Residents of several communities in Belmont and Monroe counties will be a little bit safer, thanks to some generous donations from Rice Energy.

The natural gas driller held a fundraiser known as Marcellus Mania in July. On Friday, it distributed the $537,000 in proceeds from that event to first responders throughout the region. Thirty-five organizations — and, as a result, countless local residents — benefited.

Friday’s event marked the fifth year in a row that Rice has donated the proceeds from Marcellus Mania back to the communities in which the company is working.

Mike Lauderbaugh, Rice vice president of environmental health and safety, cited the importance of supporting local responders. He has been a first responder for 20 years himself, and he knows of the costs volunteer fire departments can face for vehicles, fuel, equipment and training.

Company President Toby Rice said Friday that with many others cutting costs and employees to reduce expenses, Rice officials briefly wondered if they should go forward with the Marcellus Mania event — but that was an “easy question to answer,” he said.

“This event represents the values of Rice Energy,” Rice said.

The company’s contributions to Belmont County entities totaled $112,000, while Monroe County agencies received a combined $21,000. Local departments awarded include: Clarington, Beallsville and Morristown VFDs, $10,500 each; Belmont County Emergency Management Agency, $25,500; Belmont, Bethesda, Smith Township and Powhatan Point VFDs, $19,000 each.

It is worth noting this is not the only way Rice Energy contributes to the community. In conjunction with the Smith-Goshen Rice Enrichment Fund, the company helps landowners provide grants to Belmont County nonprofits.

Rice Energy also hosted a holiday event at Ebbert Farm Market in December and collected more than 1,500 toys for Belmont County Toys for Tots.

We applaud Rice Energy for its efforts to make the communities where its operations are taking place better places to live.