Attending a grant-awarding ceremony in Selma is nothing new to me. It’s something I’ve done time and time again since I began working for The Selma Times-Journal in late September 2014.

But as often as I attend those events, it’s never boring. Instead it’s a pleasure, because I get to see the look of excitement that rushes over  recipients’ faces as they collect their grant money.

Thursday was no different when I attended International Paper Riverdale Mills’ annual Foundation Awards Luncheon, which was held at the YMCA of Selma-Dallas County. Guests were all smiles during the event, shaking hands and speaking with IP representatives about how much they appreciated the funding.

When I sat down to interview guests before the presentations, I had the pleasure of meeting Wannabe Rescued President Debbie Clark. She spoke to me about how instrumental the $3,750 employee involvement grant they received from IP would be in completing its mission to find permanent homes for shelter dogs.

Debbie even mentioned that she cried tears of joy when she learned that Wannabe Rescued would be receiving a grant, because she knew that her organization, which found 350 dogs’ homes last year, could use that money to take care of the stray dog population.

I could tell she was passionate about Wannabe Rescued, and it reminded me of how grateful I was to IP for their generosity. Their committee made tough, but wise decisions on which area schools and agencies were the most deserving of the grants.

As a result, more than 21 grants, totaling approximately $60,000, were awarded to area schools and nonprofit agencies that have major plans to make a positive impact on this city and county. Also National Geographic Explorer magazines subscriptions were given to public elementary schools with the Selma City and Dallas County school systems, totaling $8,480, according to IP communications manager Laura Gipson Clark.

One of the greatest things about it all is IP has have given plenty times before. Since their 1952 inception, it has given $10 million globally in grants to support community-based educational, civic and cultural programs striving to “do the right things in the right way for the right reason,” Laura said Thursday.

I am already anticipating next year when IP will yet again bless others in the community with funds. Until then, I’d like to congratulate this year’s recipients.

While you all may differ in the goals set for your particular school or nonprofit agency, you all have a similar goal to make this area better. I appreciate your contributions, and I’m excited to see the progress that will be made now that you’ve earned these additional funds.