09 Dec Guthrie Family Receives Lifetime Philanthropy Award
Dr. Meg Guthrie-Pennington, Dr. Tom Guthrie, Linda Guthrie
The Guthrie family of Peru was awarded the Miami County Community Foundation’s (MCCF) Lifetime Philanthropy Award at their annual Giving Tuesday event on November 29. The award honors outstanding individuals and organizations that positively impact their community through philanthropic efforts.
The Guthrie’s influence on Miami County is multi-generational as James “Jim” and Elizabeth “Betsy” Guthrie passed on their love of community to their children, including Dr. Tom Guthrie and his wife Linda, who reside in Peru; the family legacy continuing through their civic engagement and community stewardship. Tom, Linda, and their daughter Dr. Meg Guthrie-Pennington accepted the award on the family’s behalf.
“I’ve known the Guthrie Family my whole life,” said Jay Albright, NICF Executive Director. “They are an amazing, caring, and giving family.”
The family established multiple MCCF funds in their mission to support charitable efforts in Miami County. Since 2013, the James U. & Betsy Guthrie Health Scholarship Fund has paid out over $36,000 in scholarships to Miami County students. The Guthrie Family Endowment Fund has supported vital nonprofits in the community such as the Miami County Health Department during the Covid pandemic, Manna on Main Street, the Salvation Army, and the Immunization Clinic for back to school. Through the Guthrie’s support of community funds, the MCCF provides preschool scholarships, support to the Circus City Festival, the International Circus Hall of Fame, Saint Vincent De Paul, the YMCA, and many other charitable organizations. The total grants given out to the community from the Guthrie family endowments surpasses $84,000.
“The legacy of opportunity is provided through monies donated and that money can be targeted to certain community needs and scholarships to enhance our community and enhance our brethren and make their lives better,” said Dr. Tom Guthrie regarding the family’s involvement with the MCCF. “They [Dr. Jim and Betsy Guthrie] wanted to help the community in ways the community really needed.”