Together, we keep the
Torch Foundation Tribute Wall
If Torch has inspired you or someone you know, make a donation to honor that legacy and help ignite the future.
Displayed on our Tribute Wall are both direct donations and tribute gifts, representing the individuals who have fueled Torch’s expansion and lasting impact. Each gift, whether personal or in honor of a member, mentor, friend, or loved one, has helped Torch grow into new communities, support emerging leaders, and advance the projects that keep our movement thriving.
The Torch Foundation recognizes cumulative lifetime contributions by the following major donors ($500 and above) to Centennial Fund, Honor or Memorial Programs, Convention support, Lifetime Memberships: Full, endowment bequests, or any other type of contribution, other than annual membership contributions or Lifetime Installment Memberships. This recognition program replaced the Centennial Program donor listing on Foundation Webpages effective June 1, 2026. It is limited to contributions beginning in 2008.
Centennial Fund
♥
Honor or Memorial Gift
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Convention Support
Lifetime Membership
Oldenburg Memorial Fund
$50,000+
Robert A. Oldenburg
Robert A. Oldenburg, a member of the Chicago club who died at the age of 84 in 2008, lived a life grounded in service and quiet generosity. He was a U.S. Army veteran and believed deeply in the value of lifelong learning and meaningful connection. In his Will, he bequeathed over $50,000 to the Torch Foundation. Through his generous support of the Torch Foundation, Mr. Oldenburg chose to pay forward the benefits he experienced, helping to ensure that Torch continues to thrive well beyond his lifetime. His legacy lives on in the ongoing mission of fostering education, dialogue, and fellowship for future generations.
Champion’s Society
$10,000+
♥★Ann Weller Dahl
Towson, MD. Ann is a “legacy” member of the IATC, having followed in her father’s footsteps by joining the Baltimore Torch club in 1990. Upon the unfortunate closing of that club, she moved to the Westminster club. Then, in 2024, she acquired the title “Torch Champion” through founding a new chartered Torch club in Towson, MD, the first new club formed in Torch’s second century.
Beyond local clubs, Ann served on the IATC board as the Region 3 Director, 2004-07. At the 2008 IATC convention in Lancaster, PA, she received Torch’s highest honor, the Gold Award. Since the Torch Foundation was reorganized in 2008-09, she has been one of its officials, either as a trustee or as the secretary, and she wrote part of the Foundation’s history chapter for the IATC’s centennial book, Sharing the Light, Celebrating the second half-century of the International Association of Torch Clubs, Inc. She was very involved in planning the 2023 IATC convention in Baltimore and was a major donor to its support.
♥Timothy (Tim) Spaeder
Erie, PA. Tim Spaeder, who is known for his infectious laugh and jolly spirit, has been sharing those traits through 15 years of service in the Torch world. He’s been a member of his Erie club since 2011 and served as its President for several years. He also served the IATC as the Region 10 Director.
He’s had 37 years of entrepreneurial experience, as a business owner and partner at Wm. T. Spaeder Co., Inc. Now retired, Tim's time with the firm saw it grow from a local presence to securing contracts spanning the East Coast, showcasing his strategic acumen and drive for expansion. He also embraces his professional role of Santa Claus every holiday season, bringing joy to children and adults alike.
Founder’s Society
$5,000+
♥Art & Mindy Bloom
Winston-Salem, NC. Art served the IATC as a Region 8 Director, 2020-21, President Elect 2022-24 and President 2024-26, bringing a leadership approach grounded in transparency, simplicity, and practical service to clubs. Known as a master communicator, optimistic problem solver, and collaborative team player, Art has worked to ensure Torch leaders have the resources and clarity needed to sustain vibrant clubs.
♥Richard (Dick) Lynch
Saratoga & Albany, NY. Dick was IATC President 1992-94 and the Region 1 Director 2014-16. He served as President of the Torch Foundation 2014-17. He currently serves as a Foundation Trustee. He was a co-author with Ann Weller Dahl of the chapter on the History of the Torch Foundation for the IATC’s Sharing the Light centennial book. He was a major contributor in the writing of the Torch Foundation’s Policy and Procedural Manual.
