Sep 16, 2014 3 min read

Rice Energy extended a million thanks to first responders Tuesday – and nearly a half-million dollars.

“Not only are you keeping your communities safe, you are keeping workers in these communities safe,” said Toby Rice, president, chief operating officer and director of the oil and gas company.

During a luncheon at its Southpointe headquarters, Rice Energy donated $461,000 to first responders from communities in Washington and Greene counties where it has a footprint. Twenty groups received checks, ranging from $3,500 to $35,000, with 14 of them getting $30,000-plus.

The money came from 49 sponsors of Rice’s annual Marcellus Mania event, a community picnic that unfolded Aug. 2 at the Washington County Fairgrounds.

“It is a twofold project,” said Kimberly Urcho, community relations director for Rice, an exploration and production company. “The picnic is to say thank you to the community at large, and it is a fundraising effort that has grown immensely.”

Immensely, indeed. This was the third Marcellus Mania, which yielded $30,000 in donations two years ago and $110,000 in 2013. The increase this summer was more than quadruple.

None of the first responder representatives on hand knew beforehand how much money each entity would receive. Most, if not all, individuals were gratified and highly satisfied by the amount of their bounty.

“Surprise, surprise,” said Ray McVay, vice president of Lone Pine Volunteer Fire Department. “This means a heck of a lot. We’re going to buy a new truck, and this will help.”

“Thirty thousand – that tickled me to death,” said Tootle Phillips of New Freeport VFD in Greene County, which abuts West Virginia and assists on some calls in the Mountaineer State.

“We need a new fire truck,” Phillips said, adding she has “held every office but chief” in 40-plus years with the department. She and her husband, Terry, are life members, meaning both have at least 35 years of service.

Greene County Commissioner Blair Zimmerman attended along with his Washington County contemporaries – Larry Maggi, Diana Irey Vaughan and Harlan Shober.

Zimmerman, a firefighter for 18 years in Waynesburg, said the donation “was close to my heart. I’m probably just as excited as these guys.”

“Because we’re an independent, this keeps our doors open,” said Becky Davis of Graysville Volunteer Fire Company in Greene, standing next to her husband and fellow firefighter, Ron.

The 49 sponsors raised $456,150, with Rice kicking in the rest of the $461,000.

The largest donation – $35,000 – went to Washington County Department of Public Safety.

Thirteen volunteer fire units each received the next-highest figure, $30,000. Nine are in Washington County – Amwell, Bentleyville, California, Cokeburg, Ellsworth, Fallowfield, Lone Pine, Richeyville and Valley Inn – and four are in Greene – Center Township, Graysville, New Freeport and Richhill.

Washington Ambulance & Chair, Fort Cherry Ambulance, Nottingham Safety Focus and South Strabane VFD each got $7,250; and McDonald and Midway VFDs received $3,500 apiece.