank set in motion decades of charitable support for changing lives.  

To commemorate our community’s giving history, we invited our community to help us look to the future, with one simple question:

If you had to choose one thing to improve life for others in Licking County, what would it be?

We asked, and you responded. More than 300 people across every generation and Licking County zip code took the time to share their ideas, concerns, and hopes.

Now, it’s our turn. The Licking County Foundation will be tabulating and studying all your ideas. In 2023, we’ll share what we learned with you, and how your ideas can help inform our actions.

Thank you for helping us to celebrate 65 years of generosity. We are grateful for your partnership in helping us to create the future together!

As part of our celebration, enjoy this special anniversary message about the Licking County Foundation, then and now.