May 12, 2010
Supreme Court Commission Establishes Ohio Judicial Center Foundation
A commission of the Supreme Court of Ohio has established a non-profit foundation to serve as a vehicle through which charitable donations can be made.
Operated by a 13-member board of directors, the Ohio Judicial Center Foundation Inc. was created for the charitable and educational public purposes of “preserving the artistic, architectural, and historic integrity of the Ohio Judicial Center,” according to the Articles of Incorporation filed with the Ohio Secretary of State.
On June 1, 2009, the Supreme Court granted specific authorization to the Commission on the Ohio Judicial Center to file the necessary documents with the Secretary of State to create the foundation and to obtain tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. These documents were filed in November and December 2009.
Among the duties envisioned for the foundation include:
- Accepting monetary contributions and other donations and arranging for the display of artwork, murals, artifacts, antiques, furniture, sculptures, monuments, memorials, awards and other items suitable for display at the Ohio Judicial Center.
- Providing financial support for architectural and structural design and repairs, renovations, and improvements in designated historic display areas of the Ohio Judicial Center.
- Conducting educational activities regarding the history of the Supreme Court, the judicial branch, and the Ohio Judicial Center and regarding the significance of the rule of law, including artwork, historic, and educational displays.
Sometime soon the foundation will announce the means by which monetary contributions may be made. Until then, contributions may be directed to the Columbus Bar Foundation for the use of the Ohio Judicial Center Foundation. Donations of artwork or other items may be made to the foundation, but must satisfy specific criteria established by the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Administrative Director Steven C. Hollon said the foundation will help ensure that the home of the Supreme Court will continue to evoke “Ohio’s pride” just as the building did when it opened in 1933. “The foundation will serve as an important voice for Ohio citizens to help protect and preserve the grandeur and elegance of the Ohio Judicial Center, and to highlight the historic and educational value of the center as the home for the judicial branch of Ohio government.”
Earlier this month, the foundation’s officers were elected. They include: Karlsberger Vice President Michael L. (Mick) Ball as chair; incoming Capital University Law School Dean Richard C. Simpson as vice chair; and Supreme Court Assistant Administrative Director Rick Dove as secretary/treasurer.
For more information, visit: www.supremecourtofohio.gov/boards/OJC/default.asp.
Contact: Chris Davey or Bret Crow, 614.387.9250.