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Sue Murray wins Spirit of Philanthropy award from Community Foundation
ROACHDALE — During a surprise award announcement, there’s always a moment of realization for the recipient. At a certain point, looking around the room for the winner ceases and looking within begins.
Wait, are they talking about me?
What comes afterward varies — a big smile or confusion or a sheepish grin or even tears.
On Tuesday at Off the Rails event center in Roachdale, the moment came well before Sue Murray’s name was revealed as the latest recipient of the Putnam County Community Foundation Spirit of Philanthropy Award. In fact, PCCF President Marianne Savage had barely started listing Murray’s accomplishments.
Opening by noting that Murray “has a servant’s heart, spending the last three decades in countless volunteer and public service roles,” Savage then moved on to her accomplishments in the context of the Foundation — fund founder, honorary board member and past president.
Right after, it was when Savage noted that Murray “volunteers as senior warden of St. Andrew’s Vestry” that a look — not exactly of embarrassment — spread over Murray’s face.
Bewilderment — that’s what Murray’s face showed in that moment. She appeared completely surprised at the honor and not yet sure what to think.
By the time Savage was done reading Murray’s lengthy list of accomplishments and involvements, and the woman of the hour took the stage, she was still awestruck.
“OK, I’m not often really surprised, but I am really surprised,” Murray said to a round of laughter.
Showing the true “spirit of philanthropy,” Murray then turned her comments not to herself, but back on the organization that granted the award.
“It’s an incredible honor to have been a part of this organization for a number of years,” Murray said. “It does amazing things for this community, as all of you who are sitting here know all too well.”
While she wouldn’t say it herself, Murray has also done amazing things of her own in the community, sporting a unique resume even in the rarefied company of those who’ve served as Greencastle mayor. Or as president of the Foundation. Or been named Putnam County Chamber Citizen of the Year. Or named PCCF Spirit of Philanthropy winner.
Murray has now done all four.
Other accomplishments listed by Savage include Murray’s service on a variety of boards of local organizations, including Putnam County Mental Health Association, Putnam County Youth Development Committee, Main Street Greencastle and Putnam County Comprehensive Services, which she has served for more than 30 years.
Professionally, Murray previously served as director of social services for Putnam County Hospital, as well as serving the city on the board of public works and safety and as a member of the Greencastle City Council prior to her two terms as mayor.
During that tenure, she presided over the creation of “15 significant economic development projects which resulted in more than $212 million invested in the community and more than 1,000 new jobs.”
With such accomplishments in mind, Murray’s name is the latest on the list of 21 recipients of the Putnam County Community Foundation’s highest honor — not necessarily bestowed every year — which recognizes persons who have demonstrated extraordinary philanthropic spirit and accomplishments.
True to form, though, Murray kept the focus outward, praising and challenging the people of the community that’s been an adopted hometown for Murray and husband Dave for decades.
“This is a special place, not just this beautiful event center here, but all of Putnam County,” Murray said. “And each and every one of you have an instrumental role in making it better every day. I am so glad we chose Greencastle all those years ago as a place to make home. And certainly all of you make it special and are always a part of our hearts. Thank you.”
Winners of the PCCF Spirit of Philanthropy include: Mary Louise Miller, 1994; Robert W. Evans, 1995; Darrell L. Wiatt, 2003; Ginger A. Scott, 2005; Lynn A. and David A. Bohmer, 2006; Robert H. Lyon, 2007; Kenneth J. Eitel Jr., 2009; Sally H. Gray, 2010; Jinsie S. Bingham, 2011; Murray F. Pride, 2012; Malcolm S. Romine, 2013; Al Tucker, 2014; Thomas H. Graffis, 2016; Gene Clodfelter, 2017; Bill and Joy Marley, 2018; Todd Lewis, 2020; Vivian Whitaker, 2020; Alan Zerkel, 2022; Sue Murray, 2023.
