Thank you, Diana and Martha; Leading the Transformation Awards Since 2012
The Transformation Awards are pivotal to The Center for Respite Care’s fundraising and awareness efforts. The event, held for over a decade, introduces the public to both the Center and annual honorees. The honorees are individuals and organizations who are chosen for their commitment to the community – and celebrated at the event.
The 2021 event is virtual and will be on September 30th at 7:00 pm.
“Martha Schueler and Diana Klinedinst are central to the success of the Transformation Awards. This is our most important annual event. The women choose honorees who reflect the values of the Center. They are also nearly single handedly responsible for stellar development results,” Laurel Nelson, CEO for The Center for Respite Care said.
To understand the success of the awards and this level of community commitment, one must understand the tenacity of both Martha and Diana. Together, they quietly have ensured a solid revenue stream and put the work of the organization on the map.
Diana and Martha both came to the Center via inspiration by Dr. Bob Donovan (the Center’s medical director) and started to volunteer in 2010 by doing Healing Touch with both clients and staff.
Diana Klinedinst explains the early days:
“We had our first event in 2011 and Martha was my go-to person. That was a learning experience for me. We have co-chaired since 2012 and learn something new each year.”
Both women have great memories of the Transformation Awards (that they have co-chaired for ten years.)
Martha Schueler explains:
“For me it’s every year when the client speaks about their journey, from being ill in the hospital, not sure where they are going to go when discharged, coming to Respite, and the heartfelt emotion for what the Center has meant to them.
It is always an emotional moment for the client and the audience.”
Diana Klinedinst reflects on her own event memories:
“Listening to clients either at the event speaking or in person. Also,
talking to first time attendees after the event and their reaction to the Center’s mission. Sometimes they are speechless after hearing a client speak.”
The initial primary goal of Transformation Award’s was to communicate about the Center and fund raising. In earlier days, there was not much awareness of the Center. The Center now has Channel 12 (as a media sponsor) and is often referred to in the press. The event was also developed as a method to educate the public about the work of the organization. Importantly, the women wanted the community to know about the good works by the award honorees.
Their passions expand deep in the greater community. This means helping the underserved, involvement with their church and Xavier Basketball. They sit next to one another at each game. (Both home and away)
The two know how to have fun as well. For Diana this includes spending time with her grandchildren and her dog. She is most inspired by her deceased husband Tom Klinedinst, Jr and she counts herself fortunate to have spent time with the Dalai Lama in Daramsala, India and learning from his teachings.
Martha too loves international travel, gardening and reading. Like Diana, her inspiration comes from her deceased husband Robb –a quiet and giving person to those in need.
It is Diana and Martha who work tirelessly behind the scenes to improve the lives of the Center’s clients.
“The transformation you see in the clients from when they first arrive, scared and unsure, to the smiles and confidence they have when they leave. I love that the Center treats everyone with dignity and respect. Every person matters.
Also love the staff! They do a fabulous job, all working together for the betterment of the client,” Martha said.
