By Manley J. Anderson
Philanthropists Reginald A. and Elizabeth S. "Betty" Lenna are recipients of the fifth annual John D. Hamilton Community Service Award presented by Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.
The award is "in recognition of their dedication, leadership and support in furthering community spirit and enhancing the quality of life in the Chautauqua Region."
The presentation was made at a dinner Wednesday night at Jamestown Holiday Inn with about 200 people attending.
The presentation by Hamilton topped off an evening during which the speakers walked a tightrope that alternated between the jocular and the serious.
Thomas M. Becker, Chautauqua Institution vice president, said of philanthropy, "It's difficult to ask for money."
He then cited several humorous projects the Lennas have not funded, commenting, "So it is difficult to give it (money) away.
"We are fortunate to live in a time when these three - John Hamilton and the Lennas - are neighbors, friends, and colleagues."
In paying tribute, Becker said, "Reg and Betty, we honor you tonight for your service to us, the community, and future generations….One does not seek such an accolade." Becker said the Lennas represent a partnership deserving of honor and respect. "We welcome the rarity of that that brings us together," he said.
The speaker said that in requesting financial support from the honor guests, "you do your homework, do it a second time, and do it again." Becker pointed out that Lenna came up through the difficult challenges of industry. "We give from ourselves to each other for the community," he said.
Foundation President Donald L. Meyer read letters from Assemblyman William L. Parment and Chautauqua County Executive Andrew W. Goodell, both of whom were unable to attend but commended the Lennas for their community service and enhancing the area's quality of life.
The second speaker was Philip C. Morris Jr., executive director of the Reg Lenna Civic Center and the Arts Council for Chautauqua County, who said the Lennas have critically changed the area's art community. He said they were major donors to the Civic Center renovation, with Hamilton as the first one to ask them for a million dollar donation for the project that created the environment of a downtown theater district, incorporating the Lucille Ball/Desi Arnaz Museum.
"They've been there again and again," Morris said of the Lennas.
Thomas W. Vogt, Marine Midland Bank senior vice president and a relative newcomer to the area, said of the honor recipients, "Their generosity to the community is immeasurable."
He presented them with a signature card issued Lenna on March 30, 1933, by the predecessor to Marine Midland Bank.
"They are the epitome, in my estimation, of the human spirit," Vogt said.
Peterson cited the Civic Center and the Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall at Chautauqua Institution as only two of the results of the Lennas generosity.
He said Lenna as president of the former Blackstone Corp. opened plants in Sweden and Canada, was knighted by the king of Sweden and recipient of an honorary doctorate from St. Bonaventure University and many other honors.
Peterson, who was associated with Chautauqua Region Community Foundation for 10 years, said it now has assets of about $30 million and more than 210 endowment funds.
He said a pre-foundation study concluded it generally was not feasible in a community this size but might succeed here due to the charitable environment. Peterson said the foundation soon gained credibility and now is in its 18th year.
"The Lennas have been eloquent in their action and work," he said of the honor guests. "Your love for each other and the community is sincerely evident."
At this, the Lennas were given a standing ovation.
Peterson made a presentation of a 1996 Yankees baseball autographed by Manager Joe Torres of the World Series championship team to Lenna, a longtime Yankee fan.
Meyer presented the recognition plaque to Hamilton, who in turn awarded it to the Lennas, citing them for making the first substantial donation to the Civic Center and setting up their own foundation.
"It's a great honor to have my name associated with this," Hamilton said. Lenna, in a wheelchair, expressed appreciation for the award.
Previous recipients of the award are retired banker Hamilton for whom the award later was named, attorney Gregory L. Peterson, a foundation past president; the late retired banker Francis B. Grow, and industrialist Harry B. Nicholson Jr.