2026 Evening of Generosity

Thursday, October 1, 2026, Hilton Columbus/Polaris Hotel

2026 Evening of Generosity Honorees

Click on the photos to view honoree videos.

Outstanding Volunteer: Joe Pemberton

Sponsored by: 

Joe Pemberton is a tireless champion for the Delaware County community, known for his infectious enthusiasm and deep commitment to service. In addition to his role as President and CEO of Suburban Natural Gas Company, Joe dedicates significant time and energy to local organizations, serving in leadership roles with the Rotary Club of Delaware, The Strand Theatre and Cultural Arts Association, and the Ohio Gas Association, while also supporting groups like People in Need and the Preservation Parks Foundation. A past Citizen of the Year honoree by the Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce, Joe’s impact is both broad and meaningful—bringing leadership, vision, and hands-on involvement to every cause he supports. His dedication continues to make Delaware County a stronger, more connected community.

Outstanding Business: GFS Chemicals

Sponsored by: 

For many years, GFS Chemicals has shown the impact of corporate giving by supporting education, the arts, science, and community health. Their contributions reach a wide range of organizations in Central Ohio, including the Delaware County Foundation, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Mid-Ohio Foodbank, and the Columbus Museum of Art. The company’s commitment to giving is closely linked to community growth, such as their support for The Arts Castle in Delaware, which Frances Hutchinson, the Matriarch of the Hutchinson Family, helped start. GFS also encourages education and innovation through programs like the G. Frederick Smith Memorial Lecture Series at the University of Illinois, the Midwestern Universities Analytical Chemistry Conference (MUACC), and the Ohio Chemistry Technology Council’s STEM education efforts. By staying involved and giving back, GFS Chemicals continues to have a positive impact in Delaware County and beyond.

Outstanding Youth: Olentangy Berlin Service Club

Sponsored by: 

The Berlin Service Club demonstrates that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact. Through a wide range of hands-on service initiatives, these dedicated young leaders give their time and energy to support their community—from participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and organizing highway and trailway clean-ups, to assisting with county fair ticket sales and recognizing peers through Student of the Month programs. Their commitment extends to scholarship initiatives, Rotary Youth Exchange awards, and programs like Supplies for Scholars and People in Need’s Holiday Clearing House distribution days. With compassion, initiative, and a strong sense of responsibility, the Berlin Service Club continues to set an inspiring example of youth-driven service and community pride.

Spirit of Philanthropy: Mark & Maria Pizzi

Sponsored by:  

Mark and Maria Pizzi embody the true spirit of philanthropy through decades of extraordinary service, leadership, and generosity. Their impact spans initiatives supporting youth, young adults, veterans, law enforcement, and historic preservation, with meaningful involvement in organizations such as United Way of Delaware County, Main Street Delaware, the Delaware County Historical Society, and Turning Point. From volunteering countless hours to providing transformational financial support, their contributions have helped launch vital programs and meet urgent community needs. Most notably, their leadership as co-chairs of the Turning Point Capital Campaign was instrumental in establishing Delaware County’s first domestic violence shelter. Through their advocacy and example, the Pizzis have inspired others to give back, strengthening the fabric of our community and creating a legacy of compassion and service.

2025 Evening of Generosity Photo Gallery

Click on the photo below to scroll through the photos.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

Diamond Sponsors

The Copeland Family
Elizabeth and Tomislav Mitevski
First Citizens National Bank
GFS Chemicals, Pamela & Steel Hutchinson
Henmick Farm & Brewery
Huntington National Bank
Jim and Karen Waters
Preservation Parks Foundation
Roetzel Charitable Foundation
Tracy and Andrew MacDowell
Trimble Insurance
Trucco Construction
Women Giving Together

Gold Sponsors

  • BIA of Central Ohio
  • Columbus State Community College
  • Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
  • Elford
  • Epcon Communities, Inc.
  • Kensington Wealth Partners, Ltd., Paula & Steve Tarpey
  • Kephart Fisher LLC
  • Isaac Wiles Law
  • Liberty Castings
  • Manos, Martin & Pergram Co., LPA
  • Marlene Casini
  • Minuteman Press of Dublin & Lewis Center
  • Modern Woodmen
  • Ohio Wesleyan University
  • Olentangy River Brewing
  • Orthopedic ONE
  • PPG Industries
  • Price Farms Organics, Ltd.
  • SKP
  • Stifel- The Yen Group
  • Stratos Wealth Partners, Susan Robenalt & Bob Hays
  • ToolMatics, Inc., Albert & Mindy Valko
  • Michael and Louise Weiner
  • Wilcox Communities

2024 Evening of Generosity Honorees

Outstanding Volunteer: Terry Troutman

Sponsored by: Trimble Insurance 

Terry Troutman epitomizes selflessness and dedication in Delaware County’s community. As a retired educator, his impact spans numerous organizations, from Indiana Springs Elementary to Powell United Methodist Church. At People in Need, Terry’s commitment shines brightest, orchestrating seamless resource distribution and inspiring others to join the cause. During the Holiday Clearing House, his organizational prowess earns him the moniker “Terry the Toyman,” bringing joy to thousands of children. Terry’s unwavering dedication embodies the essence of altruism, deserving recognition as a paragon of service and compassion in the community. 

