https://www.facebook.com/RichmondSymphonyOrchestra/videos/10154772483314615/
At the RSO’s 35th annual signature event, “Twist and Shout” it was announced that Ginger Gray would be the recipient of the Wayne County Foundation’s Charles A. Rodefeld Award for Leadership in Philanthropy and the Community. The Charles A. Rodefeld Award honors individuals who are not widely known as a philanthropist or worker for non-profit organizations. He was, instead, a person who moved quietly but steadily to help meet community needs.
Ginger’s decades-long philanthropic leadership – including the donated professional services she’s quietly provided over the years – has helped nonprofit organizations raise over $3.5 million. Her leadership and service have strengthened and sustained our vibrant arts and culture organizations. This fundraising success has made Wayne County home to a thriving art community and the envy of many communities much larger than ours.
Ginger has volunteered for numerous nonprofits over her multi-decade philanthropic career. Her relationship with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra for nearly 35 years, exemplifies how her gift of philanthropic vision marks her as an exceptional leader and qualifies her to be selected for the Rodefeld Award. Ginger has served RSO through thick and thin; she has launched new event-based fundraising models, providing significant capital for the organization. Her leadership and service have inspired her RSO Board colleagues (and our nonprofit community more broadly) to increase and professionalize their fundraising capacity.
While raising much-needed capital, Ginger’s fundraisers transcend the title “events.” They are occasions which serve as important community gatherings, bringing together people from diverse walks of life to celebrate the uniquely rich cultural life and important assets of our community. Ginger has a gift both for creating exhilarating, memorable celebrations that introduce people to organizations and their purposes while demonstrating the vibrancy and high caliber of programming that is flourishing in Wayne County. Achieving success in fundraising, while celebrating musical programming and creating unforgettable social experiences, is indication of Ginger’s philanthropic virtuosity.
Wayne County would not have its dynamic arts and cultural amenities without the tireless commitment of Ginger Gray. Her longstanding philanthropic vision, leadership and service have been a beacon. She’s created a new standard in nonprofit fundraising, and has inspired community, nonprofit and philanthropic leaders to meet this standard of excellence. Ginger’s hard work, dedication, financial and in kind gifts and humble, low-profile, steadfast service make her deserving of the Charles A. Rodefeld Award for Leadership in Philanthropy and the Community.