“My family moved to Old Orchard when I was nine years old,” said Jim, recalling the day he first became friends with Leonard — or “Len,” as Jim calls him. “School was out and I didn’t know anyone in the new neighborhood, so I went out for a bike ride. I saw Len and recognized him as the kid that always beat me at swim meets — so I stopped to talk with him.”

That initial encounter led to a friendship so strong, Len would call the two of them “the dynamic duo” throughout their lives. Though the boys went on to play different sports (Jim, football; Len, swimming) and went on to different careers (Jim practiced law, Len owned and managed four cosmetology schools), they remained best buddies, enjoying area nightlife when young and travel as they grew older, and occasionally reconnecting with high school buddies, until Len’s passing from a second bout with cancer in 2022.

“Len had philanthropic gifts in mind before cancer struck him a second time,” said Jim. “He owned and operated a number of cosmetology schools and wanted to use some of what he had accrued over the years to support two of his greatest loves in life: swimming and animals,” he recalled fondly. “He wanted my help to create something special with the resources he would eventually leave behind.”

Jim was especially pleased that the Toledo Police K-9 unit will honor Len with a special patch recognizing his gift on K-9 handlers’ uniforms. “And one of their new pups has been named in his honor,” he added proudly.
“They’ve called him Lenny.”

Toledo, OH – July 19, 2024 - Greater Toledo Community Foundation (GTCF) has named area resident Kate Sommerfeld as President and Chief Executive Officer effective August 26.  She succeeds Keith Burwell, who announced in April that he will retire after more than 20 years with the organization.

“Kate was selected in a comprehensive three-month search. Her deep passion for our community and proven record as a nationally recognized nonprofit and philanthropy executive made her a clear choice to lead the Foundation,” said Mike Gibbons, chairman of the organization’s board of directors.

Ms. Sommerfeld is currently owner of Social Impact Consulting Solutions LLC, which advises foundations and businesses to create partnerships that harness philanthropic and human capital. She previously served as Corporate Vice President of Community Relations and Social Investment at ProMedica and as President of the Social Determinants of Health Institute. Earlier in her career she served as Director at the United Way of Wood County and as the Community Impact Manager for United Way of Greater Toledo. Her career has focused on uplifting communities by driving resources to economically underserved urban and rural communities, building cross-sector partnerships and strengthening the nonprofit sector.

Ms. Sommerfeld has been active on community boards, previously serving on the Toledo-Lucas County Homelessness Board, Voices for Ohio’s Children, Pathways Community Hub, Hospital Council of NW Ohio and the 5/3^rd Bank Northern Ohio Board.

“The search committee was impressed by both her vision and experience which will drive positive change for the Foundation and our community,” Mr. Gibbons said.

“I am honored to join a great board and staff at the Foundation to build upon the legacy of community impact that Keith Burwell and other leaders have accomplished,” Ms. Sommerfeld said. “In this new role, I intend to lead GTCF as a community convenor--building partnerships and fostering collaborative solutions.”

During his leadership, Mr. Burwell oversaw the growth of Foundation assets from $80 million to more than $400 million, grew to more than 1,000 new funds and produced investment of more than $270 million in community grants to support various causes.

“While exploring what’s next in my life, after nearly 21 years of dedicated and life-fulfilling leadership at GTCF, I’m inspired to pass the torch to a new visionary in Kate,” said Mr. Burwell. “Embracing change ensures the Foundation continues its legacy of innovation and building a thriving community. I’m excited for Kate, the Foundation and especially the community as she takes over as our new President and CEO.”

Ms. Sommerfeld has dual B.A. degrees in political science and child psychology from Purdue University and a Master of Public Administration degree, with a focus on child and family policy, from Bowling Green State University. She lives in Bowling Green with her husband, Matt and two children.

Greater Toledo Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in the region. The Foundation provides community leadership, bringing diverse groups of individuals and organizations together to develop and implement community-wide solutions to some of the region’s most pressing needs. Since 1973, generous donors have created more than 1,000 funds at GTCF, which today have a combined market value of approximately $448 million. Cumulative grants to support charitable projects over 50 years have totaled more than $269 million, with approximately $24.5 million granted in 2023.

