President and CEO Rev. Kenneth V. Daniel (from left), Robert C. Kutschbach and Board chair Philip Mallott
COLUMBUS – United Church Homes hosted its annual Housing Donor Appreciation Dinner on July 24, 2019. The event honored individuals and organizations whose support significantly impacted UCH and its housing communities.
This year, United Church Homes gave three awards: the Rev. Dr. Robert Diller Legacy Leadership Award to a legacy leader, the Ben M. Herbster Award to a devoted donor and the Spirit Award to an enthusiastic volunteer.
Robert C. Kutschbach received the Rev. Dr. Robert Diller Legacy Leadership Award for his outstanding leadership. He served on the UCH Board of Directors during the 2007 recession and helped guide the organization through a difficult financial period. Kutschbach became chair of the Board in 2012 and helped shape UCH into the dynamic organization it is today.
Vice President of Housing Services Cheryl Wickersham (front row, from left); Ken Kline and Jerry Thompson, Disciples Uniting in the Quad Cities; (back row) President and CEO Rev. Kenneth V. Daniel and Board chair Philip Mallott
“There’s no doubt in my mind that serving on the Board is the greatest thing I’ve ever done,” Kutschbach explained. “Miracle after miracle happened on that Board, and United Church Homes survived.”
Disciples Uniting in the Quad Cities received the Spirit Award for their work to create low-income housing for older adults. The organization, comprised of seven churches, spent 10 years working diligently to create Morning Star Residences and Morning Star Housing in Moline, Illinois. With the addition of these residences, leaders Ken Kline and Jerry Thompson helped transform their community for low-income older adults and people with traumatic brain injuries.
President and CEO Rev. Kenneth V. Daniel (from left), Vice President of Housing Services Cheryl Wickersham, Cathy Maurer Green and Board chair Philip Mallott
United Church Homes honored Cathy Maurer Green with the Ben M. Herbster Award. Green and her parents have been devoted donors at United Church Homes for many years. Both of her parents, Philip and Mary, had previously received the same award. Green also served 11 years on the UCH Board of Directors including as Board chair for two years. She supports UCH because she recognizes the great need among older adults.
In addition to thanking these outstanding individuals and organizations, more than 50 housing managers from 13 states and two Native American nations attended the event. Rev. Kenneth V. Daniel, president and CEO of United Church Homes, thanked them for their hard work and dedication toward maintaining UCH’s mission, vision and values.
In 2018, over $1.1 million in donations, including over $112,000 in charitable estate gifts to United Church Homes, were received in this transformation. These gifts went toward benevolent care and life enrichment for every resident, pastoral care and investments in staff and community education that lead to abundant life.
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About United Church Homes: United Church Homes, headquartered in Marion, Ohio, has been “Celebrating the Spirit” of older adults for more than a century. The faith-inspired nonprofit organization is one of the nation’s largest providers of senior living services. UCH has more than 1,800 dedicated staff serving nearly 5,000 residents of all faiths in 75 senior living communities throughout 14 states and two Native American nations. UCH is in covenant with the United Church of Christ and welcomes residents of all faiths.
