PERSONAL STATEMENT FROM ROBERTA DEYO

Volunteering has been an integral part of my life since I moved to Columbus in 1983.  I was a stay at home Mom with three little ones and I deeply felt it was my duty and privilege to be able to be involved with the community and help others.  I joined the Junior League of Columbus shortly after we settled into our home.  Our two older children were in elementary school and our youngest in preschool.  Having them in school allowed me the time to be involved as a volunteer. At that time, most of the JLC meetings were in the day time for most of my peers were stay at home Moms too. 

The Junior League of Columbus has held a very special place in my heart.  The friendships I made in the Junior League are forever friendships.  My peers had the same values and goals…to make the Columbus community a better and safer place to live and to provide opportunities for those we served.

One of the main things I love about the League is the diversity and its sustainability.  We have women of all ages, backgrounds and talents.  I am pleased that we have come a long way and have changed the age requirements and the admission policies.  The League has gone from having age requirements and requiring personal recommendations to today where we accept women who are willing to give of their time and talents and complete a commitment to the Provisional year of study.  An enduring element of the JLC is its inherent design for continued service of its members. The mere term Sustainer permits the group to interconnect with many decades of volunteerism. This continues to enhance and broaden the League in development and continuation of our objectives.  Everyone benefits.

The Provisional year offers so much information about the city and challenges one to find their niche in the organization to express their ideas and share their talents.  I spent most of my early years growing up in Columbus but the Provisional year opened my eyes to our great city and took me places I had never been.

My experience in the Junior League led me to other volunteer organizations. During my children’s schooling, I participated in PTO, sports activities, church activities, the local Garden Club, Inniswood Gardens and various Upper Arlington civic organizations. Once I became a sustainer of the league, I was drawn to the Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus Museum of Art, Fundraising and ongoing new challenges.

My husband, Jack, and I started a manufacturing business 18 years ago called Mid Ohio Tempering.  I served as the business manager while Jack grew the business.  We retired in December of 2007.  Our retirement has freed us to spend lots of time with our children and our sweet Granddaughters, Claire and Kate.  Our family has always been our first priority.  However, my volunteer experience has made me the person I am today.  I watch my adult children and their spouses giving back to the community with passion and commitment and it makes me very proud.

I am humbly honored to be chosen for this year’s Sustainer Honoree.  It has been an esteemed privilege to be a member of the Junior League of Columbus.  I cherish every moment spent stuffing envelopes, raising money, painting homes in the inner city, board discussions and solutions, listening to the needs of our members and making lasting friendships.