Greater Toledo Community Foundation is pleased to announce the 2024 recipient of the Horace Gilbert Orser Memorial Scholarship. The Horace Gilbert Orser Memorial Scholarship was established in 1995 by Mrs. Grace Ford and her family to honor the memory of Mr. Orser and his commitment to both Princeton and the community of Perrysburg.

The 2024 recipient is Tanisha Dakhawe, daughter of Jaydeep and Deepali Dakhawe of Perrysburg, Ohio. She will be attending Columbia University, majoring in Physics and Political Science with a minor in Spanish.

The scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors from Perrysburg High School pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree at one of the following 12 Ivy League Schools: Amherst College, Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Princeton University, Trinity College, University of Pennsylvania, Williams College, or Yale University. This scholarship fully supports the educational expenses including tuition, on-campus room & board, meal plans, books and other education-related fees for the entire duration of the recipient's undergraduate degree (typically 4 years).

After 25 years of service, Chris Dziad, program officer has announced her retirement effective June 30, 2024.

During her tenure, Chris has played a vital role in the foundation's growth and impact. Her unwavering commitment and deep understanding of nonprofit work have been instrumental in shaping the Foundation's direction and fostering strong relationships within the Greater Toledo community.

“We are immensely grateful for the 25 years of outstanding service at Greater Toledo Community Foundation. Chris’s passion, knowledge and dedication have been foundational to our success and the positive influence we have had in our community”, said Keith Burwell, president of Greater Toledo Community Foundation.

Chris's impact on GTCF and the community at large will be felt for years to come. “I’ve been privileged to witness many changes in the community and appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the community’s growth. My 25 years at Greater Toledo Community Foundation have been truly rewarding”, said Chris.

Please join GTCF in thanking her for her service and wishing her well in retirement.

The Board of Trustees of Greater Toledo Community Foundation recently approved $138,966 in grants from the Toledo Mud Hens Baseball Club Helping Hens Fund to 19 area nonprofit organizations. 

Grants from the Toledo Mud Hens Baseball Club Helping Hens Fund are made to nonprofit organizations to promote overall fitness and wellness of children during warm weather months and capital projects designed to maintain or construct new sporting venues.

Grants were made to:

• Avenues for Autism - $5,000 to support a family counseling and service coordination program for youth with autism and their families.
• Ayersville Athletic Boosters - $20,000 to purchase and install outfield fencing, scoreboards, bleachers and dugout upgrades in Defiance, Ohio.
• Bible Temple Daycare - $6,381 to construct an outdoor playground and purchase baseball supplies.
• Bittersweet Farms - $7,000 to construct an accessible play area to benefit individuals with autism.
• Courageous Community Services - $6,650 to purchase pool supplies for a youth summer camp that benefits youth regardless of ability.
• GCW Charities - $6,000 to cover youth summer camp registration and T-shirt expenses.
• Girls on the Run of Northwest Ohio - $4,725 to support a positive self-esteem girl program by purchasing running shoes.
• Imagine For Youth Foundation - $2,500 to support a one-day youth football camp.
• Monroe Street Neighborhood Center - $5,000 to support Freedom School 2024.
• Mountain Mentors - $2,500 to support a youth week-long hiking trip to promote teamwork and reduce negative influences.
• Redeemed By Fitness, LLC - $4,710 to support a youth fitness and wellness program.
• Spectrum Sailing - $5,000 to support a specialized recreational boat sailing program for youth with autism.
• St. Paul Lutheran School - $5,000 to support the replacement of an outdoor playground in Ann Arbor.
• Stranahan Elementary PTA - $25,000 to support the construction of a barrier-free playground.
• Swanton Local Schools - $15,000 to support the construction of a new softball and baseball field.
• The Ability Center of Greater Toledo - $5,000 to support a family fun day to promote inclusiveness, fitness and wellness.
• The First Tee of Lake Erie - $5,000 to support the Girls Golf summer program.
• TJ Carrie Foundation Player’s Philanthropy Fund - $2,500 to support participants from northwest Ohio to attend Camp Carrie, designed for families and children diagnosed with heart disease.
• Toledo Lucas County Police Athletic League - $6,000 to support the summer baseball league.

