22nd Annual National Philanthropy Day Honorees

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser:
James E. Ghory, Jr.

Ghory, a Kettering Rotarian, is well-known in the Dayton community as an ardent fundraiser, passionate advocate and an action-oriented leader for numerous area non-profits, including serving as past board chair of Catholic Social Services and the current board chair of the Kettering Backpack Program.  Kettering Mayor Don Patterson said of Ghory’s founding of the Mayor’s Ball, “Believe me, I have no shortage of great ideas from individuals; however, someone suggesting a great idea and also willing to step up to the plate, chair, organize and motivate volunteers is a rare commodity.” 
 

Outstanding Fundraising Executive:
Marsha Froelich

Froelich, the former Executive Director of Clothes That Work, expanded her non-profit's financial ability to serve clients with professional clothing, image counseling and training for job seekers.  She created the C.E.O. Society, whose members fund Clothing, Education and Opportunities, embarked on a capital campaign which enabled Clothes That Work to improve its operational efficiencies and client services, and founded the popular Hunks In Heels event where good-humored males race in heels to raise funds.

Outstanding Foundation:
The Physicians’ Charitable Foundation of the Miami Valley

The Foundation develops innovative, system-based approaches to healthcare that improve the quality, accessibility and cost-effectiveness of healthcare services in the Greater Dayton area. Since its founding in 1991, the Foundation has invested nearly $6 million in our community for health initiatives as diverse as funding for children’s primary care and wellness education, nutritious foods for those who are homeless or living in poverty, automated external defibrillators for emergency heart attack care, capital funding to expand shelter services, and resources and advocacy programs for victims of physical or sexual abuse. 

Outstanding Large Corporation:
Premier Health Partners

As the largest corporate donor to Wright State University, Premier’s generous support has enabled the creation of the Premier Health Partners and Wright State University Neuroscience Institute and the Department of Geriatrics.  It also strengthens the Boonshoft School of Medicine as the Dayton region’s strongest biomedical research institution while it pairs with the region’s leading hospital system to create a new Department of Neurology. Additionally, Premier has donated millions to prevent violence, promote cultural understanding and diversity, offer healthy recreational opportunities for youth, energize community life through the arts, and reinvigorate neighborhoods. 

Outstanding Small Corporation:
Square One Salon & Spa

It is no coincidence that the founding of the ultra-successful Square One Salon & Spa ten years ago also marked the creation of one of our community’s most exciting fundraising events, Masquerage, which has now netted over $600,000 for AIDS Resource Center Ohio.  Corners #2 and #3 of salon owners Brent Johnson, Doug Henderson and Josh Stucky’s “four corner focus” clearly state their philosophy that “We will do anything we can to benefit those facing extraordinary challenges. Charity is part of our goal,” and that “Our strength is in our community, and we strive toward fostering its wellness and growth.”  With their business firmly committed to service to its clients, staff and community, Square One sets the bar for creative charitable causes in everything from award-winning exhibitions at the Humane Society’s Cat Walk to the Rubi Girls sold-out Thanksgiving weekend shows. 

Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy (18-23):
Rachel Gearhardt

Gearhardt, a student at the University of Dayton, embodies the school’s message to students to Learn to Lead and Lead to Serve. Whether founding a charity golf tournament, serving as a fundraising intern at St. Vincent de Paul, chairing Dance Marathon to benefit Dayton Children’s or presiding as president of Alpha Phi Omega, the University’s 140+ member, co-ed service fraternity, Gearhardt  inspires others to serve our community.  

When Mayeux realized he would have the distinction of turning 10-years old on 10-10-10, he was inspired to use the date as a catalyst for helping charities.  He turned his birthday celebration into a 10-day event including baking brownies, opening a lemonade stand, and biking a 10K to collect $2,340 and supplies for 10 local non-profits including the K12 Gallery, the Kettering Backpack Program and the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio.