Our Lady of the Wayside Nonprofit Board Executives of the Year Award, 2014, Greater Cleveland
Charles D. Fowler
Board member
Flying Horse Farms
flyinghorsefarms.org
Lifetime of Giving
When he was CEO, Charles D. Fowler instilled a culture of giving at Fairmount Santrol. Under his leadership, employees were encouraged to give back to the community, whether it be financial donations or their time and efforts.
Fowler continues to fulfill his model of community service well after retirement. In 2001, the dedicated philanthropist established the Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation, which gives grants to Cleveland area nonprofits, programs and services.
Yet in 2006, Fowler discovered a cause close to his heart. He met Flying Horse Farms founders Jenni and David Belford and learned of their 200-acres camp in Mount Gilead, Ohio, for children with serious illnesses. This weeklong camp is free and helps campers put aside their medical problems and experience simple childhood memories.
Fowler immediately connected with the couple’s mission — his daughter battled childhood cancer. The Fowlers remember all the times Angie would say how she wished she could play outside before she passed away at age 14.
Since January 2011, Fowler has served on the board of Flying Horse Farms. He utilizes his networks and talents for the good of the camp. When the camp needed to make its driveways and pathways wheelchair accessible, Fowler connected Flying Horse Farms to Kokosing Construction Co., which provided the much-needed gravel.
In memory of Angie, Fowler founded the Angie’s Arts and Crafts building, a special art room where campers unleash their creativity and fill every corner with color and laughter.