Greater Toledo Community Foundation is pleased to announce the 2024 recipients of the Mr. and Mrs. William Block, Jr. Scholarship. The scholarships are provided by William Block, Jr. in memory of Carol Z. Block, his wife of 50 years who passed away in June, 2020. This scholarship, awarded first in 2017, provides twenty (20) $4,000 scholarship awards annually to individuals who graduate from a high school located in Wood or Lucas County, OH, who are pursuing a two or four-year undergraduate degree at Bowling Green State University, Lourdes University, Owens Community College or The University of Toledo. Recipients of this scholarship are eligible to receive the award for two consecutive years. The 2024 recipients are:

First-time recipients:

• Mohammad Abou-Dahech, Toledo Early College, attending University of Toledo
• Yasma Agha, Southview High School, attending University of Toledo
• Haley Altstaetter, Toledo Christian Schools, attending Bowling Green State University
• Madelyn Eckhart, Springfield High School, attending Bowling Green State University
• Brooklyn Foos, St. Joseph Central Catholic High School, attending University of Toledo
• Jessika Jeffries, Whitmer High School, attending University of Toledo
• Jamie Lipper, Clay High School, attending University of Toledo
• Aubrianna Marroquin,Southview High School, attending Bowling Green State University
• Summer Muhlenkamp, Anthony Wayne High School, attending Bowling Green State
  University
• Elizabeth Tussing, Bowling Green High School, attending Bowling Green State University

Renewal recipients:

• Jaden Bollinger, Southview High School, attending University of Toledo
• Edison Eschedor, Bowling Green High School, attending Bowling Green State University
• Grayson Gallaher, Clay High School, attending University of Toledo
• Salah Hamdah,Toledo Early College, attending University of Toledo
• Joseph Hover, Bowling Green High School, attending University of Toledo
• KristenKrolak,Northview High School, attending Bowling Green State University
• Jennifer LaLonde, Toledo Early College, attending University of Toledo
• Magdalena Meszaros, Bowling Green High School, attending Bowling Green State
  University
• Jenna Ramsey, Emmanuel Christian High School, attending Lourdes University
• Taylee Wachowiak, Northview High School, attending Bowling Green State University

This $1 million scholarship fund, managed by Greater Toledo Community Foundation, was established in 2016 by William and Carol Block to support students from Lucas and Wood counties who attend one of four area universities. It will distribute 20 scholarships each year for 20 years, with eligibility for renewal for an additional year.

Eligible applicants must plan to be full-time college students at one of the four qualifying colleges. The Scholarship Advisory Committee that reviews applications will consider grade point average as well as community involvement, such as volunteer experiences and/or paid employment, and need for financial assistance in order to continue education.

The Oswald Supporting Organization of Greater Toledo Community Foundation recently awarded grants totaling $166,954 to 10 nonprofit organizations:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio – $20,529 was awarded to support the Empowering Future Leaders program.
• Children’s Theater Workshop of Toledo – $25,000 was awarded to support the year-apprentice program jobs program for youth.
• D.O.V.E. Fund – $5,100 was awarded to support the Ban cua Ban Agent Orange Relief program.
• Grace Community Center – $13,125 was awarded to support the Grace Garden Co-Op project.
• Imagination Station – $13,200 was awarded to support the Family Reunification program.
• Mom’s House of Toledo – $10,000 was awarded to support Laurie’s Place.
• Partners in Education – $23,000 was awarded to support the College & Career Ready program.
• The Victory Center – $12,000 was awarded to support non-medical therapies and supportive services for cancer patients and their families. 
• Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts –$20,000 was awarded to support the Community Music Lessons program.
• Toledo Zoo – $25,000 was awarded to support the Teens Understanding Research Techniques and Learning Ecology (T.U.R.T.L.E.) program.

The Oswald Supporting Organization was created by the late Joan and Chuck Oswald in 2000 to support projects in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan that enable families to develop skills to nurture each other and to promote the advancement, self-sufficiency and intellectual, social, emotional and cultural growth of woman and children.

The Board of Trustees of Greater Toledo Community Foundation recently approved $22,400 in grants from the Bill Rowles Youth Foundation Fund to eight area nonprofit organizations. Grants from the Bill Rowles Youth Foundation Fund are made to nonprofit organizations to support programs in northwest Ohio that enhance the lives of young people under the age of 21.

