MAN OF THE EVENING … Pioneer Mayor Ed Kidston (left) accepts the individual category Making a Difference Award. The winner of the organization category was Symphony of Trees, while Daavlin took the award for the business category.
By: Jesse Davis
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jesse@thevillagereporter.com
A clearly moved Pioneer Mayor Ed Kidston accepted the individual category Making a Difference Award for 2024 during Northwest State Community College’s 14th Annual Green Carpet Event on Thursday.
“You don’t have to know me very long to know that I love my community, and I’m so proud of my community – where the quality of living is high and the cost of living is low,” he said.
Among the causes Kidston has championed are 4-H, the North Central Athletic Boosters, the Williams County Fair Foundation, Pioneer summer recreation programs, United Way of Williams County, and the Pioneer Community Church.
“Including personal donations, he also helped raise over $250,000 to start up the North Central football program,” an event program read.
During his own remarks, Kidston gave equal praise to those who worked for him as well as those he worked with. He spoke of a “lifetime commitment to a common cause.”
“Making a difference doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” Kidston said. “There are so many people who should be up here with me. It takes a community to make things happen.”
The award for the organization category went to Symphony of Trees, a Napoleon-based nonprofit which raises funds to serve children in Northwest Ohio by supporting Northwest Ohio CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), The Center for Child and Family Advocacy, and the Henry County Hospital.
“Our focus is on helping children who have experienced abuse or who otherwise would not have a voice,” the organization’s website reads.
“Every person, every dollar, every hour of volunteering helps us to achieve that goal. By doing so, you will reinforce the mission of providing hope and support to the needful children of Northwest Ohio.
Please work with us as we take steps toward eradicating the abuse that dwells here by supporting your neighbors. Symphony of Trees raised $100,000 in 2023.
Phototherapeutics manufacturer Daavlin was recognized in the business category. Daavlin’s line of phototherapy products are used worldwide by dermatologists and patients to treat skin disorders such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and eczema.
In addition to its area of business, Daavlin supports the Bryan Area Foundation, Fountain City Amphitheater, and Bryan Chamber of Commerce, while also helping host and donating to Williams County leadership classes.
“During the initial COVID period, Daavlin found a way to produce and distribute hand sanitizer for free to local businesses,” the event program read. “They were also able to use their machines to sterilize N95 masks using different wavelengths of light.
Making a Difference Award recipients were nominated by community members to recognize their commitment to bettering their community.
A selection committee made up of NSCC Foundation Board members reviewed the nominations and determined the year’s honorees.
In addition to the awards presentation, the Green Carpet Event serves as a fundraiser for the Northwest State Foundation and included an extensive silent fundraiser.
More than 100 items or groups of items were available to bid on, from a Costco gift card to a Pettisville Meats gift basket and box seats to see the Cleveland Guardians.
Prior to the award presentations, attendees dined on a wide variety of dishes as well as refreshments from a cash bar while being engaged and entertained by dueling pianos act Piano Wars! A separate fundraising effort held during their performance raised more than $7,000.
The event was sponsored by more than 40 businesses, including 20/20 Custom Molded Plastics, North Star BlueScope, and SJS Investment Services.