Ohio Valley University Stepping Stone Chapters Raise $4 Million
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
VIENNA, WV – Ohio Valley University’s Stepping Stone chapters had several reasons to celebrate this weekend during their 48th annual convention – four million to be exact.
The OVU Stepping Stones, a national organization started by Church of Christ women in 1959, includes 33 chapters in nine states with more than 900 women participating. Through bake sales, catering services, candy sales, and a variety of special events, chapters raise over $175,000 annually for student scholarships, campus beautification projects and the general support of faith-based higher education, which Ohio Valley University provides. In the past 48 years the organization has raised more than $4 million, announced Stepping Stones Director Susan Ryan.
“This weekend was a great milestone for OVU and the Stepping Stones organization,” Ryan said. “When we tallied what each chapter had raised in the course of the past year, we realized we had surpassed the $4 million mark in total funds raised since 1959. This speaks volumes about the unselfish character and dedication of women across the country to support the mission of Ohio Valley University.”
As many as 130 Stepping Stones members, representing 22 active chapters from throughout the eastern United States, attend the annual spring convention at OVU. The Rockport, West Virginia chapter served as host for the event, overseeing and organizing the meeting and luncheon with a theme of “The best is yet to come!”
“The convention serves as a motivational and inspirational day for our members,” Ryan said. “Chapter members work very hard throughout the year and this is a nice way to gather together and report on what we’ve accomplished, share our success stories and set goals for the coming year. We are now moving on to reach our $5 million goal!”
OVU President James A. Johnson and Senior Vice-President for Development Jack Thorn welcomed and addressed the group in the morning.
“What a magnificent day it was for our Stepping Stones,” Johnson said. “This is a tremendous accomplishment for both the organization and the university. Through the collective and individual efforts of these women, OVU and its students benefit with added scholarships, improvements to our facility and continued sustainability in the years to come.”
For more information about becoming involved with Ohio Valley University and joining a Stepping Stones chapter, contact Susan Ryan at 304-865-6023 or email susan.ryan@ovu.edu .
To learn more about Ohio Valley University visit www.ovu.edu . ###
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