2010 Hope Award

A press release issued on February 10, 2010, by the Leadership To Keep Children Alcohol Free Foundation announced that the Board of Directors voted at their 10th Anniversary Annual Meeting to create a recognition program for Emeritus spouses. Patterned after the annual Racicot Leadership Award, named for First Lady Emeritus of Montana, Theresa Racicot, this new award recipient will be selected from nominations of Leadership members but given every three years to a former governor's spouse who has stayed involved and committed to the vision of the Leadership Foundation after leaving the Governor's Residence.   The first recipient is Hope Taft, First Lady Emeritus of Ohio who currently serves as the pro bono President/CEO of the Leadership Foundation.   The recognition will be named in her honor.

In presenting the first award, Nancy Freudenthal, Chair of the Leadership Foundation, said, “It is so appropriate to present Hope this award in the form of a beautiful silver circle bracelet. Not only does it represent the interconnected nature of the Leadership Foundation, but also Hope is the clasp that holds us all together. We are so grateful for her passion, support, and inspiration.”