The Pickaway County Community Foundation is now the administrator of the Miriam Ruggles Adkins Fund (MRA) which was established in 1989 with the Columbus Foundation, Inc. “to benefit the residents of Pickaway County through the support of civic, charitable, cultural and educational programs,” as designated by her will. This fund was established before the creation of PCCF and has been a historic fund benefitting the Pickaway County community. The Pickaway County Community Foundation (PCCF) was established in 2001 to provide a vehicle for businesses, organizations, families and individuals to establish local community funds and scholarships. The Foundation enjoys a strong, mutually supportive partnership with The Columbus Foundation, which provides technical and investment services for some of PCCF’s Funds. PCCF has grown to have independent investment strategies and holds funds locally in Pickaway County. The Columbus Foundation stewarded the Miriam Ruggles Adkins Fund and the donor’s original intent since 1989 and now the fund will be stewarded locally in Pickaway County through PCCF.
Miriam Ruggles Adkins was born in Circleville on December 1st, 1901, and lived her entire life in her home at 610 South Court Street – now known as the “Castle.” In 1933, she married Paul E. Adkins, a local attorney, and they became the owners and breeders of thoroughbred and saddle horses. For many years, Miriam Adkins participated in various community activities. She was involved with the Pickaway County Humane Society, the Pickaway County Y.M.C.A., and the Scioto Society, which produces the outdoor drama TECUMSEH. After her death in 1985, significant contributions were again made to these causes, as well as the newer Pickaway County Agricultural Building on Island Road and the Pickaway County Library. Other significant beneficiaries were the Pickaway County Historical Society, the Pickaway County Senior Center, the Pickaway County Harness Horsemen’s Association, and the Central Pickaway County Recreation District (for Barthelmas’s Children’s Park).
Over the years, the MRA Fund has been the major contributor to many cultural events, including concerts, and now the annual Ted Lewis Music Festival by the Ted Lewis Museum of Circleville and Pickaway County. Other events that the MRA Fund has supported are the Braeburn Summer Concert Series held by Picasso (Pickaway County Arts Support Organization), ArtsaRound, Roundtown Players of Pickaway County, the Sunday afternoon “Gazebo Gathering” concerts in the Ashville park presented by Teays Valley Civic Association, Circleville Artist Series, Ohio Christian University performing arts series, Circleville Pumpkin Show Community Band concerts by PICCA (Pickaway County Community Action Organization), musical performances at the Circleville-Pickaway Visitors Pavilion at the Circleville Pumpkin Show Park from the Attract Tourism Foundation, as well as numerous concerts and special events sponsored by smaller organizations in various schools, churches, and other ventures.
PCCF is a nonprofit public charity through which individuals, families, businesses, and charitable organizations can make gifts, current and deferred, to benefit the community. For more information about how to direct a gift or establish a special fund, visit www.yourpccf.org or contact the executive director, Alexis Conrad, at 740.477.6207. Pickaway County residents and friends are invited to follow PCCF on Facebook @yourPCCF.