About the Ward Legacy Celebration
Join friends, neighbors, and community leaders for an unforgettable evening at The Bluestone, one of Columbus’ most iconic event spaces. From 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., enjoy an uplifting celebration filled with community, connection, and purpose as we honor the powerful legacy of the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA — a place where generations on the Near East Side have found hope, healing, and home. Together, we’ll celebrate the past, present, and future of the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA and affirm our shared commitment to building a future where every individual feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
We welcome our 2025 Ward Legacy Honoree, Charles D. Hillman: Building Communities and Creating Opportunities.
Charles D. Hillman:
He has over 30 years of experience in real estate and housing and has dedicated his career to providing access to housing for all. As President and CEO of the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) since 2010, his leadership has been crucial in addressing Central Ohio's housing crisis. Hillman has significantly expanded CMHA’s reach, tripling its housing portfolio to over 6,000 mixed-income homes and leveraging a nearly $1 billion operating budget to serve 160,000+ residents.
Under his leadership, CMHA has averaged over $150 million annually in development activity (including $275 Million in 2024, and $300 Million projected in 2025) and received an A+ rating from S&P Global, where CMHA has leveraged over 400 Million in bonds for the preservation and creation of mixed-income housing. Hillman’s career has taken him to Cincinnati and Chicago, where he gained extensive experience in both public and private sectors. He actively serves on several boards, including the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, and the Columbus Museum of Art.
An Evening of Belonging
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
6:00 - 8:00 p.m
The Bluestone | 583 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
Map
Parking is available in the lots directly beside and behind The Bluestone.
What to Expect
Live music by The Deal Breakers
Heavy hors d'oeuvres and refreshments
Opportunities to connect with local leaders and stakeholders
Stories and reflections from the YMCA's impactful history
A shared vision for the future of community empowerment
Leading the Night with Purpose: Kerry Charles, Telling Stories, Building Community.
Kerry Charles:
He anchors the evening newscasts Sunday through Thursday on NBC4. Since joining the station in 2020, he has made a significant impact throughout central Ohio.
Kerry is deeply involved in the community, helping lead a station initiative that has provided turkeys and sides to over 7,100 families. He serves as President of the Columbus Association of Black Journalists, sits on the Board of Trustees at St. Stephen’s Community House, and is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. He also mentors aspiring journalists and young leaders.
A three-time Emmy Award winner, Kerry has over 20 years of experience as a television journalist. He has worked as an anchor and reporter in Atlanta, a morning anchor in Greensboro, N.C., a reporter in Shreveport, LA, and a producer in Columbus and Cincinnati.
Support the Mission
Your attendance and support will help ensure the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA remains a place of transformation for children, families, and older adults in our community.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Tiffany Priest, Vice President of Development
tiffany.priest@ymcacolumbus.org
We want to thank and celebrate the generosity and support of all our past honorees.
2024: Al Edmondson, Tony “Baba” West and Aziza West
2023: Theme: Empowering Our Future (no honoree)
2022: Theme: “You Belong Here” (no honoree)
2021: Virtual Event “Connect 4 Change: 4 Weeks, 4 Causes, 1 Historic Community (YMCA, CPOMS, Columbus Urban League, and the YWCA)
2020: Spring Street YMCA
2019: Hal Keller
2018: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center East; Kim Jordan
2017: Bob Weiler and The Robert Weiler Company
2016: Aminah Robinson; Kojo Kamau
2015: Mr. Otto Beatty; Congresswoman Joyce Beatty; Eric Carmichael
2014: Fred and Kathy Ransier
2013: Dr. William J. Hicks
2012: Mayor Michael B. Coleman; John E. Bickley
2011: Jerry Hammond; Carline Weddington; Greta Russell; Alicia M. Jackson
2010: Thursday Noon Club; Dr. Barbara Nicholson; Kevin Boyce
2009: Charleta Travers; Dr. Wilburn Weddington
2008: Rev. Leon Troy, Sr.; Janet Jackson; Guy L. Reece, II and Shirley Rogers-Reece
Thank You to Our Sponsors
By sponsoring the 18th Annual Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA Legacy Celebration, these generous partners are investing in a stronger, more just community — and in a future where every neighbor feels seen, supported, and empowered.
Their support helps us:
Distribute fresh produce and meals to families in need
Offer safe, supportive youth programs that nurture development
Provide inclusive health and wellness programs for older adults
Create spaces for healing connection and mental well-being
Together, we continue the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family legacy — ensuring it remains a place of hope, healing, and opportunity for generations to come.
With heartfelt gratitude, we honor and thank our 2025 Legacy Sponsors for their unwavering support.
Community Champion
$25,000
Community Leader
$10,000
Community Advocate
$5,000
Hal Keller &
Laurie Kaps-Keller
Friend of the Community
$2,500
