You’re Invited!
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For 14 decades, YWCA Columbus has served our neighbors with compassion and raised our voices with boldness, often in the face of backlash and resistance. Guided by our commitment to peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all, we have remained steadfast in creating a stronger, more equitable community. Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate our rich history, honor those who have advanced our mission, and look ahead to the future of YWCA Columbus.
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If you would like to sit with friends or purchase a full table, we strongly encourage coordinating in advance so you can purchase your seats together at the same table.
Once your selected seats have been purchased, seating assignments are final and cannot be changed.
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Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 6 P.M.
Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel
50 North Third Street,
Columbus, OH 43215 -
Orange Carpet Arrival, Pre-Reception & Interactive Exhibit
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM140th Anniversary Program and Party with a Purpose!
7:45 PM – 10:00 PM
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Elegance, Your Way - This is a formal evening celebration. Sophisticated, upscale evening wear!
We kindly ask guests to avoid casual attire, including sneakers, jeans, and T-shirts.
Come dressed to celebrate, connect, and commemorate 140 years of impact—and help inspire the next chapter of change.
140th Anniversary Gala Sponsors
Champion for Change Presenting Sponsor
Generations of Impact Sponsors
Equity in Action Auction Sponsors
Encova Insurance
Huntington Bank
OHD Studios
Beth Crane and Richard McKee
The Marzetti Company
Partner in Purpose Sponsors
OhioHealth
Mount Carmel Health Systems
Accel, Inc.
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
Deloitte
It Mattered Then,
It Matters Now
140 Years of YWCA Columbus
In 1886, a small group of women set out to solve a problem and improve life for women and girls in our community. Our five founders – Annie C. Dunham, Alice C. Brown, Harriet E. Ide, Anne E. Dennison, and Elizabeth J. McMillen – met at the First Presbyterian Church to form the Women’s Educational and Industrial Union, which would later become YWCA Columbus, and erect a 12-room boarding house on South 4th Street – across the street from YWCA Columbus’ present-day headquarters and Women’s Residency.
Since its inception, YWCA has been a movement dedicated to the elimination of racism and empowering women. Even in the 19th century, our founders knew it was critical for both service and action to coexist. Today, YWCA Columbus continues to address both our community’s greatest challenges, including homelessness and providing high-quality, affordable childcare, as well as dismantling the root causes of poverty and instability.
For 14 decades, YWCA Columbus has served our neighbors with compassion and raised our voices with boldness – even in the face of backlash and resistance – dedicated to peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all at every turn.
