News
David L. Belew Legacy Award
The 2016 David L Belew Legacy Award was given Thomas B. Rentschler posthumously at the Foundation’s Annual Meeting November 8th. Tom passed away in late October.
A lifelong Hamilton resident with deep roots in the community, Tom had a distinguished career at Citizen’s Bank where he served as President, CEO and Director. His service to the community includes serving in the Ohio House of Representatives as well as leadership roles with the Butler County United Way, Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, Hamilton Boys and Girls Club and the Greenwood Cemetery Association.
Tom was Executive Director of the Hamilton Bicentennial commission which targeted the Fitton Center for Creative Arts as its major legacy project and raised record breaking monies to make it a reality.
“The Fitton Center is a beautiful facility which has transformed the arts in our community,” says John Guidugli, president and CEO of the Hamilton Community Foundation. “Tom also chaired the restoration committee and co-chaired the fund-raising committee for the Lane Hooven House. This successful campaign enabled Clark Lane’s 1863 home to be restored and appropriately furnished.”
Today, the Lane Hooven House is the home of the Hamilton Community Foundation and is considered as one of the city’s most treasured landmarks.
Several years ago Tom donated the proceeds of the Thomas B. Rentschler Family Foundation to the Hamilton Community Foundation. Tom has also worked with a number of his relatives to encourage them to establish charitable funds at the Foundation, says John.
The Belew award honors those who have made significant contributions of time, talent and resources to improve the quality of life in our community. Previous recipients have included Dave Belew, the Parrish Family, Joel and Marilyn Schmidt, Ralph “Pat“ Carruthers, Joe Marcum and the Fitton Family.