GAMBIER — The history between the Buchwalds and William Stroud Jr. came full circle Friday night.
Jim and Maureen Buchwald were honored as this year’s recipients of the William A. Stroud Jr. Award for Community Service during Kenyon College’s Snowflake Gala. Jim Buchwald gave a nod to Stroud, who worked for First-Knox National Bank. Stroud, as a lender for Ariel Corporation in its early years, helped to turn the company into a real business, according to Jim Buchwald.
Karen Buchwald Wright, Jim and Maureen’s daughter and current CEO and president of Ariel Corporation, also recognized the relationship between the two families in a video made for her parents.
“To win the award that is in his memory – I think it is really appropriate,” Wright said.
“(Jim and Maureen Buchwald) are friends and trusted advisors to many of us, mentors to a lucky few, and role models for us all,” said Jan Reynolds, vice president of the Ariel Foundation. “Those who have worked with Maureen and Jim believe their organizations and programs are stronger and better for their hard work and wise counsel.”
The Buchwalds helped found Ariel Corporation, have given time and money to various organizations, and have served on numerous boards throughout the years.
“We are really honored and especially honored to be receiving an award named after Bill Stroud,” said Jim Buchwald. “He was a gentleman, a man who threw in his lot with Knox County. He really cared about making this a better place.”
The night also featured Tanya Elliott as a special presenter. Elliott was the girlfriend of Officer Thomas W. Cottrell Jr., a Danville police officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2016.
“I hate talking about myself, much less my life,” Elliott said when she first took to the podium. “But the life that I have lived has definitely been a bumpy ride. Nonetheless, there has been many blessings in disguise.”
Elliott talked about her struggles dating back to when she was a child and how causes, such as Food for the Hungry, helped her and her families out during the tough times. Her speech notes often crackled as she emotionally fiddled with the paper and her voice wavered throughout her story.
“Without the love and support from God, family, friends, strangers, and the village of Danville, I don’t know where I would be today,” Elliott said as she recounted that fateful day in 2016. “My boys and I have dealt with one of the hardest things to ever deal with, but we will prevail.”
Elliott admitted that while it would have been easier to give up, she continued to fight.
“Even though all I have known is darkness and evil, I have been shown there is still good in this world. I want to bring that goodness and help to others that need it,” said Elliott, a registered nurse. “I don’t share my story with you for sympathy, but to clearly paint the picture of what helping one another can do for someone. We truly don’t know what another person has had to endure in their lives, but kindness and a helping hand can make all the difference in another’s life.”
The Snowflake Gala, which is Kenyon College’s benefit to support Food for the Hungry, concluded with an auction.
