Each year since 2001, Leadership Geauga County has recognized community leaders who have significantly enhanced the quality of life in Geauga County. Individuals who have contributed to providing the Geauga quality of life that we hold so dear deserve to be awarded.
The Emerald Leader Award is presented annually to an individual, a business or a non-profit agency that exemplifies outstanding leadership by positive contributions through volunteerism, philanthropy or innovation that impacted the quality of life in Geauga County.
At the Leadership Geauga Emerald Ball in March, we will be formally recognizing the 2015 Award winner: Geauga Humane Society Rescue Village.
It started with a vision of a more humane world and a down-to-earth devotion to saving animals from homelessness and harm.
The Geauga Humane Society has a proud history of being a leading animal welfare agency in northeast Ohio. We began our life-saving work in 1974 when its founder, Arlene MacDonald, and a small group of committed animal advocates embarked on a labor of love.
At the beginning, the animals were sheltered in private homes. In 1980, The Society moved into the tiny, 800 sq. ft., leased space on Merritt Road in Chardon, Ohio. What their original shelter lacked in size was made up for by a driving passion and enormous energy to better the lives of animals and to help educate people to have respect for all living things.
Their dreams were large. With leadership and the generosity of thousands of people, including major donors and visionary foundations, the Geauga Humane Society took a giant step. They opened a new state-of-the-art 10,500 square foot facility on a 14 acre parcel of land on Chillicothe Road in Russell Township, Ohio, in 2001. They named it Rescue Village.
Today, Rescue Village is a vital center for animal welfare. One can learn about the hallmark programs and services established throughout their website – www.geaugahumane.org. Building on the courageous and innovative spirit that brought the Geauga Human Society this far, they continue to embrace the vision of a world where the relationships between human beings and animals center on empathy and kindness.
Animals at Rescue Village are cared for until they find a new home, including those that are abused, sick or injured, those that may need behavior training, or those that simply need the gift of time. Animals are never euthanized due to age, special needs or lack of space.
Their passion for combining professionalism with innovation, collaboration and a great, big heart runs through everything they do. All who come through their doors, be they four-legged or two-legged (or the occasional turtle or snake), are treated with respect.
Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village goes above and beyond for the animals and for the people of northeast Ohio. It started with a vision that continues to capture our imagination and fuel their efforts!
The Geauga Human Society’s mission is:
- to shelter and find homes for sick, injured, abused, and abandoned domestic animals that have no other alternatives
- to foster compassion for all living things through education
- to reduce pet overpopulation through spay/neuter programs
- to prevent cruelty by enforcing animal protection laws
Some of the individuals who have been honored as Geauga County Emerald Leaders in the past include:
Richard Frenchie, Kimm Leininger, Paul Newman, Howard bates, Deborah O’Connor, Tracy Jemison and Sheriff Dan McClelland. Non-profits have included Burton-Middlefield Rotary and the Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center.
The categories for achievement include:
- Leadership in Economic/Social/Civic Development
- Volunteer/Community Service
- Special Achievement
Recognition is given to organizations whose leadership has significantly enhanced the quality of life in Geauga County.
Criteria recognized, include but are not limited to:
- Participation in volunteering in community/professional/service organizations
- Material to community/professional/service organizations
- Engagement in a single special act or service that impacts the community
- Creation or support of an innovative program, system or facility that benefits and enhances the community
- Service to Geauga County in a capacity beyond job requirements
- The Fostering of positive community relationships
- Enhancement or support of community improvements
- Introduction or implementation of innovations in the community
The Geauga Humane Society Rescue Village, will be formally honored at Leadership Geauga County’s annual Emerald Ball, Saturday, March 7, 2015 at the Federated Church Family Life Center, 16349 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023. Tickets are available at Leadership Geauga’s office (440) 286-8115 or at their website www.leadershipgeauga.org
For further information or to receive an invitation, contact Leadership Geauga County at 440-286-8115 or by email at executivedirector@leadershipgeauga.org.
