The Merry Makers Club Foundation of Columbus Inc. is the principal philanthropic vehicle of the Merry Makers Club. It is the vehicle through which the Club implements its mission of charitable contribution. Since 1991, we have been bringing people together and using available resources to strengthen Columbus and Franklin County. Through the generosity of donors, thousands of dollars in scholarships have been distributed throughout central Ohio.
The Merry Makers Club Foundation of Columbus Inc. central mission is to support education initiatives and social services organizations in central Ohio. Our vision is to be recognized as an organization that facilities the growth of African American youth in our community.
By the 1940s the Merry Makers could boast that a number of its members distinguished themselves in a variety of professions. Merry Makers served in World War II-all attaining at least the rank of non-commissioned officers-on the staff of the Secretary of War, and as insurance executives, lawyers, physicians, teachers, principals, and labor leaders.
Over the years, the Merry Makers have held a variety of events to support the black community, assist the needy and have fun. Maryland Park Pool, located on the east side, was for many years the site of beauty contests as local young ladies spiritedly vied for the title of Miss Merry Maker.
Raffles, (one year a new Ford Thunderbird was the grand prize), holiday dances, and most recently, sports banquets and golf tournaments, have helped the Merry Makers fund their most successful philanthropic venture, that of assuring African American youth the opportunity to obtain a college education.
To date, the club has raised over $310,000 allowing many students from Columbus’ Black community to earn degrees from The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College. Today, the organization is seeking to strengthen its ties with the Black community, particularly with young people.
The Merry Makers Club Foundation annually contributes to two endowed scholarships established at The Ohio State University and at Columbus State Community College. These scholarships are awarded through the financial ad office at each institution to assist students in need pursuing their education beyond high school.
The scholarship recipients are annually determined by each institution. However, at The Ohio State University, only perspective Merit Scholar students are eligible to receive the Merry Makers Club Foundation scholarship. At Columbus State Community College, African American male students in need are eligible.
Through the generosity of donors, as of June 2020, over $275,000 has been endowed between the scholarships and 150 awards have been issued to support the education of the students in our community!
TAX ADVANTAGES OF GIVING THROUGH THE MERRY MAKERS CLUB FOUNDATION The Merry Makers Club Foundation of Columbus Inc. is a publicly supported charitable organization with exempt status described under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). All gifts to the foundation are fully tax-deductible in accordance with the law and all applicable rules and regulations. To learn more about how to donate to The Merry Makers Club Foundation of Columbus Inc., please contact Eric Gray by email or by phone at (937) 360-4544.
2020 Amanuel Shibishi
2019 Robert Yengo
2018 Darron Barge
2017 Dominic Ewereko
2016 None
2015 Lawrence Williams
2014 Isaac Kyeremateng
2013 Eddie Cornelious
2012 Kenneth Jackson
Rinald Coley
2011 Christian Williams
Ibra Garba
2010 Donell Godsey
2020 Andre Anderson
2019 Andre Anderson
Ramona Angela Stephenson
2018 Morgan Clark
William Maynard
2017 Morgan Clark
William Maynard
2016 Morgan Clark
William Maynard
2015 Morgan Clark
William Maynard
2014 Matthias Heinz
Preethi Chidambaram
Harry Konangi
Caroline Lieser
Carly Mathewson
Natasha Werts
Joshua Bunn
Mubarik Mohamed
Amanuel Alemu
Mark Reese
2013 Brian Sherman Jr.
Brittany Mills
Erica McGriff
Ayana Rowe
Christa Eduafo
Nima Dahir
Langston Hughes
Elissa Lowenthal
2012 Brian Sherman Jr.
Sean Dodge
Brittany Mills
Christian Ulysse
Janet Adegboye
Kori Asante
Xavier Thompson
Gina Price
King Collins Jr.
2011 Brian Sherman Jr.
Sean Dodge
Shalise Montgomery
Latifat Osinowo
Meagan Jones
Brittany Mills
Kristina Metcalf
Kirra Horne
Lindsay Hughes
Ryan Fore
L’Nard Tufts II
Valeri Wolf
Tsilat Musie
Crystal Hill
2010 Jade Reaves
Brian Sherman Jr.
Brittany Mills
Stephen Gould
Mena Abdelmalak
Rebekah Wormack
Esther Oder
Bereket Berhane
Travis Billingsley
Blaise Bradley
Ernest Levert Jr.
Kayla Swain
Over the past months, our Foundation has supported the efforts of the following local service organizations:
