Foundation Awards
Each year, the Wayne County Foundation honors two individuals with the Charles A. Rodefeld and the Ruth J. Wickemeyer Awards. Read below for more details on each award. Nonprofits whose candidate(s) are selected will receive a $5,000 unrestricted award. 2024 Nominations are now open.
Rodefeld Award
Wickemeyer Award
For Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy
For Achievement in Nonprofit Leadership
or Service
The award honors Charles A. Rodefeld, who was not widely known as a philanthropist. He was someone who made a quiet, yet significant impact in addressing community needs. Charlie served as the first President of the Wayne County Foundation and played a key role in establishing the organization in 1979.
Honoring the Wayne County Foundation’s first executive director, Ruth J. Wickemeyer. The annual award that shares her name honors her impact and passion for community progress. She began her role in 1984 and held the position until 1996. Ruth is perhaps best remembered for maintaining the highest ethical standards and expressing true and sincere appreciation for even the smallest contributions.
The Rodefeld Award aims to honor Wayne County individual(s) who have served faithfully and effectively, often without seeking recognition, and have provided both leadership and substantial financial contributions over the years. The first Rodefeld award was presented to Charlie Rodefeld in 1994 for his leadership in philanthropy.
To be eligible for the award, a candidate or candidates must have:
- Provided significant leadership and financial support over time.
- Built relationships and furthered public trust in philanthropy.
The Nominating Organizations must be:
- A nonprofit organization in Wayne County.
- Willing to complete the online application and provide three letters of support that confirm your candidates’ qualifications.
During her tenure, Ruth helped grow the Foundation into a well-established community foundation with more than $8 million in assets. Outside her work as executive director, she held leadership roles with Reid Hospital Foundation and Earlham College.
To be eligible for the award, a candidate must be:
- A board member, staff member, or volunteer of a Wayne County nonprofit.
- Demonstrates leadership in the fulfillment of the mission and values of the organization.
- Demonstrates commitment and dedication to the organization.
The Nominating Organizations must be:
- A nonprofit organization in Wayne County.
- Willing to complete the online application and provide three letters of support that confirm your candidate’s’ qualifications.
2023 Award Winners
Tom and Chris Hilkert
2023 Charles A. Rodefeld Award Winners
Sam Witherby
2023 Charles A. Rodefeld Award Winner
Tom Alberts
2023 Ruth J. Wickemeyer Award Winner
Jenie Lahmann
2023 Ruth J. Wickemeyer Award Winner
Previous Rodefeld Award Winners
Winners 1994-Present
1995 – Robert W. Rosa
1996 – J. Ross and Natalie Harrington
1997 – Kathleen Postle
1998 – Becky Rosa
1999 – John M. Harlan
2000 – Jim and Helen Cope
2001 – William R. Niersbach
2002 – Victor R. Jose
2003 – Donald C. McCullough
2004 – Tom and Claire Ann Milligan
2005 – Inezetta Stiver
2006 – Paul Lingle
2007 – Andy Cecere
2008 – Albert Gentry
2009 – Jon Ford
2010 – David and Carla Stidham
2011 – Richard ‘Jeff’ Jeffers
2012 – Cheri Jetmore
2013 – Father John Luerman
2014 – Frank and Mary Alice Adney
2015 – Jack and Debra Edelman
2016 – Ray Ontko
2017 – Ginger Gray
2018 – George Schmid
2019 – Rick Ahaus
2020 – Monica Koechlein
2021 – Roy Ridge*
2022 – Dave Rogers
*Awarded Posthumously
Previous Wickemeyer Award Winners
Winners 2006-Present
2007 – Wilbur Rodenberg
2008 – Dr. James Daggy
2009 – Betty Mark
2010 – Alan Spears
2011 – David Nixon
2012 – Jill King
2013 – Penn Ansorg
2014 – Aileen Wickett-Harris
2015 – Karole Passmore
2016 – Mark W. Harris
2017 – June Miller
2018 – Margurite Clark
2019 – Bill and Marilyn Martus
2020 – Aileen Githens
2022 – Robin Henry