In recognition of the important role the organization plays in anchoring central Ohio’s arts sector and its innovative work to inspire the community through music, ProMusica has been selected as the 2025 honoree of The Columbus Foundation Award. Established in 1979, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra is known for its exceptional artistry, audience intimacy, and community engagement.

In recognition of their many contributions to the Columbus region and their exceptional leadership, the Edwards Family has been selected as the 2025 honorees of The Harrison M. Sayre Award. As a family of builders, dreamers, and doers, the Edwardses have brought new development, character, and opportunity to central Ohio.

Ann Hamilton’s art may best be described as a multi-sensory experience that is tactile, immersive, and ephemeral. Known for her large-scale multimedia installations, public projects, and performance collaborations, Hamilton’s work has been extensively featured across the globe, from Kumamoto, Japan and Paris, France to Stockholm, Sweden and Washington, D.C., and, most recently, in England.

Learning to play several musical instruments requires dedication, hard work, and genuine skill. Mastering the ability to play multiple instruments simultaneously, though, could be considered an act of pure genius.

Long before Amazon, Facebook, and Google became household names, Jeff Wilkins entered an unassuming building at 1387 W 5th Avenue in Upper Arlington to launch CompuServe, a computer time-sharing service. Wilkins would go on to successfully help build a company that would fundamentally transform the way people connect and share information online.

Growing up on the east side of Columbus in the 1920s, Bill Willis experienced significant challenges in his early years. After his father died of pneumonia when Willis was just 18 months old, Willis was raised by his mother and grandfather amid the Great Depression and during a painful era of racial segregation and discrimination. 

Discover how Walk with a Doc, founded by cardiologist Dr. David Sabgir, grew from one local walk to a global movement promoting health, connection, and well-being.

Former State Senator Ben Espy was a respected leader, a committed civil servant, and a devoted family man. Today, his legacy of service lives on through the Senator Ben Espy Opportunity Fund, which supports youth and expands opportunity across central Ohio.

For more than 60 years, House of Hope has provided compassionate care and long-term support for individuals with substance use disorders. Rooted in community, it offers a true home for healing, recovery, and new beginnings.

Laura Harper, a dedicated educator and volunteer, created a lasting legacy through her Donor Advised Fund and planned gifts at The Columbus Foundation. Her generosity continues to support the community and the arts, reflecting a lifelong commitment to making a difference.