Donnelly Continues to Share with Piqua: A Jackpot That Keeps on Giving

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Richard Donnelly, founder of The Donnelly Donor Advised Fund, presents a grant check to The Miami County Dental Clinic, joined by dental students from The Ohio State University serving at the clinic.

When Richard Donnelly was part of a group of Piqua city employees who hit the Mega Millions jackpot in 2008, his win wasn’t just a change in personal fortune, it became a win for the entire community. Rather than simply enjoying his good luck alone, Richard came to The Piqua Community Foundation with a strong desire to give back to the place he proudly calls home.

With Richard’s vision and generosity, several funds were established through The Foundation to support causes close to his heart and help those who call Piqua home. Among these is The Donnelly Donor Advised Fund, which continues to make a powerful and lasting difference by supporting organizations that directly serve local residents.

The decision-making process for the grants is a collaborative effort. A dedicated committee, including Richard, Emma (Donnelly) Ford, Kathy McMaken, Frank Patrizio, and Luke Thoma, meets annually to determine the recipients of The Donnelly Donor Advised Fund grants.

Richard Donnelly presenting a grant check to Rebecca Sousek, Executive Director of Piqua Compassion Network.

In 2025, sixteen organizations received grants from the fund, totaling $36,250. Recipients included:

  • American Legion Department of Ohio Charities
  • Bethany Center
  • Edison Foundation
  • Friends of Mainstreet Piqua
  • Greene Street United Methodist Church
  • Miami County Dental Clinic
  • Miami County YMCA
  • Piqua Arts Council
  • Piqua City Schools
  • Piqua Civic Band
  • Piqua Compassion Network
  • Protecting our Water Ways
  • Salvation Army
  • The Piqua Community Foundation
  • Upper Miami Valley Young Life
  • YWCA Piqua
Richard Donnelly, alongside Staci Roth, Executive Director of Mainstreet Piqua.
“Rich is truly a blessing to Piqua, and when he won, we all won. His generosity is inspiring to witness, and we are extremely thankful that he chose to share with us. He is a true example of our motto: ‘When you share with us, we share with many.’”
Kalette N. Hittle
Executive Director, The Piqua Community Foundation

Richard’s decision to share his winnings has benefitted so many residents of Piqua, demonstrating that a single act of good fortune can be transformed into a legacy of community support and lasting impact.

To learn more about The Donnelly Donor Advised Fund or to explore how you can create your own charitable legacy, visit www.piquacommunityfoundation.org or call The Foundation office at 937.615.9080.

Richard Donnelly and Jeff Clark, Principal at Piqua Junior High School.
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