United Way of Central Ohio is proud to announce a generous planned gift commitment of $500,000 to its endowment fund from longtime supporter and community philanthropist Lenore G. Schottenstein and her husband, Melvin L. Schottenstein, who passed away in 1993. This significant commitment strengthens the future of United Way’s mission and pays tribute to a shared vision of a stronger and more resilient central Ohio.
The donation also supports United Way’s Centennial Campaign, in honor of the organization’s 100th anniversary in 2023. With this commitment, the Centennial Campaign has surpassed $11.1 million towards its $13 million goal to fund the first five years of Success by Third Grade and grow United Way’s endowment.
This significant contribution honors a long legacy of support from the Schottensteins. In 1996, Lenore joined forces with Loann Crane, who passed away in 2021, to establish the Robert S. Crane Jr. and Melvin L. Schottenstein Endowment Fund for United Way in honor of their late husbands. Their collaborative efforts laid a foundation for enduring impact, ensuring that United Way can continue to serve the central Ohio community for generations to come. In making this planned gift, Lenore honors their mutual commitment and celebrates an extraordinary legacy of philanthropy between two families.
“Coming together as a community to ensure all of our neighbors have what they need to succeed has always been important to my family,” Lenore shared. “Investing in United Way’s endowment ensures that future generations will continue to benefit from vital services and strategies for systemic change that will build a central Ohio where no one is left behind.”
United Way of Central Ohio extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Schottenstein family for their unwavering dedication and visionary support. Their legacy will help sustain critical work to build a brighter future for central Ohio.
