Ruth M. Tieche Friend of Philanthropy Award
Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF) Friend of Philanthropy Award was awarded for the first time in 2013. Named in honor of Ruth M. Tieche, this award is meant to honor those who make a difference in our communities through their philanthropic activities, which can include financial contributions that benefit the community; volunteering; and giving of their time, resources and skills for the betterment of the Wayne County area.
 | Ruth Tieche worked for 57 years at Freedlander’s Department Store, retiring in 1975 as personnel director. She passed away in March 1989, at the age of 90, leaving no survivors. Through a bequest, Ruth gave $384,000 to WCCF as an unrestricted gift. Her generosity brought the total assets under the care of the Foundation to more than $1 million – a major milestone for the young organization. With careful stewardship, her initial gift has continued to grow while also awarding funds back into the community through the Foundation’s competitive grant cycle. Unrestricted gifts, like the one provided by Ruth, allow the Foundation to meet the everchanging needs of our community for years to come. |
Previous Award Recipients
Recipients are honored at the Foundation's Annual Dinner, held in October, and a grant of $1,000 is made on their behalf to the charity of their choice. To read about each of our recipients, click on their name.
 Richard and Judy Seaman, 2022 Award Recipients | 2013 | Stanley C. & Flo K. Gault | |
| 2014 | The J.M. Smucker Family | ||
| 2015 | The Donald & Alice Noble Family | ||
| 2016 | Greg & Kathy Long | ||
| 2017 | Barry Romich | ||
| 2018 | Steve & Cheryl Shapiro | ||
| 2019 | Michael & Stephanie Reardon | ||
| 2022 | Richard & Judy Seaman | ||
| *No recipients in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. |
Do you know someone who has made a difference in Wayne County?
Wayne County
Community Foundation
517 North Market Street
Wooster, Ohio 44691
Phone: (330) 262-3877
Fax: (330) 262-8057
Email: contact@wccfoh.org
