Defiance Area Foundation

06/21/2026

Congratulations to Ella Rohdy, recipient of the Erica J. Strausbaugh Culinary Arts/Food Science Scholarship, held under the Defiance Area Foundation (DAF) umbrella.

Ella is currently attending The Ohio State University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering with a specialization in Food. She is expected to graduate in May 2027.

This summer, Ella is gaining valuable hands-on experience as a Food Safety Quality Intern at General Mills, continuing to build a strong foundation for her future career in the food industry.

The Defiance Area Foundation is proud to award Ella with this $2,000 scholarship in support of her educational journey and future goals. Congratulations, Ella, and best wishes as you continue pursuing your passion for food science and innovation!

Pictured are (L to R) Chris Yoder - DAF Executive Director, Ella Rohdy - scholarship recipient and Sue Strausbaugh - scholarship fund creator.

06/19/2026

Congratulations to The Huber Opera House and Civic Center for receiving a $2,000 grant from the Hicksville Community Fund, a fund under our Defiance Area Foundation umbrella. This grant will be used for the stage floor replacement project taking place at the Opera House.

06/19/2026

Congratulations to three of the local LifeWise Academies, Ayersville, Defiance and Tinora. All three schools received a $1,000 grant from Defiance Moose Lodge #2094 for operational expenses. The Moose Lodge holds a fund under the umbrella of the Defiance Area Foundation.

Pictured with their checks are (L to R, back) Marilyn Clay - Moose Lodge Chaplin, Phil Nofziger- LifeWise Defiance and Ayersville Executive Director, Sarah Wagner - LifeWise Tinora Board Member, Becca Rupp - LifeWise Tinora Board Member, Seth Rogers - LifeWise Defiance and Ayersville Assistant Program Director and Stacy McCartney - Defiance Moose Lodge Administrator. Pictured in front (L to R) are LifeWise Tinora students - Hannah Wagner, Naomi Rupp and Eliza Rupp.

LifeWise Academy - Ayersville LifeWise Academy-Defiance LifeWise Academy - Tinora

06/17/2026

Congratulations to Children's Lantern for receiving a $1,000 grant during our DAF spring grant cycle for their Kinship of Hope program.

This program provides funding in situations where a grandparent or family member are taking care of children. This could include bedding, clothing, school supplies, etc and the Foundation is proud to be able to support the amazing working that Children's lantern is doing for families in our community.

Pictured are (L to R) Reagan Williams - Marketing and Communications Director, Steve Heilshorn - Executive Director, Chelsie Schroeder - DAF Marketing Director, Tonya Briseno - Family Care Coordinator and Daisy Moening - Office and Financial Administrator.

06/15/2026

Creating a more welcoming and accessible space for the Hicksville community. 📚

The Defiance Area Foundation is proud to award a $5,000 grant to the Johnson Memorial Library Friends during the 2026 Spring Grant Cycle. Funding for this project was provided through the Capital Projects Fund under the DAF umbrella.

The grant will support exterior building improvements at the Johnson Memorial Library in Hicksville, including accessibility upgrades, concrete improvements, updated outdoor gathering spaces, and restoration work to the library’s exterior.

Planned improvements include a full front entrance ramp, new walkways and patio areas, along with updates to the porch, shutters, soffits, fascia, and other exterior features to help create a more inviting space for library patrons and community activities.

06/14/2026

Congratulations to Olivia Childress, recipient of the Central Local Trade School Scholarship Fund, under our DAF umbrella.

Created by Bonnie Burgbacher in 2024, this scholarship supports students pursuing vocational and technical careers and encourages them to follow their passions in the skilled trades.

Olivia was selected to receive this $1,000 scholarship as she continues her education and works toward her future career goals.

Pictured are scholarship creator Bonnie Burgbacher and scholarship recipient Olivia Childress. Congratulations, Olivia, and thank you to Bonnie for investing in the future of local students.

Central Local Schools

06/14/2026

Congratulations to seniors who received the 2026 Fairview Football Scholarships, held here at the Defiance Area Foundation. Pictured with scholarships are Don Hange - DAF grants committee member with Fairview seniors William Zeedyk, Adam Spangler, and Paul Speiser. All three students were varsity football players at Fairview and have been accepted to college in the fall.

06/13/2026

06/12/2026

Preserving history for future generations. ⛪

The Defiance Area Foundation is proud to award a $5,000 grant to the Hicksville Historical Society during the 2026 Spring Grant Cycle. Funding for this project was provided through the Capital Projects Fund under the DAF umbrella.

The grant will help support restoration efforts at the historic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Hicksville, including repairs to the original stained-glass windows and entry doors. Built in 1875, the church is the oldest church in Hicksville and remains an important part of the community’s history and heritage.

The original stained-glass windows, shipped from Europe in 1875, are in need of restoration to help preserve this registered historic landmark for years to come.

06/10/2026

The Defiance Area Foundation is proud to support the continued preservation and enhancement of one of our community’s treasured historic spaces, The Huber Opera House and Civic Center in Hicksville, Ohio.

During our 2026 Spring Grant Cycle, the Foundation awarded a $6,250 grant to the Huber Opera House for stage floor replacement, helping provide a more professional appearance for productions and performances hosted throughout the year.

The arts play an important role in strengthening our community, bringing people together, inspiring creativity, and preserving local history for future generations. We are grateful for the work the Huber Opera House continues to do in Downtown Hicksville and across our region.

Pictured at the doors of the Huber Opera House are Chris Feichter, Director of Operations at the Huber Opera House, and DAF Executive Director Chris Yoder.