Foundation renames award; seeks nominations for 2022 honorees

Wayne County Community Foundation announces the renaming of the Friend of Philanthropy Award after Ruth M. Tieche. Ruth worked at Freedlander’s Department Store for nearly 60 years, retiring in 1975 as personnel director. She passed away in March 1989, at the age of 90, leaving no survivors. Through a bequest, Ruth left $384,000 to the Foundation as an unrestricted gift.

Ruth’s 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.

The “Ruth M. Tieche Friend of Philanthropy Award” is now accepting nominations for 2022. First awarded in 2013, 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.

Previous recipients of the award include Stanley and Flo Gault; The J.M. Smucker Family; Donald and Alice Noble Family; Greg and Kathy Long; Barry Romich; Steve and Cheryl Shapiro; and Michael and Stephanie Reardon.

Recipient(s) will be honored at the Foundation’s Annual Meeting, held in October. They will also be presented with an engraved plaque and a $1,000 grant will be made on their behalf to the charity of the recipient’s choice.

Since 1978, the Wayne County Community Foundation has been working to strengthen the community we all share. It is a nonprofit charitable community organization. Since inception, WCCF has awarded over $95.6 million in grants and scholarships back into the community. For more information about Foundation call 330.262.3877 or visit www.WayneCountyCommunityFoundation.org.