As a college student, Doug Probst thought it was fun to serve as a big brother with NCAA Volunteers for Youth. It wasn’t until years later, however, that his little brother caught up with him and told him how much the experience had meant.

For her creation of this valuable fund, inspiring as it was in its imagination and hopefulness during one of the darkest days in United States history, and for the kind and generous spirit that Shirley brings to everyone around her, we honor the Lewisporte Area Flight 15 Scholarship Fund and its leading advisor and advocate, Shirley Brooks-Jones, as the inaugural winner of the Acorn Award.

Although the majority of Americans know we’re in the midst of an opiate crisis, less than 20 percent believe the risk threatens their family. This community initiative is tackling the statewide crisis through Denial, Ohio, a campaign to raise awareness.

A passionate advocate for enriching lives through education, Catherine Willis’ love for our community radiates through her enduring service to it. The Columbus Foundation is proud to honor Catherine's extraordinary service by presenting her with the 2020 Harrison M. Sayre Award.

From the beginning, White Castle innovator and founder Billy Ingram’s mission was to help team members and provide opportunities for them to better themselves. One way the Ingram-White Castle Foundation honors that legacy today is to help students achieve their educational dreams through scholarships. As White Castle celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2021, the Ingram-White Castle Foundation has added two special scholarships to recognize the historic event.

Directions for Youth & Families has played a vital role in the community for more than a century, offering mental, emotional, and behavioral health services to thousands of youth and their families each year. In partnership with 23 nonprofit organizations, the new Crittenton Community Center will offer services that address food insecurity, housing stability, and more, helping DFYF expand its reach to provide critical social services to even more youth and families.

The Ohio Benefit Bank gives people the tools and support to connect with valuable benefits and services.

Many don’t know that the first instrument Columbus native and world-renowned musician Rahsaan Roland Kirk played was a water hose. His passion and innovation would later inspire the establishment of a Scholarship Fund in his name.

Paul G. Duke was a remarkable businessman and philanthropist. He evolved his Miami County-based Duke Garden Centers into a national lawn and garden service, Chem-Lawn. Mr. Duke founded The Paul G. Duke Foundation, a Supporting Foundation, in 1983. F or more than 30 years, his daughter, Patricia Duke Robinson, has carried on her father’s legacy, serving as a respected leader of the foundation and valued community champion.