(330) 262-3877

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.

Ron & Prue Holtman, 2024 Award Recipient	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	Stephen & Cheryl Shapiro
	2019	Michael & Stephanie Reardon
	2022	Richard & Judy Seaman
	2023	John C. Johnston III
	2024	Ron & Prue Holtman
		*No recipients in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Do you know someone who has made a difference in Wayne County?

Nominate them for the Friend of Philanthropy Award!

Nominee must be an individual or couple, who demonstrates a continuing history of volunteer work and/or contributions that advance the quality of life or grow community philanthropy in Wayne County, Ohio. Philanthropic activities, which may include: financial contributions, volunteering, and giving of their time, resources or skills.

Current WCCF board members and Foundation staff may not be nominated. Awards may be made posthumously if the recipient(s) passed away no more than twelve (12) months prior to nominations being due.

For full details, see the Friend of Philanthropy Award Guidelines and Nomination Form. Nominations must be received by WCCF by Noon on May 1.

Wayne County
Community Foundation
517 North Market Street
Wooster, Ohio 44691

Phone: (330) 262-3877
Fax: (330) 262-8057
Email: [email protected]

Follow us on: