Thanks to you, we raised more than half a million dollars to benefit Columbus Metropolitan Library. Together, we will be a thriving community where wisdom prevails.

Co-Chairs:  
  • John Behal 
  • DeeDee Glimcher
   
Committee Members:  
  • Lauren Bonfield
  • Barbara Brandt
  • Laney Burgdoerfer
  • Darci Congrove
  • Mary Jo Conte
  • Sue Cooper
  • Melanie DeAscentis
  • Barbara Derrow
  • Sandy Doyle-Ahern
  • Marjorie Duffy
  • Scott Gaines
  • Diane Garland
  • Tracy Harrison
  • Charlotte Kessler
  • Gale King
  • Patrick King
  • Wayne Lawson
  • Vicki Linville
  • Victoria Losinski
  • Jennifer McNally
  • Katharine Moore
  • Lynne Redgrave
  • Corde Westwater Robinson
  • Renée Shumate
  • Barbara Siemer
  • Sheila Smith
  • Catherine Strauss
  • Hope Wolman
  • Ed Yen
  • Ellen Yen 

    As of Oct. 5 2020
   

Dr. Abraham Verghese

Our author, Dr. Abraham Verghese, shared his unique perspective as an infectious disease physician whose acclaimed novel, My Own Country, focuses on the impact of a health crisis and the healing power of community. He is a bestselling author and a prominent voice in medicine with a uniquely humanistic view of the future of healthcare. His most recent novel, Cutting for Stone, was a runaway hit, topping the New York Times bestseller list for over two years and earning a movie deal. His upcoming book, The Maramon Convention, is highly anticipated. In addition to being a renowned author, he has served on the faculty of many universities, is a popular TED speaker, a regular contributor to NPR and the New England Journal of Medicine, and, in 2015, President Obama awarded him with the National Humanities Medal.

POWER OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Celebration of Learning is the library’s only fundraising event and we need you. The library is facing one of the biggest challenges in its history. With community support, we can adapt our services to meet the changing needs of our customers: assisting our neighbors struggling to find work, supporting students in this unique school year and providing access to help narrow the digital divide. With steep declines in our funding, we will depend on contributions from donors like you to help make our critical work possible.

JSS Awardee

Mary Lazarus

Mary Lazarus is a civic and philanthropic leader who has used her voice and philanthropy to further social justice in our community. She has provided leadership and vision to organizations such as Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio, Action for Children, Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, and many more. She has been honored with the YWCA Women of Achievement Award and in 2015 was inducted into the Columbus Hall of Fame. Her commitment to volunteerism, human rights, and social services has left an indelible mark on our community.

2020 Honorary Chairs

Achea and Michael Redd

Central Ohio residents Achea and Michael Redd will serve as the honorary chairs at the 2020 Celebration of Learning. Both have a deep and decades long connection to Columbus and have since become stars off the court through their philanthropic investments in the community. In his retirement, Michael has become an accomplished entrepreneur and venture capitalist. Achea Redd is a mental health advocate, author of Be Free. Be You. and founder of Real Girls F.A.R.T.—a space to empower and equip women with the necessary tools to become their best, most authentic selves.

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