Richard C. and Vina L. Sauer Charitable Leadership Award
Since 1993, Community Foundation of Henderson County has been celebrating individuals who provide outstanding leadership through their personal philanthropic efforts in Henderson County.
2026 Sauer Charitable Leadership Award
Dan and Katrina Poeta
Dan and Katrina Poeta believe giving back is simply what it means to be a good neighbor. As the owner of Horizon Heating & Air, Dan has built a business grounded in the belief that companies have both a responsibility and an opportunity to strengthen the communities they serve. Alongside Katrina, he has carried that commitment into their philanthropic work, helping establish Work with Heart through their partnership with Community Foundation of Henderson County. The collaborative charitable fund brings together local businesses to support nonprofits and address community needs throughout Henderson County. Their commitment extends beyond philanthropy, reflecting a longstanding passion for education, leadership and creating opportunities for future generations. By involving their children in volunteer efforts and encouraging other businesses to make giving a priority, Dan and Katrina have made community service a family value.
Watch the video below to learn more about the 2026 Sauer Award Recipients, Dan & Katrina Poeta.
Sauer Award Recipients
- 2026- Dan & Katrina Poeta
- 2025 - Grace J. Vineyard
- 2024 - Cam & Sally Boyd
- 2023 - Dan & Nancy Barber
- 2022 - Jane Davis
- 2021 - Dirk & Paige Willms
- 2020 - Ron & Norma Rosenberger
- 2019 - Hall & Sonja Waddell
- 2018 - Grace V. Poli
- 2017 - Bernd & Toby Linder
- 2016 - Phyllis Rothrock
- 2015 - Ruth Birge
- 2014 - Thos. R. Shepherd
- 2013 - Mary R. Garrison
- 2012 - Dr. Stuart & Carola Cohn
- 2011 - Marian Lowry
- 2010 - Teddi Segal
- 2009 - Robert & Doris Eklund
- 2008 - Dr. Kathleen McGrady Family
- 2007 - Jeff Miller
- 2006 - Duane & Peggy McKibbin
- 2005 - Dorothy "Dot" Marlow
- 2004 - Dr. Colin Thomas
- 2003 - Frank Byrd
- 2002 - Tom & Sue Fazio
- 2001 - Eleanora Meloun
- 2000 - Marcia Caserio
- 1999 - William "Bill" F. Stokes
- 1998 - William E. Jamison
- 1997 - Kermit Edney
- 1996 - Morris Kaplan
- 1995 - Kenneth Youngblood
- 1994 - Frank Wyttenbach Ewbank
Dorothy Dellinger "Dot" Marlow Philanthropic Catalyst Award
At Community Foundation, we often refer to Dot as our "founding lady." She joined our organization at a pivotal time, serving as the first female board member, bringing with her the spark that would ignite everything to come. To honor Dot, the Foundation established the Dot Marlow Philanthropic Catalyst Award in 2019.
2026 Dorothy “Dot” Marlow Philanthropic Catalyst Award
Ronnie and Roxie Pepper
For more than four decades, Ronnie and Roxie Pepper have made service an integral part of their lives, guided by the belief that strong communities are built when people show up for one another. Their roots in close-knit families, faith and hard work shaped a lifelong commitment to helping others and creating opportunities for future generations. Through decades of involvement in local organizations, community health initiatives and youth development, the Peppers have worked to make Henderson County a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. One of their most meaningful contributions is A Place to Go, a community resource Roxanna envisioned for more than 20 years as a welcoming space for education, connection and access to important resources. Together, they continue to champion a philosophy of service that goes beyond meeting immediate needs by encouraging others to become leaders, mentors and advocates in their own communities.
Watch the video below to learn more about the 2026 Marlow Award Recipients, Ronnie & Roxie Pepper.
