ENCINO GIVES — The 2024 Encino Vendor Charity Classic awarded $100,000 to five organizations. Among those at the presentation were, from left, Guy Coviello, Youngstown Chamber of Commerce; Nick Ruppelt, Evolution WellServices; Hardy Murchison, Encino Energy; and Gary Hauck, Vallourec. -- Contributed

CARROLLTON — Encino Energy, Ohio’s No. 1 oil producer and a leading natural gas producer in the state, announced more than $105,000 in donations was awarded during the 2024 Encino Vendor Charity Classic.

The two-day event consisted of a clay shoot, golf outing and awards reception. The event , created last year, is a way to thank vendors and contractors who are a major part of the company’s success. Proceeds went to local nonprofits that impact Encino’s operational area. Donations of $100,000 were split evenly among five organizations, with each receiving $20,000: The Brightside Project, Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber Foundation, Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, Cambridge-Guernsey County Community Improvement Corp. and Muskingum Watershed Conservancy Foundation.

A donation of $5,000 was presented to Ohio Natural Energy Foundation. This year’s presenting sponsors were Evolution WellServices, Patterson UTI, Tetra Technologies and Vallourec. Those with Evolution WellServices stated they appreciated the opportunity to get involved with the charity event.

“This is our second year of sponsoring this event,” stated Nick Ruppelt, chief operating officer of Evolution WellServices. “Encino Energy has been a great partner to Evolution, and we really appreciate the opportunity to get involved and make a real impact to the local community in Ohio through the Encino Vendor Charity Classic.” With a presence in the Utica, Marcellus, Eagle Ford and Permian basins, Evolution WellServices provides electric fracturing services on Encino Energy projects.

The donation made to the Brightside Project is the second made by the charity classic. The father-daughter nonprofit team of Scott Lewis and Lisa Vittorio launched in 2016. The duo worked with under-served families, working to empower and equip children to reach their full potential.

“On behalf of the Brightside Project, our team members and our board of directors, we thank Encino Energy and its vendors for this donation,” Lewis commented. “These funds will go toward our SPARK capital campaign. We’ve outgrown our current facility and we’re working to build a new Brightside Project Youth Center, where we’ll be focusing on health, academics and workforce development. Children are struggling and we want to create a place to elevate them.”

The Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber Foundation received its first donation at this year’s event. The foundation focuses on transformational economic development initiatives that bring more prosperity to the Mahoning Valley.

“This donation will go a long way toward helping us with two major areas of focus — workforce growth and workforce housing,” said Guy Coviello, president and CEO of the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber. “We’ve been analyzing data for several months and we’re about to implement strategies to help expand the workforce — through population growth and by helping marginalized individuals overcome barriers to employment — and to help increase the housing stock.”

The Cambridge-Guernsey County CIC is a first-time recipient. The organization’s mission is to develop and implement strategies to attract and retain business and industry in the area, while engaging in activities to promote the overall quality of life for the citizens of Guernsey County.

“These funds will enable us to invest more into our community that we wouldn’t have been able to otherwise,” said Bill Arnett, economic development director. “We’re excited to partner with Encino to provide additional resources and assistance to local businesses. This donation will help our downtown revitalization initiatives and help us beef up our business retention and expansion efforts.”

Muskingum Watershed Conservancy Foundation received its second donation from the charity classic. The nonprofit is dedicated to supporting the mission of the conservancy district, providing financial resources that enhance facilities, programs and conservation efforts on or adjacent to district lands and waters. “We’re excited and very fortunate to receive this donation,” stated Executive Director Sheila Hurley. “The foundation and Encino Energy share very similar values and prioritize efforts to make our community a better place — from supporting youth and first-responder programs, to water and environmental preservation efforts. These new funds will be used to help us find new ways to make an ongoing, positive impact within our service area.”

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio received its second donation. The regional community foundation serving Appalachian Ohio’s 32 counties said its mission is to create opportunities for citizens and communities by inspiring and supporting philanthropy. “We’re very grateful for the generous support provided by Encino and its vendors and the continued partnership,” said President and CEO Cara Dingus Brook.

“This support will contribute to projects in Guernsey and Noble counties that improve health, create educational opportunities, advance economic development and environmental stewardship and provide new access to arts and cultural experiences to ensure our communities flourish.”

“We’re proud to be in a position to support these great organizations with our vendors,” said Hardy Murchison, founder and CEO of Encino Energy.

“Each is well deserving. These donations will bring meaningful change here and to the state of Ohio. We’ll continue to find ways to make positive impacts in the lives of our employees, vendors and citizens in the communities where we operate.”