Outstanding Business: The Robert Weiler Company

Sponsored by: Consolidated Cooperative and Suburban Natural Gas 

The Robert Weiler Company’s unwavering dedication to enhancing our community’s well-being embodies true servant leadership. Led by Bob and Skip Weiler, the RWC fosters a culture of giving back, encouraging staff to actively participate in community service initiatives. Skip’s long-standing commitment to organizations like Big Brothers/Big Sisters exemplifies their ethos of humility and genuine care. Moreover, Bob’s contributions to various causes, including education and housing projects, have significantly enriched Delaware County. The RWC’s instrumental role in developing the Polaris Shopping District and Northstar further underscores their positive impact on local economic growth. Their selfless dedication to improving our community deserves the highest recognition, making them truly deserving recipients of this prestigious award. 

Outstanding Youth: Natalie Gray

Sponsored by: Greif  

Natalie Gray, a student at Olentangy Liberty High School, transformed personal adversity into a movement for Pediatric Brain Tumor Research. Despite her own struggles, Natalie established the Natalie Gray Foundation to raise funds for this underfunded area of research. Through various efforts, including an annual basketball game fundraiser, the foundation has raised over $250,000 to date, with a commitment of $250,000 to the Connect Consortium. Natalie’s courageous and selfless approach has inspired her community, earning her recognition as the Columbus Dispatch Student of the Week. Despite undergoing treatments, she continues to participate in school activities, inspiring others with her tenacity. She exemplifies remarkable dedication and leadership, making her a deserving candidate for the 2024 Evening of Generosity Youth Award. 

Spirit of Philanthropy: Sue Bennington

Sponsored by: OhioHealth 

Sue Bennington is a standout nominee for the Spirit of Philanthropy Award in Delaware, Ohio. Her decades-long commitment to civic and charitable causes, coupled with her personal generosity, makes her an exemplary leader in the community. From her instrumental role in fundraising for Grady Memorial Hospital to her impactful presence on various boards, Sue’s dedication to volunteerism and philanthropy has left an indelible mark. Notably, her leadership as the first woman president of the Delaware Rotary Club and her involvement in establishing the Olentangy Rotary Club highlight her capacity to inspire others and effect positive change. Sue’s contributions extend to preserving cultural heritage through her work with the Strand Theatre and the Rutherford B. Hayes Heritage Committee. Her impact reaches far and wide, fostering a culture of giving and service in Delaware. Sue can lead with humility and empower others. Sue Bennington’s remarkable legacy of giving back and inspiring others makes her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

2024 Evening of Generosity Gallery

2023 Evening of Generosity Honorees

Outstanding Volunteer

Sue Allen has been a volunteer and docent at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for the last 40 years. She recruited others to get involved and shared her love and knowledge of animals and the importance of conservation. She is the editor of the newsletter, developing the docent program from 100 volunteers to 500 currently and improving the visitor experience. Sue is an ambassador for the community, providing recommendations to out-of-town guests about the amenities our community has to offer.

Outstanding Business

GREIF has the commitment to build a better tomorrow by giving back to our communities today. In accordance with The Greif Way, they strive to create a culture that supports the common good by using their financial and human resources to support charitable organizations that focus on education, health, and social services. In recent years, Greif has been a supporter of numerous organizations in the community including, The Ohio Wildlife Center, The Delaware Historical Society, Stratford Ecological Center, SourcePoint, Recreation Unlimited, Turning Point, People In Need, Habitat for Humanity of Delaware County, The United Way of Delaware County, Main Street Delaware, The Rutherford B Hayes Statue, and The Delaware County Foundation. Since 1951 Greif has truly made our community a better place to live, work and play.

Outstanding Youth

Tristan Cayce a junior at Olentangy High School chosen for his volunteer contributions to Blessings in a Backpack. He has served over 870 students in over 8 years in multiple roles, ranging from packaging and distribution to grant writing. His demonstration of commitment, purpose, and courage in the service of others is inspirational.

Spirit of Philanthropy

Marilyn Johnson Masters passed away in December 2021, but during her lifetime she led a life of exemplary service. She was an active volunteer, serving as a 4-H leader to hundreds of children, the President of Buckeye Valley Teachers Association, President of the Delaware County District Library Board, and served on the Grandy Hospital Foundation Board. She raised over 14 million dollars from nearly 4,000 donors for the Ohio State University 4-H Center. Marilyn had a passion for education and believed strongly that the community’s future depends on how well we prepare our young people. She created four scholarships with the Delaware County Foundation and at least two others at The Ohio State University. She truly demonstrated a spirit of philanthropy.

 

 

 

 

2023 Evening of Generosity Photo Gallery

Thank you to our sponsors and guests we enjoyed spending the evening with you. Photos by Mallory Made Media and Klatte Photography