ASHLAND – The Ashland County Community Foundation Women’s Fund celebrated its 20th anniversary Monday night at Mount Vernon Estates.
More than 100 women attended to honor and recognize those who have helped support and empower women in Ashland County.
Among those honored was Dorothy Stratton, recipient of the 2024 Dr. Lucille G. Ford “Freedom from Selfishness Award.”
Established in 2013 and named for Dr. Lucille Ford, founding president of the Ashland County Community Foundation, this prestigious annual award recognizes women who have made long-standing contributions to philanthropy in Ashland County.
Dr. Ford defined philanthropy as “freedom from selfishness,” and she lived that definition throughout her life.
Dorothy Stratton (left) and Chief Operating Officer Christine Aspin, recipients of the 2024 Dr. Lucille G. Ford Freedom from Selfishness Award.
ACCF Chief Operating Officer Kristin Aspin said, “Although Dr. Ford is no longer physically with us, her bold and humble leadership spirit continues to inspire us at the Ashland County Community Foundation. Among the activities we carry out, it remains a strong memory for us.”
“It is such a joy to be in this room today, and it is because of the selfless efforts of people like Dorothy Stratton, recipient of the Dr. Lucille G. Ford Freedom from Selfishness Award in 2024. It lives in our community.”
Stratton’s contributions have had a positive impact on the public at large, from his work as a professor at Ashland University to his support of local cultural events and health and human services agencies.
It was there that she co-founded the School of Social Work at Ashland University, served as dean for more than 30 years, and inspired thousands of students during her tenure. Stratton urged them to stick to their beliefs and become agents of change.
Stratton also co-founded Ashland County Oral Health Services, also known as 9th Street Dental Clinic. This merged with Third Street Family Health Services, where he currently serves as a director. She was also instrumental in founding AU’s Ashland Center for Nonviolence.
She also serves on the Ashland Chautauqua Planning Commission and the Juneteenth Planning Commission.
Only one recipient is selected each year, and each award recipient has donated their time, talent, and resources to improve the lives of others and the community at large.
Sue Hyman, Ashland University’s former vice president for student affairs, said in a letter that Stratton “truly lives out the tenets of her faith: frugality, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship.” He is described as “one of the rare people,” the letter said. Increased support following Stratton’s nomination by Kush Pittenger.
Chief Operating Officer Christine Aspin displays a dictionary used by the late Dr. Lucille G. Ford.
“Dorothy gives so much to so many people. Her servant leadership is an inspiration to me and so many others,” Hyman said.
In nominating Stratton, Pittenger noted that when Dorothy is not participating in formal work for the various organizations she is involved with, she is involved in various life pursuits, including living in a nursing home and having various experiences. I wrote that I am in touch with people who are dealing with change. Bereavement or serious illness.
“No one can choose the environment in which they are born: whether they are born into stability or chaos, whether they are born into peace or suffering, whether they are born into wealth or poverty. The journey took him to the Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as the Quakers.
“So I found the words to express my understanding that there is something divine within everyone and therefore everyone should be respected and valued.” Strutt Ng said after receiving the award.
She recalled seeing a tragic story in the newspaper many years ago about a young child being taken away from a drug-addicted and uncaring mother. This story stayed with her for many years, and the well-being of both the child and his young mother weighed heavily on her mind.
“The question that came to my aching heart then was: How can I help without judgment? How can I help in an effective way?” she said.
Stratton added that for many years, the Women’s Fund has been working on the same issues and a desire to make the lives of women and children (and men, too) better.
“This commitment to child care is a testament to the dedication of those who have been given so much and are responsible for sharing their blessings. There is always more to do,” she said.
As a new component of the award, through a strategic grant from the Community Foundation, the Women’s Fund will now provide Ms. Stratton with $1,000 to donate to a nonprofit or charity of her choice.
Following Mr. Stratton’s remarks, attendees demonstrated this by awarding an EmpowHer Giving Circle grant to the Ashland County Cancer Society.
The Cancer Society was chosen by the public to receive half of the more than $8,000 in donations raised during the 20th anniversary celebration. The other half will be donated to the Women’s Fund for future grants.
Nominations for the Dr. Lucille G. Ford “Freedom from Selfishness” Award will be made in January and February 2025 as the Women’s Fund Steering Committee plans to move from next fall award dates to spring award dates. It will be accepted. Award recipients are selected by a committee of the Richland County Women’s Fund.
Previous recipients include Nancy T. Davis (2014), Janet L. Archer (2015), Nancy E. Kopp (2016), Ann J. Miller (2017), and Joanne Ford.・Dr. Watson (2018), Diana S. Brechbuehler (2019), Dr. Julia Wright (2020), Lori Gottfried (2021), Norma Wygant (2022), Elaine Hess ( 2023).
Ashland County Community Foundation
The Ashland County Community Foundation advances philanthropy and improves the quality of life in Ashland County by connecting caring people with important causes.
ACCF has awarded more than $33 million in scholarships, grants, and distributions.
