A generous Thursday evening for Bexley organizations.

Last Thursday early evening was the occasion for Bexley Community Foundation announcement of its 2012 major grant awards.  The event was conducted at the Columbus Foundation building on East Broad Street.   A student jazz trio from Capital University provided music prior to the event.  Catering was provided by Cornucopia Comestibles. One hundred seventy six guest attended representing donors and grant recipients.   

Susan Quintenz chair of BCF, introduced the event

Judy Brachman, vice chair of BCF announced the individual awards.

Denise and Barry Blank were honorary chairs.  These Bexley residents were honored for establishing the first BCF named-fund, the Denise and Barry Blank Tree Fund.  Their donation supports the planting of trees in Bexley. During 2012, twenty-four trees will be planted on South Cassady Avenue in memory of twenty-four deceased members of Barry’s high school class of 1962 As children, the Blanks supported the planting of trees in Israel.  The Blank Woodland is now a glen of 2,500 trees.

Major grants announced were

Bexley Historical Society, preventive conservation assessment

Capital University and Bexley Public Library, Bexley Chautauqua event “When Ohio was the Western Frontier.”  A collaboration with Bexley Historical Society, Bexley Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Bexley Mayor’s office, City of Bexley Recreation and Parks Department, Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus

City of Bexley, Movies on Main.  A collaboration with Capital University and Friends of the Drexel.

City of Bexley Recreation and Parks Department, Alum Creek Park Plan.  A collaboration with Alum Creek Corridor Committee.

City of Bexley Recreation and Parks Department, Jeffrey Mansion brick walkway.

Friends of the Drexel, upgrade to digital cinematography

The occasion was also used to add Bexley Public Radio Foundation to the roster of small grant recipients announced earlier in the year. The grant to BPRF will pay for a portion of the music license necessary for the radio station to stream its music programs on the internet.

BCF also announced the 2012 Cornerstone Award for philanthropy and community service.  Recipients of the award are Rodney and Donna Wasserstrom.  Through their family, businesses and temple they have set examples of charitable giving and community engagement that few people match.  Their willingness to help when need arises is a rare gift to the central Ohio community.