2015 Short North Gala Honorees

The Short North Alliance is pleased to announce that it will honor seven individuals and groups at the 9th Annual Short North Gala, presented by Borror Properties. Honoree categories are: Unsung Heroes, Business Beacon, Architectural Star, and District Partner. 

This year’s honorees and the individual award categories are described below.

UNSUNG HEROES

Honorees in this category are nominated by the community and are selected for the contributions they have made over the years to the artistry, diversity, community, and spirit of the Short North Arts District. This year’s unsung heroes are:

Julie Hallan, Friends of Goodale Park
Known unofficially as the Short North neighborhoods’ super volunteer, there isn’t a hat that Julie Hallan has not, or will not, wear. From organizing earth day cleanups, to block watch duty, and orchestrating any number of neighborhood events in-between, Julie is a selfless, behind-the-scenes steward of our neighborhood and the definition of an unsung heroine.

 

 

Dr. Daniel Koch, OD, Columbus Eyeworks
For the last 15 years, Dr. Daniel Koch has not only been helping the Short North masses to see better, but has been a visionary in our neighborhood. Through his many years of service on the Short North Special Improvement District Board of Directors, Dan championed issues ranging from the arts to parking and has made a lasting impact on our business community.

 

 

Larry & Sylvia Totzke, Italian Village Society & Short North Alliance
When the history books are written, Larry and Sylvia Totzke’s names will appear prominently as two of the most important trustees of the Short North community. With contributions almost too numerous to name, the Short North Arts District and Italian Village are both better due to their investments of time and talent and leadership.

 

 

 

BUSINESS BEACON

Honorees in this category have served as catalysts to bring a broad range of visitors to the District, and have inspired others to invest in and nurture the Short North Arts District.

ROY G BIV Gallery
Celebrating 25 years in the Short North Arts District this year, ROY G BIV Gallery has been an important incubator and cultivator of new and emerging artistic talent in Columbus. Thousands of artists have gained a start through ROY’s doors.

 

 

 

ARCHITECTURAL STAR

Honorees in this category have significantly advanced the Short North landscape through architectural design related to property development, renovation, or improvement.

The Pizzuti Companies
The Short North Arts District has been truly transformed, both architecturally and culturally, by the addition of The Joseph projects and the Pizzuti Collection. World class art and stellar design have come together to create in incredible new gateway into our community… with parking to boot.

 

 

COMMUNITY PARTNER

Honorees in this category have deep collaborations with the Short North Arts District resulting in significant advancement of the District success in commerce and quality of life.

Central Ohio Transit Authority under the leadership of Curtis Stitt
2014 was a landmark year for COTA and its latest ride, the CBUS. Curtis Stitt and his whole team have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of transit in and around the Short North Arts District as well as move the Columbus community forward through the NextGen Planning efforts and, of course, the CBUS. In just barely a year’s time, the CBUS has become synonymous with the Short North Arts District and Columbus culture.