Three residents’ years of dedication to causes including social services and historic building preservation are being recognized.
Wayne County Foundation selected Dr. David Jetmore for its Charles A. Rodefeld Award, and Howard and Patty Lamson are receiving the Ruth J. Wickemeyer Award.
Both recipients are recognized for outstanding contributions to philanthropy and longstanding commitment to local nonprofit initiatives.
Organizations are invited to nominate candidates for the awards by describing their contributions and gathering recommendation letters.
Richmond Neighborhood Restoration nominated Jetmore for the honor, which first was given to its namesake, Charlie Rodefeld, in 1994. Rodefeld served as the foundation’s first president and played a key role in establishing the organization in 1979.
The Rodefeld award honors those who have served faithfully and effectively, often without seeking recognition, and have provided both leadership and substantial financial contributions over the years.
Foundation staff call Jetmore an esteemed retired physician and community leader, and say he’s been an integral part of the county’s philanthropic landscape for years.
His dedication to service and improving the lives of others has earned him admiration from colleagues and the community, the release said.
RNR has renovated several historic homes, and another is in progress at 215 N. 12th St.
Additional projects under development include the former Readmore bookstore and US Bank along Richmond’s East Main Street.
RNR has already completed a downtown project. It renovated the upper floors of the nearby former Secret Ingredient store to create four apartments and an office. In 2024, RNR sold the buildings to the City of Richmond’s Placemaking Loans Accelerating Community Entrepreneurs (PLACE) program for $62,500.
This will be the second Rodefeld honor for the Jetmore household. Jetmore’s wife, Cheri, received the award in 2012.
In 2024, the Jetmores received Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Art Vivian Distinguished Community Leader Award for their support of RNR, Richmond Civic Theatre, Richmond Symphony Orchestra and additional organizations.
WCF also began honoring the legacy of its first executive director, Ruth Wickemeyer, with an award in 2006 that recognizes nonprofit leadership or service.
Between 1984 until 1996, she helped grow the organization into a well-established foundation with assets of more than $8 million. She’s perhaps best remembered for maintaining the highest ethical standards and expressing true appreciation for even the smallest contributions.
Eligible Wickemeyer candidates include board members, staff or volunteers of local nonprofits.
The Amigos Richmond Latino Center nominated the Lamsons for that honor.
WCF describes the Lamsons as community pillars, contributing immeasurably to a wide variety of charitable causes with a focus on serving the Latino community.
Amigos, which began in 1999, focuses on education, health, social services and creating cultural connections.
Some of its programs include tennis and leadership programs for youth, basic needs, and English language instruction to help residents gain employment, further their education and actively participate in the community.
Patty coordinates the English language and tennis programs, and Howard is currently a senior adviser.
The Lamsons’ passion for giving and supporting those in need has been a driving force behind many local nonprofit organizations.
WCF’s selection committee had the difficult task of choosing from an exceptional group of candidates, the release said, but Jetmore and the Lamsons stood out for their enduring impact and the positive influence they’ve had on Wayne County’s nonprofit sector.
WCF Executive Director Rebecca Gilliam said foundation staff and board members are thrilled to recognize the Lamsons and Jetmore for their “incredible contributions.”
“Their dedication to service, generosity, and compassion make them ideal recipients of these prestigious awards, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements with the community this summer,” Gilliam said.
RNR and Amigos each receive a $5,000 unrestricted award from the foundation in honor of their candidates being selected.
WCF will recognize the winners at its annual Summer Celebration, which reviews the organization’s accomplishments.
Last year’s Rodefeld winners were Sam Witherby and Tom and Chris Hilkert, while Tom Alberts and Jenie Lahmann won the Wickemeyer award.
A version of this article appeared in the April 2 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.