SNAPSHOTS
Beech Acres honors retiring leader Jim Mason at gala Beech Acres Parenting Center celebrated retiring President and CEO Jim Mason’s 42-year legacy of progressive innovation for children and families with a special event at the Taft Museum of Art. The program included entertainment by jazz vocalist Kathy Wade and an announcement of the results of the Jim Mason Champion for Children Campaign: $684,584 raised from 116 donors. The fund was established to honor Mason for his visionary leadership and to provide a strong foundation for the next CEO to accelerate her vision. Mason led the former General Protestant Orphan Home from a 19th century orphanage to the 21st century parenting center it is today. Under his guidance, Beech Acres deepened and expanded its mission, building upon children’s strengths. Jim received numerous awards for his forward-thinking approach. With Mason’s retirement, Laura Mitchell becomes president and CEO (See story, Page 18).
Jim Mason and Laura Mitchell Norah Clark, Kerry Clark and Cindy Crilley
Tim Stautberg, with Jim Mason’s 8 grandchildren, announces the results for the Jim Mason Champion for Children Campaign. Comfort Wendell and Rich Wendell
Program presenters at Jim’s Launch Party: Tim Stautberg, Bill McCloy, Jenny Franta, Kathy Wade, Jim Mason, incoming President/CEO Laura Mitchell, Eric Bruestle, Jill Huynh and Bob Shapiro
Elaine Billmire, Bob Shapiro and Elaine Fink
Hybrid walk at Kings Island raises nearly $400K for diabetes research The annual fundraising event for type 1 diabetes research returned this year with a hybrid version that raised more than $400,000. In the JDRF One Walk Kings Island-Your Way, participants could take part in the event virtually or visit Kings Island for “JDRF Day at Kings Island” – and complete a self-guided 5K walk. JDRF provided a scavenger hunt for walk participants. The traditional walk, done by more than 8,000 JDRF supporters each year, has participants gather in a section of the Kings Island parking lot before the park opens, walk through the park, then return to the lot for post-walk festivities. Last year, JDRF hosted the event virtually and this year it eased back with a hybrid format. This walk was the first to include the Columbus area, as JDRF Southwest Ohio merged with the JDRF Central Ohio chapter last year. www.jdrf.org 34
JULY 2021
Movers & Makers
Sarah’s Coaster Crew: Ryan Miller
Quentin’s Warriors: Mike Rogers, Kari Rogers, Quentin Rogers and brothers