Thank You!
On Saturday, Oct. 3, hundreds of people made time to honor and celebrate YWCA Columbus’ 140th anniversary united in supporting the important work YWCA does each day in our community.
It was an unforgettable evening, reminding us of our shared power when we are in community together and moving toward a common goal: eliminating racism and empowering women.
Because of your ongoing support, YWCA Columbus’ 140-year legacy of action and advocacy will continue into the next generation, igniting change and powerfully serving the present.
Thank you for pausing to recognize this moment with us!
140th Anniversary Gala Photo Gallery
Credit: Brooke Nicole Creative Co.
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 System
Accel, Inc.
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
Deloitte
George S. Barrett
Gabriela Vega and Sally Crane Cox
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.
