History and More Information
National Make A Difference Day
Make A Difference Day is the most all-encompassing national day of helping others.
It was the brainchild of Marcia Bullard, CEO & Editor of USA WEEKEND Magazine.
In 1992, the publication promoted the concept of setting aside a day to do something
nice for your neighbors. The staff of USA WEEKEND Magazine was truly amazed at the
response, when over 70,000 people across the country volunteered in their hometown
communities. In the decade since its inception, that number has swelled to well
over 3 million people tackling thousands of projects that help more than 25 million
people every year.
Make A Difference Day Ohio
In 2000, Hope Taft, Ohio’s former First Lady, joined forces with the Ohio Community
Service Council and a 45-member statewide steering committee to promote and recognize
outstanding projects in the state. Jim Tressel, Head Football Coach, The Ohio State
University, joined the team in 2001 - as co-chair with Mrs. Taft. In 2006, Frances Strickland, First Lady of Ohio, became the new honorary co-chair, along with Coach Tressel.
OHIO WAS A NATIONAL AWARD WINNER IN 2002!
USA WEEKEND Magazine recognized Make A Difference Day Ohi (MDDO) as one of 10 National
Make A Difference projects at halftime of the 2002 Spring OSU football game. Co-chairs
Mrs. Hope Taft and Jim & Ellen Tressel were on the field to receive a $10,000
check presented to MDDO from philanthropist Paul Newman.
Thanks to financial support from American Electric Power, an "in kind" donation from Mills James Production, and the award monies,
a MDDO music video was produced. The project included an original music score/lyrics and is proudly used each year in our promotional outreach efforts.
OHIO WAS NATIONAL ENCORE AWARD WNNER IN 2005!
As a result of Ohio's 2004 efforts, USA WEEKEND presented their National Encore
Award and a check for $10,000 to Ohio's MDDO Co-Chairs and Steering Committee
at the Spring 2005 Ohio State Football game. USA WEEKEND reports that 838 projects
(a new record) were implemented in Ohio. This award was used to recruit more volunteers
to "lend a hand" in their communities.