ASHLAND — The Ashland County Community Foundation cut the ribbon on its new building space on Tuesday evening, marking the continued growth of assets and programs.
The James M. Cutright “Cutty” Wing, named after ACCF’s chief executive officer, includes three new offices, a work room, first-floor meeting room and kitchen area.
It is ACCF’s second building expansion after the Lucille Garber Ford wing was installed in 2018 to accommodate growing staff and space needs. But even then, Cutright knew the building would require further expansion.
“It’s a great honor to have my name attached to a building addition,” Cutright told the room full of people, “but I think for those of you who know me, I’m always kind of a reluctant honoree, and it’s only because I know that success is always the result of the work of many hands.”
“It’s a great honor to have my name attached to a building addition, but I think for those of you who know me, I’m always kind of a reluctant honoree, and it’s only because I know that success is always the result of the work of many hands.”
Jim Cutright
Cutright thanked his staff, partners and donors for their hard work and trust in his speech.
“Over 8,000 donors have made gifts, both large and small at the community foundation. And these donors, if they weren’t my friends before, they end up becoming my friends afterward,” he said.
He thanked the major donors who contributed to the expansion project, many who attended the ribbon-cutting, but thanked Bob Simonson last.
Simonson told Cutright he would donate over two times the amount asked for, so long as he could do it on Cutright’s behalf in honor of the work he has done. Simonson told him over email, with the subject line reading “The Cutty Wing,” which is how the name came to be.
“I was afraid that people may think that I came up with that, but my wife has schooled me pretty well in topics like this. She has informed me that sometimes when you are offered an act of kindness, that it is an act of kindness to accept that act of kindness,” Cutright told listeners.
“Many times I’m asked, what is your favorite chapter of ACCF history, and for me that answer is always easy: it’s the next chapter because I’m always looking ahead. I can’t wait to see what happens next.”
He told the crowd that in two and-a-half years, Kristin Aspin will take over as CEO. Aspin now serves as the chief operating officer.
Dwight McElfresh, chair of the ACCF board of trustees, also spoke to the guests. He told the crowd that when Cutright started as CEO in 2012, the foundation managed about 245 endowment funds and controlled $16 million in assets.
Now the foundation manages 800 funds, has roughly $110 million in assets and has invested over $38 million in Ashland County through grants, scholarships, and fund distributions, McElfresh said.
“Cutty, it is only fitting that this new edition carries your name. It stands as a testament to your leadership and to the countless lives touched by your work now and in the future. Congratulations,” he said.
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller also praised Cutright for his contributions, and presented him with a proclamation.
Then, with all the attendees standing with him, Cutright “cuttied” the ribbon on the new space.
2024-2025 annual report released
ACCF released its annual report in November. The report noted several important milestones for ACCF, including:
- Celebrating 30 years.
- Surpassing $100 million in invested assets for the first time.
- Establishing 100 new funds, bringing the total to 800.
- Awarding 340 scholarships, which provided $553,074 to students pursuing higher education and trade school.
- Launching a a listening-and-learning series.
ACCF establishes and provides grant funding for nonprofits and charitable organizations and creates scholarships for students.
In its 30 years of operation, over 8,000 donors have helped 4,235 students receive scholarships and 268 charities receive annual distributions, according to the report.