Congratulations are in order for Tom Rotz, Executive Director here at The Kenwood. Tom was honored by the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cincinnati as its 2015 John Horn “Roll Up Your Sleeves” Award recipient. The award was presented during the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Chapter Appreciation event on Thursday, January 22.
While it may be true that a picture is worth 1,000 words — and we did want to include a few photos from the event! — the Alzheimer’s Association’s introduction of Tom was truly remarkable. We couldn’t have put it better ourselves! Krista Powers, Development Director for the Alzheimer’s Association, was kind enough to share her words with us. (Read them below.)
Congratulations, Tom!
Nelson Mendela said, “It always seems impossible until it is done.”
While that is often true, Nelson didn’t cross paths with our 2015 John Horn “Roll Up Your Sleeves” award recipient because this guy…well, he dreams audaciously, he rallies the enthusiasm of those around him and he gets things done like no other! Every year this award is presented to an individual who has provided exceptional support and leadership to the Chapter’s fundraising efforts. This year, I am honored to share a few words of introduction for Tom Rotz!
Tom arrived in our community just over four years ago and transformed the Kenwood by Senior Star from a tall, vacant building to the thriving community that it is today. Without delay, he reached out to the Alzheimer’s Association and began actively nurturing what is a strong friendship and partnership today.
You see, Tom is a maximizer. Whether presenting to his Rotary Club, brokering relationships with national leaders, lobbying legislators at the capital, or even selling Girl Scout cookies to friends and family – he’s always preaching the power of purple and making it relevant to those he encounters. (The Girl Scout cookies – well, that’s obviously on behalf of his daughter!)
Tom leads by example. The Kenwood by Senior Star has supported the Chapter to the tune of more than $100,000 in event sponsorship in the past five years and an additional $80,000 of community fundraising in even less time. Nothing is impossible with Tom!
The primary message of my introduction today though, friends, is not WHAT Tom does…rather HOW he goes about rolling up his sleeves, increasing awareness and raising money to serve those with Alzheimer’s disease and to fund research. Tom is a dreamer and a doer…his ideas span from grand balloon launches all the way to how we can realize a million dollar Walk. Tom is a servant leader…he injects energy and understanding into the hearts of others – so much so that they excel beyond even their own imagination and step up to the act of advancing our mission. Tom is a man with a brilliant business mind but more than that, a connected and kind heart. His arms easily embrace others in a supportive hug and his eyes often well with tears of intense emotion. Dreamer. Doer. Servant leader. Connected heart. You won’t find all of these qualities packaged in one person very often which is why we are blessed beyond measure to call Tom a friend – one who truly inspires us and many!
Jack Kerouac once said, “I saw that my life was a vast glowing empty page and I could do anything I wanted.” Tom, thank you for sharing your vast, glowing life with us!