Living a Legacy in Defiance County

When it comes to community legacies, Defiance County residents are legends in their own right. Having a community legacy means living one’s life to create a positive and lasting impact in the community and world. Legacy living creates a mark in the community through a person’s work, relationships and contributions – through volunteering, helping financially or other actions. Many individual organizations that benefit the overall community have benefited by both volunteers and financial distributions from community members.

“Our donors and volunteers are the heart of the Defiance Public Library System – champions of learning, access and opportunity,” said Taryn Lawson, communications coordinator for the library system. “Their generosity and dedication have shaped not only our success, but the successes of the communities we serve. Libraries are more than buildings with books – they are lifelines for education, connection, growth and innovation. With the support of those who believe in our mission, we continue to be a place where everyone belongs.” The library is even preparing for an annex building, thanks to community members. “As we prepare to expand into a much-needed annex building across from Defiance Public Library, we are emboldened by a rich history of community support to take on this project and offer our patrons even more,” Lawson continued.

In Hicksville, volunteers and financial contributions have helped make the Huber Opera House and Civic Center a success. “We wouldn’t be able to function like we do without our volunteers at all,” pointed out Chris Feichter, director of operations. “Volunteers help with kids programs, costumes, upkeep on the building and run concessions. You name it, they do it. It’s amazing all the hours and power they have that they do. They keep us up and running and functioning very well.” She noted that the patrons of the arts, who donate annually, are a great boon for the organization as their donations help pay for water and sewer, lights, computers, phones and other operations. “Our patrons are very steadfast and are the same people many years,” Feichter praised. “We appreciate those folks every year.” She added that the Huber is hoping for more community support for some major upgrades they are planning including a new stage floor, upgrades in the bathroom and more.

One organization in Defiance County has the lone goal of helping county residents build a legacy of generosity. The Defiance Area Foundation, a nonprofit organization, works with donors, community leaders and nonprofit organizations to help “create lasting impact” in the community.  Chris Yoder, executive director of the Defiance Area Foundation, acknowledges that it says a lot about the community as so many people donate to the various funds the foundation manages “to enhance, enrich, encourage and support the Defiance County community.” Funds have helped with a wide range of projects including playground, park and trail enhancements; veteran memorials; technology upgrades for education; funding for domestic violence shelter, mental health initiatives; and more. There are even endowments that help with health and human services, animal welfare; and funds that support historic preservation, arts and theater and other specific areas. “It speaks volumes about the heart and values of our community,” she stated about the support from residents for the different funds and initiatives. “The fact that so many individuals, families, and businesses give to the foundation shows a shared belief in legacy living; planting seeds today that will grow well into the future. These gifts reflect a deep-rooted culture of care, connection, and responsibility. People here aren’t just living in the moment, they are investing in the kind of community they want their children and grandchildren to inherit.”

The foundation, itself, was charged by such an individual in 1979. Yoder commented that H. Eugene Smart “would be incredibly humbled and proud,” with how the organization has grown and the good community members have done through it.  “His vision laid the groundwork for something truly extraordinary,” Yoder praised. “From one unrestricted fund in 1979 to managing over 150 today, we’ve honored his legacy by expanding access to charitable giving, funding meaningful projects, and building a permanent resource for Defiance County. He would be proud that the foundation has remained true to his values through impactful grant-making, community-centered, and future-focused.  I am honored and humbled that I had the opportunity to know and work with Gene Smart at The State Bank prior to his retirement.”

The legacies of Smart and others in the community continue to benefit the region now and in the future. One example is the foundation’s long-range initiative called Project 2030 that has a goal to raise enough funds to build something in the community by 2030. “What kind of project - indoor sports complex, tree canopy walkway, river walk – the sky is the limit,” Yoder explained. “As the year 2030 approaches, we will ask the community to submit project ideas, and then eligible donors can vote on the final project. We’ve made strong progress – with commitments of over $400,000 and 80 individuals and organizations partnering with us!  It’s about looking ahead and making sure that we’re positioned to meet the needs of 2030 and beyond.”

The foundation not only helps with projects, but helps the future in other ways. It has awarded 70 scholarships, worth $60,260 to students throughout the region, thanks to sponsors. “Every scholarship carries a story, a purpose, and a ripple effect that goes far beyond the financial support,” Yoder stressed.

Foundation officials also want to teach the youngest citizens how they too can build a community legacy.  One initiative, called Piggy Bank Philanthropy, helps achieve that goal.

“Piggy Bank Philanthropy was birthed out of a desire to introduce philanthropy to the next generation in a tangible, age-appropriate way,” Yoder explained. “We wanted children to understand that giving isn’t about how much you have, it’s about the heart behind it. By allowing children/students to collect coins and then choose where to donate them, we’re teaching the joy of giving and fostering a lifelong habit of community engagement. The response has been very positive. It’s inspiring to see young kids excitement when they realize they can make a difference.”

Yoder noted that helping residents leave a community legacy is the foundation of the organization. “The Defiance Area Foundation is truly about people; past, present, and future,” she stressed. “Whether through a memorial fund, children collecting coins for piggy bank philanthropy, or a planned gift, every act of giving becomes part of our journey. We are honored to be the stewards of that story, helping individuals and families turn their values into lasting action. Legacy living isn’t just about leaving something behind, it’s about a way of life that builds something greater for future generations.”

Many individuals have left such a huge community impact that the city of Defiance honors them as members of the City Hall of Fame. The hall was created in 2003 by the city historical’s office to recognize individuals who have made a huge impact on the community by their actions.

Randy Buchman, who served as city historian, once described the members of the hall as those who “represent the elements, efforts and people who have developed the basis for our community. They are the people who dedicated themselves to their endeavors and their contributions have spread beyond our community.”

The initial class, which was inducted in 2003, included Dr. John Fauster, longtime physician, Defiance College trustee, benefactor and board of education member; Edward Bronson, photographer and longtime mayor; Wm. C. Holgate, a lawyer who worked to make Defiance a county, bring the railroad to town, Defiance College donor and founder of the Defiance County Agricultural Society; educator Augusta Kehnast, who co-founded the Defiance County Retired Teacher Association and worked with the Crippled Children and Adult Society, American Cancer Society and United Way; and Dr. Charles Slocum, who was a philanthropist and led several national and local medical associations. More than 80 individuals have been inducted into the hall of fame since its inception.

The story of Defiance County’s residents giving back to the community and leaving a legacy continues to grow and will only make the community stronger in the future.