News & Updates

For Release on 22, March, 2007

Charles A. Rodefeld and Ruth J. Wickemeyer Awards

A significant aspect of the Wayne County Foundation’s mission is to spark creative philanthropy and encourage volunteerism.

The Charles A. Rodefeld Award for Leadership in Philanthropy and the Community honors a man who was not widely known as a philanthropist or worker for non-profit organizations. He was a person who moved quietly but steadily to help meet community needs, and he persevered even when the odds seemed insurmountable. Mr. Rodefeld loved his community, and served it well for more than fifty years. Accordingly, the Rodefeld Award seeks to recognize Wayne County citizens and/or companies who have served faithfully, though without fanfare; those who have provided leadership and significant financial support over the years. The Rodefeld award has been presented every year since 1994.

The Ruth J. Wickemeyer Award for Community Service was established in 2006 to recognize a not-for-profit leader (paid or volunteer) who personifies exceptional service to others in the name of community progress. Ms. Wickemeyer was the Foundation’s first Executive Director after holding leadership positions at Earlham College, Reid Hospital Foundation, and Up With People. During her tenure the organization grew from a committee of the Chamber of Commerce to a well-established community foundation with more than $8 million in assets under management. She is perhaps best remembered, however, for maintaining the highest ethical standards and expressing true appreciation for even the smallest contributions.

Nomination forms can be used to recommend candidates for each award. They may be duplicated for more than one entry per organization, and you may resubmit the names of previous nominees who continue to deserve recognition. Additional forms are available from the Foundation office or our Web site [Rodefeld | Wickemeyer].

We hope you will give this serious consideration and submit your nominations by Monday, April 16, 2007. This award will be presented at the Foundation’s Annual Report to the Community dinner on June 22. At that time a grant of $1,000 will be awarded to the 501(c)(3) organizations that submit the nomination for the honorees.