Steve Deckard, publisher of the Shoals News and lifelong Martin County resident, was presented with the Philanthropist of the Year Award last night at the Annual Martin County Community Foundation Dinner. During his speech, Deckard had this to say about the foundation…
Deckard was a founding board member of the Foundation Board 26 years ago and has served on a variety of boards for six decades in Martin County. Curt Johnson presided over his last dinner as Executive Director of the Foundation, as he will be retiring this year. While recounting the lifelong friends and the impact the foundation has had on him, Johnson said this year the organization will top over 1 million dollars in contributions back to the betterment of Martin County. Those in attendance heard about major improvements at the Shoals Park and Little League and the Loogootee Little League that would not have been possible without the help of the foundation. From scholarships to volunteer fire departments to improvements to the West Boggs Beach House, the Shoals Overlook Park, and pickleball courts, the Foundation has had a fantastic year giving back to the Martin County community. Around 150 people attended last night’s dinner at the Community Center.