Grants were awarded to:

• Bittersweet Farms - $2,000 was awarded to support staffing and activity expenses that support recreational respite and social skills for individuals with autism.
• Black Swamp Conservancy - $3,000 was awarded to support an outdoor education learning program to benefit Otsego and Eastwood students by hosting six workshops for teachers.
• GreaterGenerations - $3,000 was awarded to support a youth work experience program, primarily for high-risk youth.
• Leading Families Home - $3,000 was awarded to support youth that are temporarily residing in a family shelter by covering the cost of extra-curricular activity fees, equipment and supplies.
• Mountain Mentors - $3,000 was awarded to support a mentoring program for at-risk teens that culminates with a week-long backpacking trip in New Hampshire.
• Ohana Project - $3,000 was awarded to provide general operating support for a program that provides basic needs, mental health and support for youth who have aged out of the foster care system.
• Open Arms Transformation Living - $3,000 was awarded to cover staff and mentor expenses to develop a teen-to-teen date rape prevention education program.
• The Salvation Army - $2,400 was awarded to provide scholarships for five Wood County youth to attend a week-long outdoor and team building camp in Carrol County, Ohio.

The Boards of Trustees of Greater Toledo Community Foundation and Waterville Community Foundation recently approved eight grants totaling $47,600 from the Katherine R. Smith Funds for Youth to support programs in northwest Ohio that enhance the lives of young people under the age of 18.  

• Advocating Opportunity –$8,000 was awarded to support trauma-responsive legal assistance and social service programming for youth who have been victimized by human trafficking.
• Anthony Wayne Community Food Ministry – $8,000 was awarded to support the weekend food bag program for families in the Anthony Wayne School district.
• Courageous Community Services – $7,900 was awarded to support the Courageous Acres Peer Buddy Summer Camp program.
• Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center – $4,000 was awarded to support the Children’s Advocacy Center.
• Nature’s Nursery – $3,700 was awarded to support wildlife and conservation education programming for elementary school students in Monclova, Waterville or Whitehouse, Ohio.
• Riverbend Equine Therapy Services, Inc. d.b.a. H.O.O.V.E.S – $4,000 was awarded to support an equine-assisted healing program that helps young people build self-esteem and communication skills.
• The Ridge Project – $7,000 was awarded to support a skills-based film and character training program for juvenile offenders at the Lucas County Youth Treatment Center.
• Toledo Zoo –$5,000 was awarded to provide memberships to qualifying families from the Anthony Wayne School district.

The Katherine R. Smith Funds for Youth provide support for programming that enhances the lives of young people up to age 18, with an emphasis on serving children with developmental disabilities or those who have been abused.  Any organization with services benefitting youth residing in Lucas or Wood Counties are encouraged to apply, with preference given to those that serve residents of Waterville and the Anthony Wayne Local School District. The annual deadline for proposals is January 31. 

Greater Toledo Community Foundation is a public charitable organization created by citizens of our community to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families in our area.  In existence since 1973, the Foundation has more than 970 funds with assets of approximately $400 million. The Foundation provides philanthropic services for individuals, families, businesses and corporations to meet their charitable giving needs. For more information about Toledo Community Foundation, visit www.toledocf.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

The Board of Trustees of Greater Toledo Community Foundation recently awarded grants totaling $6,000 from The Fund for Islamic Understanding, Education and Dialog to support programs of four nonprofit organizations. The Fund for Islamic Understanding, Education and Dialog supports projects, programs or services that provide educational opportunities that promote greater understanding of Muslims and the Islamic faith.

• Habitat for Humanity – Maumee Valley – a $3,000 grant was awarded to support the 2024 Faith Build project.
• The Foundation of the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo, Inc. – a $3,000 grant was awarded to the Islamic Food Bank of Toledo Weekender food bag program.

The Fund for Islamic Understanding, Education and Dialog of the Greater Toledo Community Foundation supports education or direct service programming that provide Muslims and non-Muslims opportunities to work together and engage in interpersonal dialogue and may be used to support multi-faith events if there is a significant emphasis on the Islamic faith.

Fund for Islamic Understanding Grants – April 2024 / 2 Greater Toledo Community Foundation is a public charitable organization created by citizens of our community to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families in our area.  In existence since 1973, the Foundation has more than 970 funds with assets of approximately $400 million. The Foundation provides philanthropic services for individuals, families, businesses and corporations to meet their charitable giving needs. For more information about Toledo Community Foundation, visit www.toledocf.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.