Farewell to a County Foundation leader

As we end this year, we say farewell to the man who has called the shots at The Van Wert County Foundation for the past 17 years. Larry Wendel has held the position of executive secretary at The Van Wert County Foundation since 1996, replacing Robert Games, who had held the position for nearly 20 years.

In the time that Larry has overseen The Foundation’s operations, we have seen tremendous growth in not only financial value, but also in community impact. The scholarship program has grown and is still one of the backbones of the Foundation’s mission, helping local students with college expenses. In addition to this, we have established the Fountain Park Summer Music Series, the Sanctuary Music Series, the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio, and, most recently, the new location of the Wassenberg Art Center.

During my tenure as coordinator of performing arts for The Van Wert County Foundation, Larry has been supportive and provided the means for success. I can never thank Larry or The Foundation trustees enough for allowing me the opportunity to help make the performing arts more vibrant throughout the Van Wert area. Behind everything we do in performing arts, The Van Wert County Foundation has provided a quiet assurance that we can make it work.

Larry will still be around to help transition the leadership to a young and vibrant replacement in Seth Baker. I am convinced that Seth will bring a lot of energy to the position and, with Larry’s wise counseling, will be a great asset to The Foundation as well as the Van Wert community.

All of us associated with The Van Wert County Foundation wish Larry the very best in retirement and thank him for his years of commitment and outstanding contributions!

Happy New Year to all and I look forward to an exciting year ahead at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center!

FINÉ.