A collaborative effort is underway to transform the shores of Buckeye Lake into a year-round tourism destination that will serve as a premier getaway for those in central Ohio and throughout the region.

There’s a saying that hangs on the wall of Dwight Smith’s home office. Our children’s lives are in our hands. Our future is in their hands. Not far from that is a map of the world with pins where Dwight’s program, My Special Word, is changing children’s lives. The pins stretch from North America and Europe to Africa and Asia.

For more than 12 years, young hands have helped plant, water, and harvest crops from the Highland Youth Garden, and with a recent expansion of the garden and purchase of a home to serve as valuable indoor space, Executive Director Shelly Casto says they’re just getting started.

Tim Morbitzer and Giancarlo Miranda are big believers in giving back to the community. With the help of The Columbus Foundation, the couple carefully developed a planned gift that will support the causes they’re passionate about—social justice, the arts, and the welfare of dogs—long after they’ve passed.

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.

The Wexner Center for the Arts remains a cultural hub in the Columbus community after 25 years.

Joe and Cary Hanosek’s family experiences and charitable interests transformed into an idea to help children with epilepsy.

Cindy Monroe, founder, president, and CEO of Thirty-One Gifts, started the direct selling company in 2003 with the goal to provide financial opportunities that empower and inspire women. Through her vision, she has changed the lives of more than 100,000 women who have chosen to join the business as independent sales consultants.

American Electric Power and American Electric Power Foundation have been champions of efforts to make the central Ohio community stronger for many years. They were key partners in helping transform the downtown riverfront into a destination with parks and exciting amenities for residents and visitors alike, and have supported a wide range of nonprofit organizations and programs.