ASHLAND – A new endowment fund has been established for the benefit of Hillsdale High School baseball, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor couple, along with family and friends of 2001 Hillsdale graduate Mark Grassman.
Grassman died unexpectedly in February, at age 36, of a massive heart attack.
Jim Cutright, executive director of the Ashland County Community Foundation, recently met with Mark’s parents, Jeff and Kathy Grassman, to share the news that a couple with close ties to the Hillsdale community had offered to provide a $10,000 gift to establish a permanent endowment fund at ACCF in Mark’s memory, with the type of fund created to be at the family’s discretion.
“With all the negativity in the world, it is reassuring to know there are caring people like this that makes the world a better place. We appreciate this gift from the bottom of our hearts,” the Grassmans said,
The Grassmans decided a fitting tribute to Mark would be a fund that could supplement the needs of the Hillsdale baseball program, since that sport was their son’s passion.
Mark was a multi-sport athlete. He excelled at golf and was part of the 2001 HHS basketball team that had a perfect regular season record and was inducted into the Ashland County Sports Hall of Fame in 2018. Baseball, however, was his favorite sport from the time he could first throw a ball or swing a bat to his record-setting, award-winning career at HHS and on to his days of playing slow-pitch softball after graduating.
After his untimely death, a friend said, “Mark will forever be remembered as the joyful guy with an infectious smile that drew people of all ages to regard him as a friend.”
His parents added, “We know he would be proud and overwhelmed with gratitude that this fund was established in his memory to support the Hillsdale High School baseball program.”
Cutright said this fund is just another amazing example of the type of people that live in our community on both sides of the philanthropic exchange.
“Folks just genuinely care for each other, and are willing to assist where needs exist,” Cutright said. “The creation of the Mark Grassman Fund is the perfect way to memorialize this fine young man, while guaranteeing regular annual support for Hillsdale baseball. We’ve already received a number of added donations to the fund, as any amount may be contributed at any time.”
To donate to this fund or to other funds at ACCF, visit www.accfdonations.org.
