POINT PLEASANT — Our Community’s Foundation — Mason County and the Point Pleasant Register will host the second annual “Spirit of Our Community” event and grants reception on Thursday, Nov. 15 at the Point Pleasant Moose Club.

The event begins at 6 p.m. and is designed to honor special people in the community who work to improve Mason County. Fall community foundation grants will also be presented to a number of worthy organizations.

“The people who will be honored with the 2012 Spirit of Our Community Award are our neighbors, friends, and co-workers,” Suzanne Dickens, chairperson for Our Community’s Foundation – Mason County Board of Advisors said. “Some have been working on very visible projects for our community, while others have been quietly volunteering behind the scenes to support their neighbors and fellow students. All of them exemplify the spirit of our community.”

The seven individuals and groups who will be honored with the 2012 Spirit of Our Community Award are: Pleasant Valley Hospital Auxiliary — Health; David Deal — Youth and Education; Brandy Barkey-Sweeney — Recreation; Mason Action Group — Human Services; Ed Lowe — Arts and Culture; the Pay It Forward Group at Point Pleasant Junior/Senior High School — Youth Leadership; and Main Street Point Pleasant - Economic Development.

“These people have made significant contributions to the quality of life in our community, added Dickens. “It is our hope that by showcasing those who create the spirit of our community through this unique recognition program, it will encourage new leaders to follow their good works to continue to make our community a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

Donations provided by the sponsors of this program will be awarded to the Mason County Support, Arts and Education, Youth, and Foundation Scholarship Funds in honor of the “Spirit of Our Community” award recipients. Lead challenge support for this program is provided by The Robert & Louise Claflin Foundation. Program supporters include: Mid-Atlantic Construction; Pleasant Valley Hospital; City National Bank; BB&T; People’s Bank; Farmer’s Bank; Ohio Valley Bank; City Ice and Fuel; FOX Engineering and Construction; Deal Funeral Home; Charles & Lillie Faye Lanham; and David and Suzanne Dickens. Other supporters include: Shaw & Tatterson, L.C.; Bob Baird; and Richard Walker CPA. Promotional sponsors include the Point Pleasant Register and WBYG Radio.

The event is open to the public with individual tickets on sale for $50 per person, half tables (four tickets) for $500 and full tables (eight tickets) for $1,000. Tickets can be obtained by contacting the Mason County Community Foundation at 304-372-8588 or by email at jane.winters@pacfwv.com.

Our Community’s Foundation – Mason County is a regional affiliate of the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates. All donations to this public charity are acknowledged as tax deductible. $25 of each $50 ticket will be devoted to the Mason County community grant funds as a donation.