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The Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF) is pleased to announce that it has selected Marc Scott to receive its annual Louis E. Waller Humanitarian Award.

Marc Scott

The award recognizes a local individual or organization devoted to the promotion of human welfare or the advancement of social reform as evidenced by humanitarian deeds in the community, whether local, national, or international.

In 2009, Scott’s only daughter, Olivia, fell victim to cancer following her junior year of high school. His friend, Margie Six, who nominated him for the award, wrote, “Marc, with the support of his wife, family and friends, has channeled his grief into a wonderful organization that honors the memory of a very special young lady.”

Spending time with Olivia at the hospital during her illness gave Scott ample opportunity to think about the generosity exhibited by his family, coworkers, friends, and the community in that difficult and heartbreaking period. “They all gave so much, so graciously, and without expectations, and I wondered how you can ever pay something like that forward,” remarked Scott.

The answer, he decided, was to establish the Olivia Scott Foundation (OSF) to honor the memory of his daughter. Initially, Scott thought he could, perhaps, raise a few thousand dollars to help others in need by selling Sarris candy bars and Four Star coupons. Eight years and innumerable events and activities later, the foundation has expanded far beyond his initial expectations. Last year, OSF raised and donated more than $50,000, staying true to its mission of providing compassionate assistance to youth in life-threatening or changing situations, offering educational assistance, and helping organizations that promote sportsmanship.

“These three different areas reflect Olivia herself,” Scott says, explaining that she once spent money she had earned herself on gifts for an Angel Tree child, and specifically one she thought no one else would choose; was a conscientious student; and lettered in track and volleyball.

And so, under Scott’s leadership and with his personal participation, the foundation honors Olivia in numerous ways: giving young patients at Children’s Hospital toys and gifts during the holiday season; delivering a Christmas lunch to the nurses and staff on the cancer floor at the hospital; and holding a gently-used prom dress sale for young women in need who otherwise might not have the opportunity to attend this important high school event.

As he is honored for his tireless efforts to help others through humanitarian deeds, Scott is quick to point out that he couldn’t do it alone. He thanks his wife, Anne, and sons, Jonathan and Patrick, who are extremely generous about all the time he shares with the foundation and who help to make it possible; the 20-member foundation board, all volunteers, who help to expand the organization and its outreach; and the community, including numerous vendors and businesses who step up to donate their time, services, and resources for events and activities.

“The name on the award might say ‘Marc Scott,’ but the award is not all just me. I am humbled to be included with past winners of this award.”

The Louis E. Waller Humanitarian Award was presented to Scott at the WCCF’s annual Legacy Luncheon on Friday, May 19. In his honor, the Foundation will award a $1,000 unrestricted grant to the Olivia Scott Foundation.

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