COLUMBUS, OH (January 22, 2019) — Numerous community members were recognized during the launch of a new program at The Columbus Foundation today. Columbus’ True Originals celebrates those in our city who expand the horizons of Columbus through groundbreaking, original work.
Honorees included: Jeni Britton Bauer, founder of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams; David Brown, founder, Harmony Project; poet Barbara Fant; Opera Columbus and ProMusica’s World Premiere production, The Flood; author Wil Haygood; Dr. Mark Lomax II, composer of World Premiere, 12-CD work, “400: An Afrikan Epic”; and community members behind the Save the Crew effort.
A second award, the Columbus True Original Legacy Award, was presented to Sherri Geldin for her 25 years of leadership at the helm of the Wexner Center for the Arts.
“Columbus is filled with extraordinary talent shaping our culture and our community in ways big and small. By launching this program, we look to shine a light on those representing the best minds and hearts in our region.”
DOUGLAS F. KRIDLER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE COLUMBUS FOUNDATION
In honor of guests’ attendance, the Foundation made a donation to its Gifts of Kindness fund, which, through community nonprofit partners, will provide emergency financial assistance to employees affected by the federal government shutdown. The Foundation will continue to make a donation every day to the fund until the shutdown ends.
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation serves more than 2,500 individuals, families, and businesses that have created unique funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. Now 75 years strong, The Columbus Foundation is Your Trusted Philanthropic Advisor® and the eighth largest community foundation in the United States.