♥Anne Sterling
Richmond, VA. Anne is a 30-year member of the Richmond Torch club, Virginia, and served as President of the IATC in 2006-08, during which time the Association received the transformative Oldenburg bequest to the Torch Foundation. She later served two terms as President of the Torch Foundation. She won the Torch highest honor, the IATC Gold Award, in 2010. She has been a very generous contributor to the Foundation.
Heritage Society
$2,500 - $4,999
♥Susan Breen-Held
Central Iowa, IA. Served as Treasurer and President of the Torch Foundation, 2019-21, and IATC President, 2022-24.
♥★Richard Davis
Columbus, OH. Served as Treasurer and as Vice-President of the IATC and will become President in July 2026. Rich was a member of the IATC Centennial History Project Committee. He was the 2021 recipient of the IATC Gold Award.
♥Dr. Francis Moul
Lincoln, NE. Served as Vice President of the IATC. A former newspaper publisher, college professor, businessman, and author, he played a key role in establishing new Torch clubs in Virginia and Nebraska and in shaping the Torch Foundation’s honors, recognition, and memorial programs.
♥Douglas Punger
Winston-Salem, NC. Co-chaired the ITAC Centennial History Project and wrote the chapter on 2015-25 decade in the IATC’s Sharing the Light centennial book. He has served as Vice-President of the Torch Foundation and was elected President in 2025.
★Robert (Bob) Schmidt
Richmond, VA. Served as its President at two different times 2007-08 and 2023-25. In 2024, Bob successfully chaired the IATC’s 100th birthday Convention in Richmond, leading the planning and execution of the gathering for Torch members from across the country.
Legacy Society
$1,000 - $2,499
♥Anonymous
♥George Conklin
Durham, NC, served as IATC President 2017 - 2020.
♥Gary Hinson
Columbus, OH. Served as the club President.
♥Leo Kellogg
Albany, OH. Leo served as club president. He was honored with the Silver Torch Award in 1999 and the IATC Gold Award in 2001. A former IATC regional director, Kellogg most recently initiated the Torch Centennial History Project.
Thomas Lane & Gail Hoffman
Saginaw Valley, MI. Gail has been club treasurer and is incoming Region 10 Director.
★Melissa Marrion
Richmond, VA.
♥Roland Moy
High Country, NC. Has been a Trustee of the Torch Foundation for many years. He is a two-time winner of the Paxton award for articles published in The Torch Magazine.
♥Michael & Pat Shutterly
Richmond, VA. Pat served as President of the club for two years, and President of the Torch Foundation, 2021-25.
Steven Sosson
Winchester, VA. Served as club President in 2020 and 2021 and is finishing his second 2-year term as Region 3 Director.
♥Stephen Toy
Newark, DE. Served as IATC President 2008 - 2010.
♥Joseph Zawicki
Buffalo, NY. Has held various IATC positions: Region 10 Director, Secretary, and Zoom coordinator.
Patron
$500 - $999
♥ Lynn Bernard, Williamsburg, VA.
Ana Borger-Greco, Lancaster, PA.
Joseph & Shirley Eberly, Rochester, NY.
♥ Rod Gerwe, Durham, NC.
♥ Norene Haas, Frederick, MD.
Ann Hartmann, Toledo, OH.
Richard Held, Central, PA.
Joseph Huber, Akron, OH.
Daniel Kimball, Reading, PA.
♥ John Kolbeck, Toledo, OH.
John Lewis, Winchester, VA.
Violet Meek, Columbus OH.
♥ Peter Mellette, Williamsburg, VA.
Peter Michael, Frederick, MD.
Maurice Molin, Stroudsburg, PA.
Michael Parsons, Hagerstown, MD.
♥ Lowell Satre, Youngstown, OH.
Michael Stone, Richmond, VA.
Thomas Weber, Buffalo, NY.
Donna Weis, Fox Valley, PA.
Anna Winegar, Frederick, MD.
Dona Wolf, Blue Ridge/Leesburg, VA.
To contact The Torch Foundation, please email us: [email protected]